Note that this page is from our Gresley Rovers archive. It may not be related to the new Gresley Rovers (formerly Gresley FC until 2020).
Football Forum
Story courtesy of Monday 21st May 2001
Manager John McGinlay and chairman Mark Evans out lined their proposals for the coming season as a result of questions asked by supporters at tonight's Football Forum held in the Social Club.
Before answering questions concerning the playing staff John was asked about the article which appeared in Sunday's edition of the Non League Paper which stated that he had applied for the vacant managers job at Yeovil Town.
Supporters then asked questions with regard to the playing staff and style of play the club would approach next season.
John revealed he had spoken to those he wanted to stay at the club and had already signed some of them on contracts. There where other's who had yet to prove themselves on the pitch. These players would be given every chance to prove their worth to Gresley Rovers. He was also in the process of talking to players about joining the team and was awaiting their answers before revealing their names to the supporters. These players would not come to make up numbers but would come to strengthen the team in all positions.
John also wanted to use players who had proved themselves in the reserve team and had shown the discipline and skills necessary to compete at a higher level. Youth team players would then be encouraged and trained to step-up to the reserve team.
Mark Evans explained that the communication network between the first, reserve and youth teams was now in place so that non of the teams would operate in isolation but would train together so that all players got to know each other and how each other plays. This would enable John and his first team coach Alan Titterton along with Gary Norton, reserve team manager, and Tony Poxon youth team manager to see and encourage "home grown" talent to progress hopefully to the first team.
John said he wanted to see football played by Gresley but that in this league (Western Division) sometimes you have to be a bit physical. "One of the problems last season was that we got rolled over too easily." he said, "Next season we have got to compete in those games and hopefully we will. I would like us to get off to a good start. This encourages the team and also the supporters. I would like us to be in the top six or there-abouts by Christmas."
When asked about pre-season games John said that the first team would not play so many. His first task will be to get the fitness level of the players up and playing so many games does not achieve this. There would of course be matches such as the Bass Vase were Gresley are due to play Notts County and West Brom. These will be good pre-season matches as they will provide stiff opposition for the team. Other matches will be arranged as John sees fit.
A question about a new ground was raised - had it been quashed altogether? Mark Evans explained that it was still something the club hoped for and certainly not been abandoned. However, priority was to be given to addressing the present financial position and when the opportunity arises the club will certainly look to move to a ground suitable for Conference football. Mark did say that the present ground and facilities would continue to be improved so that hopefully we can get back into the Dr Martens Premier League as soon as possible. "We do not want to be in the position were the team performs on the pitch but we are prevented from going up because of the ground as has happened in the past." he said.
There were many other questions asked and answered on a night that was frank, open and encouraging to all who attended.
Look out for the next Football Forum.
