No subject is taboo at AFC Telford fan forum
AFC Telford United supporters were told they could ask 'absolutely any question' at a fans forum with manager Andy Sinton and chairman Lee Carter.
And a crowd of about 50 people did just that last night at the New Bucks Head.
Topics discussed at the Blue Square Bet Premier League club's stadium included the scouting network, finances, past and present transfer targets, discipline on the field, players' commitment, club fundraising, recent player departures, the cost of becoming a full time club and the side's current form.
Discussions were sometimes frank but always respectful and the crowd went home feeling quietly encouraged about the club and the team's future.
Sinton closed the event by re-iterating the need for everybody involved with the club to remain united behind the same cause.
And Carter added that progress towards the ultimate dream of achieving league football would come 'inch by inch.'
Kevin Vaughan, 27, from Trench, had been reassured by what he had heard and was pleased to hear about the efforts being made scout potential new recruits.
He said: "It was good to here from the manager face to face and it was nice to see that everyone is still on the same hymn sheet.
"Everyone is working to improve the club and there is lots of stuff to be excited about behind the scenes as well as on the pitch.
"There was a lot of negativity about the scouting network probably not being good enough before the event.
"I think this has probably put to bed a few issues that we thought there might have been."
Gemma Adams, 19, from Telford, was pleased to hear that Sinton was close to signing a goalscorer.
She said: "I was hoping to see if he had strikers in mind rather because it is definitely something we need.
"After two goalless draws at home we need goals."
Sean McLean, 24, from Lawley, added that the evening had given him an insight into the strains of maintaining a club on and off the field in the top flight of non-league football.
He said: "It's opened my eyes massively to the strains of where we are and the position we are in.
"It's encouraging to here from the chairman that avenues are being explored through the council and other local partnerships to raise the club's profile and income.
"We are in mess on the field, the manager acknowledges that and by the sound of it the players are reacting to the fact that we are not so strong.
"Hopefully, we can go from here and build and save ourselves by the skin of our teeth."
Linda Francis, from Telford, said: "I thought it was really positive. I thought there were some good questions asked and some good answers given.
"Once the players have got their confidence back, we will be OK. I feel reassured by what I have heard."
