News Shopper Article

[Hempstead Gaz]

From what has been said in the media by all at the club, finances seem to be a serious concern this year, and appear to be the major restricting factor in the players LD is likely to sign. I think we have all underestimated the depth of concern the board have over money, and it is to their credit they will not (nor have not) spend what they cannot afford.

 

Notwithstanding that, unless a sugar daddy is found, (unlikely and to a great extent not wanted at Fleet) money raised by the club will have to come largely through the turnstiles, which gets us back to the old chestnut which has so vexed us recently.

 

LD HAS to build a team that not only has enough "star" quality to attract curious floating fans, but he needs to get them playing football of sufficient attractiveness to at leastmaintain the level of support we already have.

 

We saw last season very starkly the effect of playing poor football has on attendances.

 

So far I am not overwhelmed by the signings, apart from McCarthy and Slatter, most fans will say "who?" and start looking in their almanacs.

 

Young Roberts showed some flair in the KSC final when he came on as sub, but didn't actually look like turning the game around.

I wonder how he would do against Oxford or Hereford for example.

 

I have calmed down a bit since the wholesale culling, but I have not seemn anything yet that convinces me next year will not be a relegation slog.

 

Given the financial limitations, I will keep my fingers crossed for a survival season.

 

Hope you are having a nice break.

 

See you soon

 

CG

[Slartibartfast]

So you are not impressed with us signing a player who is still in his twenties, has played most of his carreer in the league has international experience at u21 and b levels and has never played at lower than conference level?

Have you already made your mind up not to be impressed whoever we sign and to shout relegation at every setback?

[Hempstead Gaz]

As always, a misquote!!!

I said I wasn't overwhelmed by Quinn's signing.

I'm sure he'is a solid enough player, but his career does seem to be on the wane.

One question, why did he choose Fleet?

Was it our long term ambition?

Was it the inflated wage?

Was it we are close to his home in Sidcup?

I'm afraid the sceptic in me will remain until I have seen a few league games.

[Slartibartfast]

Who do you expect to sign then C.G.?

By definition if we, or any other non-league club, sign a player with league experience his career is going to be on the wane.

Of course if we sign an up and coming youngster some amongst us will say who is he and who has he played for.

Whoever we sign those who like to moan will put a negative slant on it.

[FleetFanatic]

Personally I think it's an encouraging signing,

based on our initial fears of a team full of youth and lower-league players.

[Stu M]

Quote:

Chatham Gary said:
I'm sure he'is a solid enough player, but his career does seem to be on the wane.
One question, why did he choose Fleet?
Was it our long term ambition?
Was it the inflated wage?
Was it we are close to his home in Sidcup?
I'm afraid the sceptic in me will remain until I have seen a few league games.

Could say the same of Bowry, McCarthy, Hawkins, etc.

Indeed Margate have signed McKimm and Skinner - players weloved but whose careers are on the wane. Should Margate fans be moaning about those two and be sceptical about their signings?

[kmj]

I am not sure that we can ever expect C G to be satisfied by a signing which L D has any dealings with, despite his earlier acknowledgement that he was something of a talent spotter. This season he also needs to know a bargain when he sees one.

[FleetFanatic]

As a further twist to this saga, apparently the bloke pictured wearing his England shirt is a Charlton season ticket holder.

 

Life-long fan?????

[jc]

Would anyone care to post the names (if they were given) of these supporters, for those who didn't have access to this paper?

[Wobbly Wayne rides again]

Have not seen article but I would guess at :

 

Tweedledee, tweedledum and tweedletwat.

[Andrewc]

Steve Miles and two others whose names I can't recall.

[Slartibartfast]

So the letter in the Reporter and the article in the News Shopper where in fact the same bloke.

[Hempstead Gaz]

Quote:

Slartibartfast said:
Who do you expect to sign then C.G.?
By definition if we, or any other non-league club, sign a player with league experience his career is going to be on the wane.
Of course if we sign an up and coming youngster some amongst us will say who is he and who has he played for.
Whoever we sign those who like to moan will put a negative slant on it.

Not at all , Slarti. What I do expect, bearing in mind that from February onwards we were bottom of the form table, is that every new player should be slightly better than the player he replaces, otherwise our abysmal form could continue.
Unless we can get a better team than finished last year, we will have problems.
Whilst I welcome Mr Quinn, and I hope he has a fruitful stay, I still ask, is he any better than the players he replaces, ie Jacko, or Jay, or Bowry or McKimm?
Possibly, only time will tell. We need a lot more players like him.

[Andrewc]

Seems so.

 

Perhaps he'll go for a hat trick in the Gravesend Messenger?

[Jimmy]

Neil Errington was the guy in the England shirt.

[Robbo]

Is that the same neil that used to play the drum?

[FleetFanatic]

Apparently so, according to the person at work, who's never been to Stonebridge Road, but knows Neil and knows he is a Charlton season ticket holder.....