Hastings Supporters Forum - 100% Unofficial!

I dislike negatives; so, to get that out of the way first: the players I would not wish to see with us next season are Zac Attwood, Jack Walder, and Liam Wilson. Zac and Jack have ability well beyond average for our league; but Zac is injury prone, low on work rate and reputedly expensive while Jack has shown availability problems and of course a very poor disciplinary record. I do not feel it was in the club's or Liam's best interest for him to have been playing for us last season whilst his father was in charge. He did improve, but I felt he was not up to standard.
In my 'pending tray' are Bright and Tyrell. As John observes, they had so few starts it was hard to judge; and I felt there was ambiguity when they did play about their role.
Of course, a fit Billy Medlock and a fit Josh Pelling must be near top of everyones 'keep' list. And of course Sam Cruttwell (I'm surprised a higher level club has not made an approach already, though). Also, for me, Ollie Rowe (though I thought his performance dipped a little towards the end of the season). I thought Sean had an excellent season and I hope he continues and is with us next year. Simon Johnson had some excellent games. I would certainly want to see him with us next year but I thought there were some games when he was below par and I thought much the same could be said of Sam Adams. And indeed- though others might disagree -I think that could also be said of Sam Cole.
I hope Jack McLean makes a full and early recovery. I would very much like to see him remain with us as I would Chis Cumming-Bart. Initially I didn't think Chris was up to standard but he improved through the season and I think he can go further with his positive hard working attitude.

As others have said many many times, we need a high quality left back. If we had had one we would have been in the play-offs for sure. We need another centre half  if Sean plays on - two if he doesn't. Up front is a conundrum until we know how things might work out with Billy.  

-- Edited by GeoffM on Wednesday 27th of April 2016 07:09:37 PM

Wouldn't mind younger versions of LeeWorgan, Sean Ray, Jimmy Elford Tim and Ade Olerunda-all stars in our last promotion winning side.

Best of luck to him. Really struggled this season but clearly has a lot of talent and to be honest was no worse than any other left back we have had over the past 3-4 seasons.

Played out of position by his own dad?! Can't believe that's quite right mate, heard he was a LB for boro youth as well tbf.

Extract from Liam Wilson's interview with the Observer commenting on his position -
“It was a hard season with a lot of ups and downs, but to get Ryman South experience at my age is priceless and I’m very grateful for that,” added Wilson, who spent the majority of the time at left-back even though his preferred position is in central defence.

Would anyone else take Jamie Crone back? Had another storming season albeit at county 2 I think? Thought he did ok last time.

I saw Jamie play this season (just finished). He is quick, very strong, a determined, intelligent runner and reliable finisher. FYI he played league one county. He is respected at this level and I think he deserves a look at, if he wants to be involved with club like Hastings who don't seem to have a long term plan? He might want to stay at a stable Common with Russell?! Have you watched recently Mr. Willis to pass an informed opinion.

All for me seems to depend on the strategy the club wishes - or feels compelled - to adopt. If the Board, as they appear to have signaled, choose to appoint a management team with youth development as a priority then necessarily the management team will need to source younger, locally based players from lower leagues and bring on younger reserve players already with us. Some, likely most, will fail and there will inevitably be a long process of team building.
I can live with that if that is indeed the way we need to go; but frankly I would prefer it to be otherwise. I would hope we still have sufficient funds to allow the new management team to retain the core of better players in last season's team and bring in some more of their choice so that we can make a credible challenge to get back to Ryman Premier status next season; while, of course, trying to develop some of the younger players who are already with the club or on the radar.
Whatever strategy the Board might adopt, it is their choice. All I hope is that once the new management team are appointed that it is made clear just what strategy is being pursued; because it is only in relation to that that anyone on this forum or anywhere else can make constructive comment and criticism.

Interesting to see an awful lot of clubs already have their pre season friendlies sorted, some clubs the lot ! I am guessing we will not even start until the new man is in place or would some have already been penciled in by the directors?

That's all very well, but please tell me where that has worked at our level. I can't think of one.

Consistent maybe, but consistently mid table of a very poor county one. Not sure any comparisons can be made.

With regards to Jamie Crone, I was impressed with him when he was with us but unfortunately we had problems off the field and with this forum with those that remember. Nevertheless, he is young, and it would be foolish to hold one mistake against him so no reason why we should not be having another look at him. Is he any worse than Bright, who has pretty much stood still and slightly disappointed over the past 12 months, albeit he has had very little opportunity at first team level.

timbjones wrote:

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Our last promotion winning team had a core of young, fit and ambitious local players- Sean Ray, Jimmy Elford, Sam Adams, Ade and Tim Olorunda, Russell Eldridge( I think) backed up by a quality goalkeeper in Lee Worgan. We were a long way short of this last season and have been for a number of seasons.

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 What about Lee Carey?