On Wednesday evening (17th July) a good number of supporters attended the Fans’ Forum in the main bar at the Ray Mac.
Supporters were given a summary of where the club are in terms of footballing and administrative aspects of the club.
Jeremy Harwood began proceedings by announcing that two new associate directors have joined the board. Alan Green will join as a supporters representative, and David Trowbridge, CEO of the club’s main sponsor, Retain Healthcare, will also join.
Both will help guide the board strategically, with Alan Green acting as an intermediary of the supporters club and representing supporters’ opinions.
Brian Dutton then gave an overview of where the first team squad is and his decision-making process in letting players go. He reminded people of the first season at this level under Darrell Clarke, and he wants to learn from that.
He stated that he is pleased with the business done so far and hopes to bring in another four or five players. The priorities are centre back, centre midfield, wide players, and an additional option at number ten. The club is also looking to the loan market for players.
Dutton also highlighted the importance of players fitting in with the ethos and work ethic established in the group that was so successful last season.
When asked about the number of pre-season friendlies (five), he said it was a conscious decision to balance matches and training so the team could hit the ground running away at Hemel Hempstead on Saturday, 10th August.
He also confirmed that work is going on behind the scenes, in partnership with Sarum Academy, on a programme to help attract talented young players to the club. The programme is in its infancy, aiming to create a stronger youth/development structure.
Dutton also stated that the club is looking to win every game this season—he said this is his nature—but the season aims to compete well, stay in the league, and then consolidate at this level. The research will be carried out utilising ‘Wyscout’ to learn as much about our opposition as possible, with assistant manager Callum Hart stating that Dutton is meticulous in his match preparation.
The manager also praised the pitch and Pete Robinson’s efforts in providing an excellent surface that allows the team to play out from the back and give the supporters attractive football to watch at the Ray Mac.
Jeremy Harwood also confirmed that the club are working behind the scenes on projects to make the club more sustainable financially and is always considering more ways to increase revenue and money coming into the club.
It was also confirmed that away commentary will be continued this season as part of the partnership with Salisbury Radio and that Ian Pearson will continue with commentary duties this season.
The panel comprised Brian Dutton, Callum Hart, Jeremy Harwood, Hilary Billimore, Amanda Newbery and Alan Green.
