Pilgrims Progress

[Ofiicial]

Now that the forum madness of the last two days seems to have settled down and the forces of evil repelled (for the time being) I thought it would be a positive step to calmly take a look at where we are at the present moment in time. Both from the negative and positive sides of the fence. (Hopefully I won't sit on it)

 

Playing side;

 

Well, this of course has been the main issue of contention but the truth really is that we have got such a strong squad, it almost negates any arguement about who should or shouldn't play, there are to many good players waiting to get into the team, riches beyond most non-league managers dreams methinks, fact is, if we do have any players that are not up to the standards, they will either move on or be moved on, nothing different from any other club really. Every day we receive transfer lists from non-league premier clubs and even conference clubs offering players. We have a great squad and we will add to it if we need to......league tables do not tell lies....

 

Management;

 

Very strong both on the field and off it, Marsden is a good, successful and proven Manager, like his tactics or not, he gets results and thats his job. His team of assistants are committed and experienced at all levels. They compliment each other with their different skills and strengths.

 

Our Commercial Director and the Stadium Manager have done a sterling job over the past 7 months, look at the old stadium and compare it with the same place last year...incredible...go and have a meal in the clubhouse...excellent....look at the work being carried out on what was one of the worst pitches in Essex....hard work and commitment and Directors and Committee Members in wellington boots helping as well....

At the moment there is a joint application from HFC and the athletics club for the full redevelopment of the east side of the stadium and the track, heading for planning, the funds are in place to create the reality and we await with bated breath the outcome of that application..we shall see....In any event an 'A' Grading has been applied for and will no doubt be obtained next month after the appointed inspection has taken place.......All works required for that grading will have been completed by the 30 January 2003.

 

Youth Structures;

 

Always a point of contention but the old established method of moving squads and Managers upwards by age has been changed at HFC. The Managers now stay at the same level and move the players through, this is a new concept to us but one that will work and create continuity and stability. Already we have under 16's training with the under 18's...under 18's playing in the reserves ....and reserves being given contracts at the top level. Inevitably there will then be players that cannot step up another level once they reach the first team level and unfortunately some players will move on...that's football....its a hard old game sometimes... The feeder therefore becomes the youngsters which is where the hidden talent can be found and nurtured...thats if you dont get crushed in the rush for their registrations...

 

Attendances;

 

Well...little to say really....average attendances of 275 for the home games this year (up from last years average of 60) and they will continue to increase...much is made of the supporters drifting off because they pay to watch a 0-0 draw...rubbish...supporters want to see their team fighting for promotion and the urchins will see that until the very last day of the season....if we get promotion before our last home game you will see 1000 fans at the stadium, if we dont get promoted you will see about 200...thats a reality...fans want success...we all do...they and us dont really care how the team gets it...we must let the managers and the players achieve it...thats what they get paid for..yes we have had a few draws that in truth we should have won and yes the fans are left feeling flat but they bounce bcak...same as the team does...by the same token we have beaten the top teams and will continue to do so...nothing is guaranteed in football but... we'll see come the end of the season what the supporters think...they always talk with their feet...the advertising will continue and the crowds will increase...thats our view...by the way...is there a better atmosphere in our league for home games...don't think so somehow...love the band...our critics will point to the youngsters being allowed entry free of charge....thats a good thing...we are after all looking to the future....

 

The Future;

 

Our work will continue and the progress will be relentless...in five years time we fully expect to be playing in a Nationwide League...who knows...one thing that is for sure is that the club will steadily move forward and will become in time a fully professional club. The bottom line is a successful team amidst the promotion places and with some silverware on the shelves from time to time....there is one thing for certain already...everyone knows about Hornchurch Football Club......

 

I felt that those views would serve to enlighten our own fans and those that visit our forum.....perhaps they will also serve to counter the resentful and opportunistic critisism that is forthcoming from time to time...posted by...shall we say...people who have probably never helped a football club other than for their own interests in their lives....Upwards and Onwards you Urchins....

[Guest]

Well said old chap, we know your hearts in the right place.

Just keep up the good work.

 

` <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> CUM ON YOU URCHINS <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />`

[Guest]

hear hear, to many people forget just how lucky we really are, keep it up urchins, its great, and think of this, every step forward is a dagger in the hearts of those that resent whats happening.