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June 2008 The 2007-08 season
will be long remembered. The contrast between home form where we recorded 14
consecutive wins and away where often we were disappointing, was difficult
to work out. Our Branch membership shot past the 300 mark due to recruitment
opportunities afforded by live Sky games, the latter two at our new meeting
venue.
If as most people agree our squad was too small last season, we need to hope
that we are busy in the transfer market. For me we need cover at goalkeeper,
right back, centre half and centre forward ( at least until the return of
Garner ) plus a right winger. This is a minimum. The successful teams in the
lower leagues use the loan system to its full potential and in particular
recruit players on the fringe of Premiership teams. It was predicted that
Swansea would struggle with the loss of their star player Lee Trundle. They
strengthened wisely including good loans. The loss of Keiren Westwood could
be viewed in the same way. Only time will tell.
Although Southern exiles miss out on trips to Bournemouth , Luton &
Gillingham in return we get to go back to Peterborough and sample new
grounds at MK Dons & Colchester. Will the appetite for a trip to Elland Road
be the same this year ? Leicester could well be the biggest turn out.
Off the pitch ( once it is re-laid at a cost of 30k ) there are some fans
issues the club must resolve. The ability to buy tickets online will help
with some of the ticketing issues but there also needs to a lot more
pro-activeness around getting supporters into Brunton Park. Why didn't we
sell out at home to Leeds in the play off ? Discounted tickets, money off
vouchers or other initiatives must be looked at. Surely it's better to have
someone in a seat at a reduced price than the seat empty. Once in the
inevitable spend on other items might occur.
On the social side the Branch had a fantastic season. Group travel really
took off and some great friendships have emerged. Our popular meeting places
with the option of turning up to collect your match ticket brought friends
together for some memorable days out. In fact when obstacles like bus
replacement services were thrown in our way the group seemed to rise to the
challenge and the day out at Bournemouth typified this when we convinced the
bus driver to take a detour and drop us off near our meeting place. The
other passengers were gobsmacked having already having had to put up with
the Branch flag draped across the middle of the bus during the journey.
It's time to look forward and hope that this season is as enjoyable as last.
There are lots of people working hard to achieve that result for you, not
least the players who need your loyal support. Get behind the lads and cheer
us on to the Championship.
Simon Clarkson
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