FC Halifax Town Fans Panel: Season preview

The Courier's FC Halifax Town Fans Panel has convened a little early in order to give their thoughts on the club's pre-season and their prospects for the campaign ahead.
FC Halifax TownFC Halifax Town
FC Halifax Town

What do you think about Town adopting a full-time model over the close season?

Andrew Mann

I think it’s good we have gone full time. Whilst I like that the club seems to be run in a sensible manner it needed to happen eventually if we were to progress rather than just settling for surviving in the National League at best.

Kit Walton

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It was inevitable when you see what other teams are doing. It’s a risk, though. At best we get promotion; at worst the directors become disillusioned and sell the club.

Rob Brown

I’m not convinced a full-time model is necessary or a good thing. There is a massive difference in spending power amongst all the clubs in the National League and switching to full-time won’t guarantee anything other than additional costs. I think many fans were surprised by the jump in admission prices and you’ve got to question whether the club could ever compete with the top money clubs in our league now. I think the expectations of the fans will be much higher but it’s still going to be a massive task to get near the promotion places regardless of full or part time.

What are your thoughts on Town’s transfer business over the summer?

Rob Brown

Having watched three pre-season games, it’s difficult to judge the real quality because the results don’t mean anything. Losing Michael Collins was understandable but a real blow. Looking around the pitch, I would wonder if the new team would have beat last season’s as we’ve also lost some decent players by going full-time. We’ve obviously still got some signings to make so things could improve.

Kit Walton

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On paper, the signings appear good. There’s still plenty of unknowns (trialists) though, and really it depends how we function as a team as opposed to a set of individuals.

Andrew Mann

The transfer business has been interesting so far. The manager seems to be bringing in many young players , a lot of whom he has known about for a long time which can only be positive I think. At the time of writing the four trialists that have featured regularly haven’t signed, if they do I think the squad is looking good.

Where do you think Town will finish in the league this season, and why?

Kit Walton

I believe we will finish top, as I am an eternal optimist, even after many years of poor predictions. I’m bound to be right sometime!

Rob Brown

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I think Town will finish 18th, it’s the same position as I predicted last season and wasn’t too for away with that estimate. I think switching full-time may bring longer term benefits but transforming the club over summer won’t necessarily bring instant improvements. There were a few full-time clubs relegated from the National League last season too.

Andrew Mann

It is tough to say where I think we will finish. With going full time and the subsequent increase in season ticket prices I think fans will expect us to be higher up however we must remember the majority of the league is full time. Il go for 12th but quietly optimistic we can do better.

Who do you think Town’s key man will be, and why?

Andrew Mann

The key men are hard to pick out as we have so many new faces. I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen from McLeod and King in preseason so il go for them but in all honestly I’m not sure.

Kit Walton

Until he became Bradford’s Coach, Michael Collins would have been my answer. Unfortunately that bird has flown, and as I have yet to see a friendly I can but guess.

Rob Brown

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Mekhi McLeod looks a decent player and could be poplar with the fans but I think the most important position is central defence. A good quality central defender will make all the difference, Matty Brown was great last year, let’s hope he’s just as good this season too.