Hastings Supporters Forum - 100% Unofficial!

The weather on Saturday isn't looking bad, unfortunately with the ground being already saturated and heavy rain forecast for Friday night, I fear for the worst!

It may be forks at the ready on Saturday morning in an attempt to get the game on and we can always hope the weathermen have got it wrong (which is not an unknown scenario).

I know we keep mentioning a 'threadbare squad' but unfortunately the recent weather also hasn't allowed the U21s to have much of a run out. There are a few new players that have good experience of playing at this level and some playing at levels above, but it is difficult for Managers to cast an eye over this talent when they have not been able to see them in full blooded games.

There lies the problem. Does a Manager go with a player he may only have seen in training or at best a few scrappy moments on a muddy field because he knows his past history or does he hold off and manage with players he already knows. Its the proverbial 'chicken or egg' scenario.

I say this because I know of at least one such player, Kamran Glen (and I have previously declared my family connections to him). Despite being an 18 year old, he has played at Conference Premier level, at Southern League Premier level and was trained through his youth at professional club Academies. He has only recently arrived in the area to study at Uni.

People may accuse me of being biased but I honestly believe he has the right experience, the determination and ability to help make a difference. However, it would be a very brave manager that would throw in an untried and untested youngster and I understand that difficulty. The key question is whether this is a time for experimentation or not.

I understand your points Lenny and I would be the last one to be critical of a Manager for not taking the risk. As I said, the weather isn't doing the Manager any favours because it hasn't allowed him the luxury of seeing potential players in decent match play.

Sounds like your lad and Kam are of the same age and are both sensible enough to ensure they are getting an education, rather than rely on the precarious world of football. I don't think Kam needs the 1st team matchday experience, because as I also said, he already has bundles of that experience with clubs higher in the pyramid and has played regularly in front of decent sized crowds at that level. However I take your point about 'better the devil you know' and I agree that it would be a rarity for any Manager to take that risk.

Is your lad tying up with any local clubs when he is at Uni? If not, let me know where he's at because you never know I may know some contacts in that area from my old scouting days.

Lets just hope it's on and all have a bloody good day ! I know windy, joe and my self will , first day drinking in a WHOLE month :)

And it's not too late to donate for Cancer Research UK

Just copy and paste the link below and select someone to donate to, couldn't be easier for a great charity!

www.justgiving.com/teams/HUFC

Morning all. Greetings from sunny Faversham. What's the weather been like down on the south coast these past 24 hours. We had torrential downpours in Kent but I gather it was patchy & some places stayed dry.
So as I lie in bed with a cuppa, pondering my movements for the day, could someone look out of the window & give me a pointer as to the likely outcome of the 11am pitch inspection and whether I'm still looking at a trip to your manor later today.
Cheers guys.
(Mmmm. More tea...)

Big hail storm just now!

Watching a picture on Twitter of The Pilot Field i think it will be off.

:(