by TerracingTomas » Sat Sep 18, 2021 10:51 pm
Will be interested to see what ASA’s transcript looks like compared to my take on this event. Fair doos to Maitland. It’s not pleasant dealing with a largely ‘cynical’ fanbase me included, particularly after another home defeat.
Anyway Maitland was joined by Stan after his media duties. If Hay and Doherty where present they didn’t participate. McGoofy was at the back of the hall but cleared off before the forum commenced. A show of bravado to the fans. “This is my stadium and I couldn’t care less about the clubs fans.
Maitlands opening remarks were to ask for patience from the fans. We need a bit of experience and tried to do that during the close season.
He was asked about Temps and acknowledged he was the highest earner at the club. Could be 2 weeks could be 2 months. Basically doesn’t know when he will be back. Pressed on whether we should settle his contract to free up money for the squad he reminded the forum that Temps had a contract but then conceded he might have to have that conversation with him!
Asked why we had been relegated and basically said we were not good enough but did refer to COVID and injuries as playing a part.
Asked whether Stan had a say re the coaching team. No and he that is Maitland was happy with coaching team. If Stan came to him further down the line and felt changes were needed then look at it. But I get the impression that’s not on the agenda.
Asked about the Astro turf. We are sticking with it. It puts us at the heart of the community.
Asked about all the academy players coming into the squad and that they weren’t ready he acknowledged that they were not physically ready for the first team.
Asked about Jamie and Lewis contract situation. Confirmed they had been talking to their agents for some time but didn’t want to say anymore. Got the impression the club is doing all it can to secure them on longer contracts but agents have other ideas as was the case with Ferguson.
Asked what would success look like. Maitland said top 4 but acknowledged at the moment it was about staying in the league.
Stan did have a few words to say about the need to change the losing culture and I think he alluded to a lack of leader on the park.
Probably a lot more but I didn’t pick anything new up. One of the least productive forums and at times fans seemed to be talking over each other.