Over 100 supporters were packed to ask questions to a panel that consisted of manager Gary Waddock, Chairman John McGinty, new General Manager Richard Petty, Operations Board members Tony Cotugno, Tony Brooker and Keith Able whilst Investment Board member John Leppard was also in attendance.
A humorous Waddock was asked the majority of the questions from the floor. The main topic of discussion surrounded the announcement that the playing budget for 2009/10 will be lower than the current campaign. John McGinty did explain that there were discussions behind the scenes that may assist the manager in his pursuit of players but he was not in a position to make any further announcements regarding this at the moment.
The boss informed supporters that the reduction of the budget is not ideal but that he is aware of the past situation at Aldershot and that a similar route cannot be allowed to happen. He confirmed that Aldershot Town must always be 'Alive and Kicking'.
He continued stating that the problem this season has been the lengthy injury list and this would become a problem if a similar situation arose in the future. He explained that he is likely to have a smaller squad but one that possesses quality.
The boss explained that part of his aim when he joined the club was to develop new players and improve their performances. He confirmed that his target for recruitment will be a mix of younger players who will become assets of the club. He stated, however, that he was aware from the first season back in the Football League of the importance of balancing the squad with experience, although that comes as a cost.
Answering a question of whether he and Martin Kuhl were happy at the club boss Waddock responded that the pair work as a partnership and highlighted the work that they undertake. He said that they both have two years remaining of their contracts and that so far promotion from the Conference followed by consolidation to the Football League had been achieved. Why would they not be happy with that?
He did state that the second part of the season had been extremely disappointing but he said it was important to give the players who had been so successful last season the opportunity in the Football League. Overall, though, it was agreed that they had done well and that the squad had taken the club a long way in a short space of time. It was also hoped that they will have benefited by their recent experiences.
He also complimented the tremendous support since he has been at the club and provided the recent match at Wycombe Wanderers as a prime example, especially when they celebrated pretending a goal had been scored. He continued thanking the fans for sticking by the players especially in the second part of the season when they could easily have turned. He concluded by informing the floor that his aim remains to push the club forward and take it as far as realistically possible. The general consensus form the gathering was that they would be content with further consolidation considering the financial constraints.
Other playing matters confirmed were:
- Scott Davies will be returning to Reading after Saturday's final Coca Cola League Two match at Lincoln City after his two-year loan spell at the club.
- The injury to Nikki Bull is not as serious as initially thought and that he would be sidelined for two weeks.
- The right back slot requires attention in the summer.
- Boss Waddock will be speaking to the remaining four players whose contracts expire shortly. The players concerned are Ricky Newman, Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz, Scott Donnelly and Justin Cochrane.
- Jake Robinson is out of contract at Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of the season and Gary Waddock will speak to his agent to discuss possibilities.
Regarding off pitch matters the following was confirmed:
- There is general maintenance required on the EBB Stadium during the summer but no capital expenditure will be required. The club is seeking volunteers for assistance.
- There was a trading loss in 2007/08 but there were no external borrowings, only internal loans, mainly provided by John McGinty, who was applauded by the audience.
- Plans for catering improvements are at an early stage of negotiation.
- After plenty of research and being made aware of the general consensus surrounding junior prices for 2009/10 it was announced that the junior admission price for next season will be reduced to £5. In addition the club are in negotiations with Eagle Radio with an aim for a partnership to promote a structured 'Community Days' programme, with reduced admission prices to be incorporated into this too.
- There are plans to promote Online ticketing through the official website for next season.
- All ticket matches are decided by Hampshire Constabulary. It was noted that there is likely to be a reduction in policing at some matches next season. It was also noted that some matches are used for police training. While there may appear to be a heavy police presence at these games, the club do not incur the costs.
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