Meet the Manager - 17/12/25

[Josh2002]

https://x.com/hamrichfc/status/19987256 ... JLl_yHWs2A

[BeaverWatcher]

Bumping this as a reminder for tonight....

[BevereeMaster]

any updates about tonight would be greatly appreciated!

Cannot make it due to work but hopefully it’s a useful and successful evening

[Tony]

Good chat with Dowse tonight, about 20 turned up. Main takeaways:

1) couple of good quality players signed which supporters will recognise, with more being worked on. Players with NL experience. Dowse obviously has a bit more budget to play with.
2) need to get the fitness up. We can't compete with the full time teams but an extra 10% could be the difference over the part time sides like ourselves
3) bit more discipline expected from the squad and more engagement with fans
4) community! As you would expect from Dowse wants the to reach out to the community and get them involved.
5) plenty of change on the player front, needs 2 out of 3 signings to work

[BevereeMaster]

Max K and Brendan are 2 that i would not be surprised to see join maybe even Moussa but we did just sign 2 defenders to be fair.

Max wants to get into coaching so could be the player/coach and then Brendon hasn’t played since leaving Maidenhead end of last season so may want to play some footy! However not sure him and Dowse got along but could potentially work.
Moussa not getting lots of minutes so maybe could be another who could come in.

[Josh2002]

A very good night. Dowse, as ever spoke very well. Took some notes myself but Tony has summarised it pretty well.

[Lord Elpus]

I do wonder why newly appointed managers sometimes seem to get a bit more budget than a recently departed one...surely either we can afford it or we can't? It's a bit harsh on the departed guy and I'm sure Jules would have said he could have done better with more money.

[Adam]

I do wonder why newly appointed managers sometimes seem to get a bit more budget than a recently departed one...surely either we can afford it or we can't? It's a bit harsh on the departed guy and I'm sure Jules would have said he could have done better with more money.

The interview the other week from Ben said about getting better players which I took as the budget had been increased.
Maybe he was asked for a plan on how it would be utilised and Ben didn’t like what he heard?

I guess it’s always harder to change your squad if you were the guy that brought the players in to start with.

[Lord Elpus]

I do wonder why newly appointed managers sometimes seem to get a bit more budget than a recently departed one...surely either we can afford it or we can't? It's a bit harsh on the departed guy and I'm sure Jules would have said he could have done better with more money.

The interview the other week from Ben said about getting better players which I took as the budget had been increased.
Maybe he was asked for a plan on how it would be utilised and Ben didn’t like what he heard?

I guess it’s always harder to change your squad if you were the guy that brought the players in to start with.

That's a really good point actually Adam...recruitment in the summer was pretty dire in the first place and I also doubt there were enough positive ideas from the previous regime of how to stop the slide.

[Tony]

I think it's just the leverage of the incoming manager. You've decided you need a change and need someone new in place asap not wanting an extended recruitment process. New manager has the credentials and experience you want and is willing but needs a bit more budget to sign better players. You can say no but may have to wait for a less good manager with the old budget. Or you can give more money to the manager that has lost the last 10 games. What would you do?

[Josh2002]

A recording has been uploaded to youtube. https://youtu.be/W514RTACMME?si=pYvrB0hdQse4UnzW

[Big Rich]

A recording has been uploaded to youtube. https://youtu.be/W514RTACMME?si=pYvrB0hdQse4UnzW

Here is the Microsoft Copilot summary of the Transcript:

Summary of “Meet the Manager – Alan Dowson” (18 Dec 2025)

Context:
Alan Dowson (“Dowse”) speaks to Hampton & Richmond Borough FC supporters about his return as manager, his plans, and the club’s future.

Key Points


Return & Motivation:

Dowse feels a strong emotional connection to the club, describing guilt when he left previously.
His main reason for returning: prevent the club from sliding back to lower leagues and finish “unfinished business.”


Current Situation:

Club has struggled: only 5 wins in 6 months.
Position is precarious; survival is the immediate priority.


Management Philosophy:

Wants to rebuild the club culture: community engagement, youth involvement, and strong fan connection.
Believes in hard work, visibility, and personal outreach (schools, local community).
Advocates treating everyone equally and fostering a family atmosphere.


Squad & Recruitment:

Plans significant changes: new signings (two imminent), focus on wingers and a creative No.10.
Emphasizes fitness improvements and professionalism.
Will medically check players before signing to avoid injury risks.
Uses personal effort and contacts to secure deals (e.g., meeting players face-to-face).


Style of Play:

Rejects the “long-ball” myth; prefers attacking football with width and creativity.
Wants exciting, front-foot football rather than defensive acceptance.


Community & Youth:

Strong push to involve youth teams, mascots, and local schools.
Advocates best-in-class matchday experience for fans and kids.
Supports women’s football and sees it as part of long-term growth.


Infrastructure & Pitch:

Prefers grass pitches but open to artificial turf if financially necessary.
First team remains the priority for pitch use, but youth involvement is encouraged sensibly.


Personal Commitment:

Dowse stresses relentless work ethic (e.g., watching games at 3 AM).
Says he’ll give “more than anyone” to keep the club up and build for the future.
If relegated, he would not manage again.


Fan Message:

Appreciates support, asks for patience and backing during a tough period.
Wants mutual support: club for fans and fans for club.


Tone & Takeaways:

Dowse is passionate, candid, and community-driven.
Short-term goal: avoid relegation.
Long-term vision: rebuild culture, strengthen squad, and grow community engagement.