Lymington v Fleet 1 - 1 (an outsiders view)

[oldfan]

I visited this game as a person who lives in New Milton but was brought up and supported 'The Fleet' as a lad many years ago.

I was hoping to see evidence that the Fleet could contend the Conference top spots but on this performance I fear they may be contending at the other end of the league.

I know it was a friendly and as such is used to experiment but the performance overall was lacklustre. the defence seemed reasonably OK but there was little to cheer about at the other end as far as finishing is concerned. The only Fleet goal was a cross from the left which somehow evaded the Lymington defence, the Fleet attack and the goalkeeper to end up in the net!

Lymington have just been promoted to the Ryman League and should do well if this performance is anything to go by as they were by no means outclassed.

I hope I am wrong as I still look out for the Fleets results and would like them to do well.

[kmj]

Thank you for your unbiased report. Unfortunately a lot of Fleet regulars also fear that a lower end of the table struggle is likely this season. However once a settled side has been assembled hopefully they will be able to compete in the tough atmosphere of the Conference. A mid table position for a team in transition from wholly part time to completely full time would I believe be satisfactory. Although other supporters might dream of a play off spot, I think that this is unrealistic at this stage of the club's development.

[Hempstead Gaz]

I cannot see many supporters disagreeing with your assessment, Kevin, although JC will probably disagree with us! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[kmj]

On the contrary, jc is a realist. I think that he would agree with the assessment of a modest season ahead for the Fleet.But that won't stop him trying to get to every game home or away to support the team once the season has begun, regardless of the considerable distances he often has to travel just to see our home matches.

[jc]

There's a big difference between denouncing those who want Daish out now, for example, and thinking we're going to get in the play-offs. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[Hempstead Gaz]

I guess at the moment 99% of us would settle for mid table this year - or even simply survival.

The transition from part to full time looks like it will take a couple of years to complete.

[michael]

Imo full time is not necessarily all its made up to be.

 

A combination of full and part time is the answer to me.

 

Most clubs can't afford massive wages and so get average/young players when full time.

Its often the case that the better players are part time-probably intelligent players -hence decent other careers- with a bit of maturity -just right for the conference-.

 

Nothing wrong with a mixture of full and part time as long as the manager can blend them all together.

 

Thus its the managers coaching/man management skills that are the key-not the players

[jc]

A potential disadvantage with such a mixture, though, is that the part-time players won't be able to get to some of the full-time players' training sessions.

[Riverview Red]

That's because they are part time - plank !

 

And, I think the "Old Fan's" summary at the top of the thread is spot on, especially now who we see is to replace either one of our previous "Conference Standard" keepers - yet another player from a lower league that no-one else wants !