TUDOR TALK

[steve]

From hemeltoday.co.uk

Bateman to add much needed muscle for next season

Published Date: 30 April 2008
By Jake Rusby

Adding some much needed steel to his Hemel Hempstead side could be the key to gaining promotion next season, according to manager Steve Bateman.
Following a campaign which saw the Tudors finish an agonising one point off a play-off place, Bateman is already on the lookout for new players who can add a bit of muscle to his side and strengthen their bid for promotion next year.

"We have had a season of three parts: a fantastic start, a disappointing middle and a strong finish." Bateman said.

"The nucleus of the side is more than good enough, but one thing I am looking to add is a bit more physical presence.

"I have had conversations with potential new signings. That said the current players have worked hard from the start from the start of the season, through our slump, and through the change in management.

"All credit to them."
But an emphasis on adding much needed muscle to his side will not change how his players play the game. In this sense, Bateman is well and truly from the Arsene Wenger school of management.

"We need a bit more balance but we are not going to become a long ball side. I believe that you should try and entertain in football."

He also believes that the state of the pitch can play a vital role in letting his side play the kind of football he wants to see at Vauxhall Road.

"I want it to be a pitch where we can get the ball down and play and get at sides.

"We have got to make Vauxhall Road a fortress."
In Bateman's opinion with these changes to the squad and the pitch promotion is not beyond them next year.

He said: "We have raised the bar in terms of expectations. We are an ambitious outfit.

"We nearly made it into the last play off slot but it's just not to be this year.

"I'm disappointed in one respect but hopefully we will be stronger next year for our experience."

And since Danny Nicholls' departure from the coaching set up does Bateman fear for his job? It seems not.

"The chairman has backed me 100 per cent, and the feeling is reciprocated. The pair of us are working really hard for this club."

The Tudor's last chance at gaining some silverware this season comes next Monday when they take on Oxhey Jets in the St Mary's Cup final.

"I will be looking to field a decent side. I want to finish off on as much of a high as we can."
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FOYSC

[adeyfieldtudor]

[Chewitt]

It's vital we keep pitch use to a minimum, it seems that the over 65s blind team were even using it this season.

I'd even go as far as saying use it purely for first team matches.

[marc]

[Hemelhammer]

Compared to how it used to be our pitch is like Wembley to be honest. I have thought to myself on a couple of occasions this season that it has looked remarkably good considering the weather and the wear it gets. I think I mentioned it to hemelgooner once or twice as well - obviously his reply was the usual "I,ll have a pint if you're buying"

[hemelgooner]

Be nice to have that pint Hammer if your ever get allowed out.
I think every fan knows that we need some muscle throughout the team but to say he,s in the same league as ARSENE WENGER
I do believe though, that we will be a very strong team next year, he,s a good manager, he knows what he wants for next season and i,m sure he will get it.
Bye Harry,I,ll miss your 3 touches per game

[Chewitt]

[hhtfc]

If having a better pitch for the first team meant telling the Dog and Duck Second XI to look elsewhere, then boo hoo.

[Chewitt]

[marc]

[mick h]

i think that some of you fail to realise that other teams using the pitch brings in well needed revenue for the club!
this club has to bring in as much money as it can from the assets that it owns to make the team what it is!
Dave spends a hell of a lot of his own money towards this club and until we get the gates of other teams in this leauge the assets have to be used.
I'm sure Dave is not happy about the pitch but needs must.

[tapper]

Then surely the club should be trying harder to bring people through the gate each week, instead of alienating those who already coming?
There is a real feeling on the terraces these days that our supporters are viewed as a nuisance by the powers that be, rather than an asset to our club.
That can't be helping to attract new support or keeping what we have.

[Chewitt]

Surely these other teams can't generate THAT much revenue from playing there ?

[MKMC]

[MKMC]