Kempston Rovers

[stevec]

Frustrating that we could not progress from last week when we proved we could play a bit. Conceded poorly and missed the chances that we created. Played some nice passes at times but gave it away needlessly on many occasions, often passing into a crowded midfield when we were getting success on the wings. Could not cope with how Kempston played the ref to their advantage, too many of our players drifting in and out of the game. Sounds a bit negative but we struggled mentally to really get stuck in. Gave to many soft fouls away often because we did not close down the opponent or make a solid tackle in the first instance. We had two free kicks in good positions towards the end and did not force a save from their goalkeeper. Think Cameron Watson stood out for us. Lots still to work on, good luck next sat in the FA cup.

[parsnip]

Yes - Watson and Bexfield did well. Football-wise not a lot in it, but old timers v youngsters 'playing' to the ref was the main difference for me. Can't believe they are second in the league, just behind Farnborough. Lots of positives to take from yesterday for the players and management - sadly spoilt by the Kempston amateur dramatics display team !!!

[hfc08stutes]

The boys just need to back themselves. The one comforting thing come out of that game is that Kempston are second in the league ....second!? (Although they probably cheated their way to 3 quarters of those points, their 4 and 5 should consider auditioning for soaps they're that good at acting) We hardly have to raise our levels to pull in the points. The evidence that we can be more than competitive is there. We were fantastic at lowestoft, every single one of them, from the keeps right up to the forwards, they are all good enough. They just need to adapt the mindset that they are better than their opposite number.

Confidence and a killer instinct is what we need, and to stop over playing in the final third, just leather the bloody thing at goal! Wealdstone next Wednesday. Gotta go for it and put them under real pressure. They'll be far better than lowestoft but there's no expectation on our shoulders so if we leave everything on the pitch with no regrets then it'll be a successful day, win, lose or draw.

Come on lads, heads up, you can do this!! COYS

[cliveh]

Kempston Rovers ? For as long as I can remember they have been a team struggling against relegation in the United Counties League. Now they come to the GWS, do us over, and are 2nd in the SLC. I have purposely stayed off this Forum so far his season, as the standard of football the Stutes now play in is abysmal. I have only been twice this season, but quickly detected the poor quality. Fgs, the SLP is bad enough!!
I'm too old to just support a team regardless of the entertainment, standard, etc. I have really wanted the Stutes t do well, but time is too precious to watch such poor fayre. Sorry if that upsets or angers anyone.
This current scenario is not the players' fault, not the management's fault, not the die-hard fans fault, and not the fault of those who strive behind the scenes as volunteers to the cause. There is decent sponsorship, as far as I know,and there is little or nothing at all in the way of rent. The Glassworld Stadium is a wonderful asset. If debts are still being paid off, I understand the situation, but are they? A return to the ECL is inevitable from where I am standing. Is that good, or bad? Who is to blame?
Histon FC is a great football club, with a magnificent recent history, bearing in mind their humble status in the 60's & 70's, when they were cannon fodder for Ely whenever I played against them, and most other teams. My football fixes have been in Cambridge despite having lived in Peterborough since 1972. However, under the current circumstances, for reasons given above, I cannot bring myself to watching any football locally any more, or at least, for as long as things remain as they are.
But the very best of fortune, nevertheless, to everyone.

[manchesterstute]

I have to agree with Clive unfortunately. I live in Manchester now though originally from Histon and for me there is nothing left to support in a team which for some reason gets relegated over and over again and still end up at the bottom of the league. Certainly it doesn't warrant a 300 + mile round trip to go and watch them play anymore when I can get to Droylsden FC at the same level in 5 minutes. Histon FC has gone back to being a village team for the local die-hards and the families of the young lads which play for it. Nothing wrong with that at all , but aspirations beyond that are now pointless.

[ewstute]

Clive and Manchesterstute have hit the nail on the head about the state of things. We do look more and more like an ECL team, but not a particularly good one. I'd reckon we'd struggle in that league if we get relegated this season. The club have appeared to made their ambition to return to that level or around it and that's their choice, but it's not particularly great for us fans who dream of winning games and not losing every week.
The club severed links with the academy this summer, which was producing players and creating positivity about the club. There's still loads of time left in the season and things can change, but in the league it doesn't look good at all. The FA Cup has proven a nice distraction, but a tough game coming up against Wealdstone. After that, October to April will be back to the league and struggling by the looks of it. If Fallon stays as manager we will go down as he just seems completely inept now. But the club could be happy with that if they want us back in the ECL.

[hornet]

I'm disappointed that Matty C hasn't been more involved. He did a great job at Goddy, brought some players with him and when I watched Goddy last season, the football was entertaining and a joy to watch. I've watched Histon twice this season and was again disappointed to see the hit and hope tactics met with silence from the dug out. The only passing players (who are mostly being bypassed) havn't stood out or created chances as the ball is rarely in the midfield area. Creativity comes from passing, position, shape, etc. IMHO we need to have a radical change of tactics and/or Manager. Respect to Fal, but I wonder if the fire in his belly has gone out ?

[hfc08stutes]

It's a shame to read some of the comments but can totally understand why those who, especially, live further away aren't the keenest on traveling to the GW at the moment. Has the football been great, no, does the table look great, certainly not, but and a massive but, I think we have a group of players who are an honest bunch and who will work hard to get it right. We are where we are at the moment, we don't have a massive budget, and most of these players are playing their trade at this level for the first time. And I know on the face of it and looking at the bigger picture, this club has suffered hugely over the past 6 years or so. But I'm still willing to be patient. It has and always was going to be a work in progress this season. I still believe we have the quality there, there's glimpses of it. Not doubting we need to clean up in a lot of areas but I think when we have we can be more than competitive. Kempston are not a good team in the slightest and they're second. If we iron out the creases in our performances and raise the levels, even by just a little, then there is no reason why we can take points off of most teams in this league and play good football whilst doing so.

[histonfan01]

I assume you guys and the others will be back if we have a good cup run or if we start to do well again!!

[cliveh]

No, histonfan01.
The possibility of that is almost nil anyway.
Wealdstone will be far stronger than Lowestoft , I suspect.
You seem to miss the points made in the previous posts.
But hope my opinions are proved wrong. There are many good people involved in a very friendly football club.

[histonfan01]

Not sure I have completely missed the point because presumably you would still be attending games if things were going better?!

Generally,
More supporters = more money = more experienced/better players = better results

[ewstute]

Histonfan01

Rubbish football & clueless performances/management = less supporters = less money

I have been going for years, including the past few years when it's been relegation scraps continuously and awful football. There comes a point though when it's unbearable and it's almost at that stage for me. It has been awful this season and we aren't even at a good level anymore to say the opposition have good players that could play at a high level. The manager looks clueless and hopeless. His staff are either the same as him or need to stand up to him and get things sorted. There's been enough written about the players in lots of the posts this season.

Our past two managers are meant to have been great coaches who knew loads about football and would have the teams organised and playing good football. What a load of rubbish. Page and Fallon have been awful! The teams have been defensively all over the place and conceded goals for fun. In possession it's been a case of launching the ball forward constantly, despite having technical players who were good with the ball at their feet.

Get rid of Fallon and completely refresh the club.

There are literally no positives around the club anymore.

If I have a reason to not attend home games I won't be disappointed to miss them, if things stay as they are. Even my little lad has no interest in going to games.

[stevec]

I have been to a lot of games so far this season and I have seen Matt Clements doing lots of coaching with great enthusiasm from the touch line, Steve Fallon from what I have seen has never been that animated but I still back them both. As an individual I have no clue as to whether a decision has been taken to get relegated from this league but does not seem to make too sense at this stage.Did try once looking up the clubs financial postings at companies house but not bright enough to understand that stuff. Can understand anyone not wanting to travel distances to watch at the moment tho. I thought we made a statement on the web site about a new academy which is based in Histon rather than in huntingdon. Agree with hfc08stutes in that its mostly a mental thing thats holding up progress on the field at the moment. Still supporting the team. 

[histonfan01]

It's great that you are still attending games ewstute.

Do you voice your concerns at fans forums or with those in power at the club? If not might be an idea to.

[parsnip]

Ewstute - dare I suggest you maybe support Chelsea FC and Manchester City as both like fans who jump on board when money comes flowing into a club. Histon had that luxury 8 years ago, a successful club and the fans turned up. However, when managers such as Lewer,, Livermore,Green and Page gave players contracts with silly payments leaving the club in the financial state it is now.
SF and MC are working hard to get the lowest paid players in the league to be positive and have some success. Maybe you and your negativity won't be missed at GWS?