Keep on rolling
By Adam Summers
Thursday 1st May 2008
WEYMOUTH chairman Malcolm Curtis wants manager John Hollins
and his assistant Alan Lewer to keep the bandwagon rolling
into next season.
The Terras finished their Blue Square Premier campaign by
claiming 22 points from their last 14 games and the property
developer is keen to see that good work continue.
Curtis said: "I think the way we finished the season
was absolutely fantastic. There were a lot of doubts about
what we were trying to achieve but every single intention
was to stay in the league and we have achieved that.
"A lot of hard work and emotions went into it and I
think that all came out after the draw at Aldershot Town which
was just unbelievable.
"Securing our status there against the champions was
a massive weight off our shoulders and we are now all looking
forward to building for next season."
Curtis' decision to bring in Hollins and Lewer at the end
of January to replace former boss Jason Tindall caused huge
debate but the Terras' supremo always had faith in the pair.
He added: "John and Alan as a team have got the under-performing
players performing again. They have got the best out of them
and the lads are as fit as they have ever been.
"There is a lot more discipline and a whole new feel
about the place, and that has given everyone a lift.
"When we first interviewed John, he did say it was going
to be a difficult job and when we were losing 6-0 and things
like that it was hard.
"But we have stayed strong and come through it and now
there is a real difference in the squad and hopefully that
will continue into next season.
"However, there is still a lot of work to be done. The
club is still haemorrhaging money and we have got to get on
top of that and we have also got to remain realistic.
"We only just survived and we now have to make sure
that we are not in that situation again because physically,
mentally and financially it drains you. Next season we will
be looking for stability."
It is believed that Hollins was initially brought in on a
rolling contract and there have been fears that he would leave
the club at the end of the season but Curtis has laid those
concerns to rest.
He said: "John is very professional and it is his wish
that the details of his contract remain just between himself
and the club. But needless to say he will be here next season
as will Alan."
Meetings have already been held concerning next season's
playing budget. Hollins will no doubt be keen to add to his
squad after having been forced to exploit the loan market
to hold off the threat of relegation.
Curtis said: "We have had meetings with John and Alan
about that and it has been set subject to board agreement,
and it will be very similar to this season's.
"I got a league table sent me the other day and our
budget in the league was 15th. Five clubs were way out in
front of everyone else, so when you take that into account,
we are somewhere in the middle.
"John and Alan have excellent contacts and I am sure
they will be able to get the best out of what is available."
Curtis is also continuing to move forward with his proposal
for a new stadium and he is hoping to unveil plans at the
end of the summer.
He added: "It has been a busy time. The whole Olympics
thing has got something about it and in some areas there is
a real appetite for more sporting developments ahead of 2012
but there are also areas where there is a lot of red tape.
"I would like to go public at the end of the summer
and say here are the two sites, this is what it will look
like, this is what we are going to do on the present site
and ask people what they think.
"I would rather do that then go for planning and everybody
hates it. I want to see first how it is received by the community
and what people's opinions of it are before taking the next
step."
The recent takeover of Park Engineering means the Terras
now need to search for a new main sponsor but they will not
be rushed into the decision.
Curtis added: "The reason Park Engineering will not
be our main sponsor next season is because the company has
been sold to a US firm that has no interest in the club but
Dave Higson will still be around as a strong supporter.
"At the moment we have not got a new main sponsor because
we did not know what league we would be in until only last
week but we are not going to be rushed either.
"We want to make sure we get it right and if that takes
time then so be it.
"All sorts of new packages will be coming out for current
and potential sponsors along with more ways for the club to
raise money.
"We have also got some new ticket prices that will offer
a bit more and there will be more flexible ways for people
to pay."
Many supporters still question Curtis' motives at the Wessex
Stadium and the Terras' chairman can understand their doubts
but he has also underlined the importance of abiding by the
club motto forward together.' He said: "I would like
to thank everyone who has got behind the team over the past
few months, including the Supporters' Trust, the Supporters'
Club, and the sponsors because it really did make a difference.
"As soon as everyone joined together and got behind
the team instead of arguing and bickering we started getting
results on the pitch and began moving forward, and it is important
we keep that going."
* Keeper Jon Stewart has become the third player to be released
by Hollins.
