Walking Down The Halbeath Road

[The Toun Clock]

1 hour ago, HoBNob said:

One of our highest earners, don't think Cook said highest. 

Copy and paste from another forum - 

I thought that was really good, quite a few really good questions which were in turn answered very well by David Cook and McPake. A brief summary on some of the questions that were asked.

 

Finances - The very first question asked about rumours circulating with regards to our finances, from what I remember he used the term "I heard we were struggling". Cook then answered this by saying that if we are struggling then it was news to him, re affirmed that the intention of the club was to be self sustainable. The original questioner then followed up by asking if we had broke even last season to which Cook answered "In league one? Absolutely not, we lost a fortune" gulp. A figure was then asked which has been kicking about in rumours but Cook replied with that the accounts getting written up right now he wasn't willing to answer on specifics.

 

50/50/ Programmes - A question with regards to 50/50 tickets and programmes, didn't quite catch it but from the answer it seems we're struggling to find 50/50 and programme sellers, with the amount sold not being great.

 

Edwards Contract - We have an option of another year on his contract, McPake seemed pretty happy and confident in saying it'll be getting used. Purely my own opinion here but I'd guess the reason this hasn't been taken up, is that we're trying to get more than just a year?

 

Squad Building - This was a great question, and truthfully I'm not going to be able to do it justice. The question was about how we'd got our squad together, pointing out that despite having known about Jak we didn't sign him till very late on so it seemed like a panic signing, pointing out that neither MoH or Jak have even played half the minutes available. This was mentioned with regards to MoH who hasn't played much despite KRH being injured. McPake to his credit answered this as frankly as he could, said that MoH had got injured and that might've been down to us putting to much load on him in pre-season? And that we had tried to sign Jak last January but it didn't happen. Said that after how well they played coming on against Arbroath they were both due to start against QP.

 

Lack of goals - McPake said that it was something that was frustrating him, mentioned that they had data on a website which indicated we had the second highest xG in the league behind Dundee United, didn't rule out that they're always looking for improvements in terms of recruitment, however we also need to work with the players we have to improve them.

 

Training Ground - Question was asked about the modular buildings, and how they weren't originally the plan and what was happening with the building. Cook answered that the 1st phase which they hope to have completed by March/Springtime was for the Astro turf, and grass pitches to be touched up to be ready. The long term plan was still to utilise the building however they feel it needs to be tackled in phases, and it's better to get the team in the training ground. Rising construction costs were mooted.

 

Re-arranged QP game - We've asked for it to be the Scottish Cup weekend, QP have agreed so we're just waiting on the SFA/SPFL to rubber stamp it.

 

Playing System - McPake was asked about us predominantly playing a back three, said that we were going to play with a back 3 against QP, but he's not stubborn and will play whatever system he feels is best for the day. In his opinion if we were to move away from a back 3 we would lose some of the effectiveness that we get from KRH and Edwards.

 

The Raith game - Asked what had gone wrong, again McPake was very open and frank, said that he didn't believe going to a back four helped. They weren't expecting Raith to play with a back three (they hadn't before, or since), he said that Raith had outworked us also. Primarily though he blamed himself.

 

ParsTV- Question noted it was volunteers and they were appreciated, however said there were weekly groans on dafc.net about the service, asked if the club were aware? Cook replied they they were in constant dialog with ParsTV and it could be improved, service isn't great.

 

Injures - KRH needs surgery, it will hopefully be this week but there wasn't a timescale on his return.

 

Bene is back running and wanted to be on the bench for Saturday, was never going to happen but he's keen.

 

Breen is pretty similar to Bene, McPake hopes that both are back before Christmas.

 

Tod is progressing, was an issue with the ligament on the outside of his knee.

 

Summers was back on the bench for the QP game, so he's avalaible.

 

Moffat should be Ok for this weekend hopefully, wouldn't have made QP because he was still quite tight.

 

Fisher still had a moon boot on today however the scans have came back showing there's no sever damage, just some aggressive swelling which is why they still have the moon boot on, they hope he'll be back before Bene and Breen, but this Saturday is too soon. Next Saturday though?...

 

Wotherspoon - His lack of signing was brought up, we had made him an offer that would've made him one of our highest paid players, he had a couple of weeks to sign but he pursued other options, McPake still speaks to him occasionally and it was asked if there was any chance of him signing in January but McPake seemed to indicate he want's to try MLS/Playing in Canada.

 

Thrown objects - Cook was asked about the potential policing costs of this, thought he came across really well in saying that while he absolutely loves the North West and the atmosphere they create, he cannot understand why anyone would thrown a coin at an opposition player/linesman. Said that a policed game costs us £6,000 per game, and that everytime something is thrown on the pitch we receive a letter asking us how it happened, and what we're doing about it. Says that it will ultimately lead to the club having to police every game, which will cost a ****e ton.

 

Board outside the stadium - Cook wasn't aware the fixture board outside the stadium wasn't being updated, says that it'll change.

 

Scouting of players/signing players from further afield - Cook and McPake jointly answered this one, admitted they need to look into the England market more, said we had two loan offers accepted from the club for players down south but both players chose to go elsewhere. It is difficult for those outside the UK because of the work permit requirements, you can go to the board (Can't remember the name of it) to essentially ask for some dispensation which is how we got Gaspuitas, however in the summer we tried to sign a Ghanaian player and they rejected that request. Not long after a further question was asked about the Kenyan defender we have on trial (Faiz?), McPake doesn't think he's quite up to this level at the moment, if the work permit requirements weren't so difficult it would be worth it to sign him for the potential, but that's not really feasible.

 

Cardle - Is training with us, been a good experienced player in training, especially with all our injuries.

 

 

 

There's undoubtedly more that I forgot, and if there's any points I've not explained very well just pull me up on it, I thought McPake and Cook done really well tbf, probably moreso McPake who  was about as open and as frank as you could hope.

Thanks for summarising mate. Tried to read the dotnet updates but it constantly refreshes and jumps.

Gutter about Kane, another fu*king surgery! I noticed Newcastle keeper Nick Pope got a similar injury requiring surgery and will be out 4/5 months. Hardly gonna kick a ball this season.

[Cardle is Magic]

Thanks for sharing the review of the meeting

Good to hear Bene and Breen expected to be back next couple of weeks but a real sickener - again - for wee Kane. It’s been a nightmare season for him and will need to be made of strong stuff to come back at the level he was playing at before.

Cardle is training with us - just sign him please?

Can’t honestly remember the last time I bought a programme or 50/50 ticket tbh. Understand will be tradition for many but do feel they’ve both sort of had their day to an extent.

[Stellaboz]

Cheers for the summary there, appreciate it. 

Wonder if putting up signs in the NW corner about the costs of policing due to thrown objects would help put off those doing so? 

[Heaton]

I'd offer 50/50 tickets and programmes with game tickets so it's offered as you checkout online or in shop making purchases.

You could even offer a season ticket with the cost added at a discount or something, with a different colour season card given so you can pick up a programme if you want it, or just don't and donate the extra to the club when buying a ST effectively. 50/50 is online so that would be easy to do.

 

Certainly needs some different approaches and ideas.

[Heaton]

And do they take card payment or jist cash at the ground for them both? Been a while since I bought either as well but some folk don't carry cash.

[CallumPar]

On programmes - I wonder if they’d be better offering the option of a digital match programme? I’m going to be honest, I can’t be bothered with physical programmes (or even books) these days. But would happily subscribe to a digital service and read some of the articles on the morning of the game or whatever. Would also give fans the opportunity to get one, when they’re not in the country or they’re otherwise unable to make the game.

Perhaps they could even launch some sort of monthly digital newsletter, with a paid subscription. Would possibly help shut up people (like me!) who have moaned about a lack of communication in terms of what is being done by the commercial team. It’s also somewhere else that some smaller businesses could pay for advertising space.

I know, I should have gone to the meeting, rather than post ideas on here. But I just couldn’t make it along for that time last night.

[spot on]

2 hours ago, Stellaboz said:

Cheers for the summary there, appreciate it. 

Wonder if putting up signs in the NW corner about the costs of policing due to thrown objects would help put off those doing so? 

That would only be of benefit if enough of them that use that area could read

[CallumPar]

A lot of good news regarding injuries in the update too. Glad to hear all but KRH could be back this month. But I’m genuinely gutted for Kane. Surgery required, so he’s done for at least another few months.

Our current list of available players is very attack-heavy. None of our first choice defenders available*, but we have got Wighton, Jakubiak, McCann, O’Halloran, Todd, Moffat and Summers fit. Might end up with another goal fest at Airdrie this weekend… or another game where we miss a load of chances!

*classing Otoo as a midfielder, since that seemed to be the role we planned on using him, at the start of the season.

[Cardle is Magic]

2 hours ago, CallumPar said:

On programmes - I wonder if they’d be better offering the option of a digital match programme? I’m going to be honest, I can’t be bothered with physical programmes (or even books) these days. But would happily subscribe to a digital service and read some of the articles on the morning of the game or whatever. Would also give fans the opportunity to get one, when they’re not in the country or they’re otherwise unable to make the game.

Perhaps they could even launch some sort of monthly digital newsletter, with a paid subscription. Would possibly help shut up people (like me!) who have moaned about a lack of communication in terms of what is being done by the commercial team. It’s also somewhere else that some smaller businesses could pay for advertising space.

I know, I should have gone to the meeting, rather than post ideas on here. But I just couldn’t make it along for that time last night.

I’d still suggest them to club either through the Marketing guy or David Cook himself.

[The Toun Clock]

I'd always grab a 50/50 ticket when passing the wee guy outside the ticket hub between the Main Stand and Norrie, but won't bother online. Been a long, long time since I bought a programme. Used to have buckets of the things in the loft and I think I ended up binning them, wish I didn't.

[Stoo61]

Campaign for Cardle Testimonial plz. 

[CallumPar]

3 hours ago, Cardle is Magic said:

I’d still suggest them to club either through the Marketing guy or David Cook himself.

I’ve emailed Drew Main with the suggestions in my post. Dealt with him before and he’s usually pretty good at taking thoughts/suggestions on board and passing them on, where necessary.

[DA Baracus]

Pretty sure they already do offer you the chance to buy a 50/50 online when you buy a ticket.

[Wacky]

1 hour ago, Stoo61 said:

Campaign for Cardle Testimonial plz. 

And hall of fame. He’s been a great servant to the club and deserves it IMO. 

[CallumPar]

5 minutes ago, DA Baracus said:

Pretty sure they already do offer you the chance to buy a 50/50 online when you buy a ticket.

Can’t really comment, due to the fact I’m a season ticket holder. Can’t remember seeing it for the cup game, but they advertise/market the 50/50 tickets online pretty well. Used to be a good way of chucking in a few quid I had in cash, but haven’t bought them online very often.

Unsure how this can be solved, to be honest. It’s maybe just something that’s run its course/we need to find an alternative for?

1 hour ago, Stoo61 said:

Campaign for Cardle Testimonial plz. 

If the club can find a way for Cardle to be useful, whether that be coaching, playing or helping out in any other way, I’d be delighted to see him back. The guy loves the club and is heavily invested in the local community.

The guy was willing to play for free when admin hit. He also returned a couple of years later, when we were at our lowest point (football-wise) for 30 odd years, to do his part for the club.

He had no previous ties to the area at all, but now has a coaching academy set up in Dunfermline and is raising his family here. I also believe he donates to the local hospital/NHS Fife every Christmas(?). If there’s anyone from the modern era that understands what the club/community is about and is truly invested in it, it’s Joe Cardle.

[Zen Archer (Raconteur)]

That's some amount of bad luck, all the best to the lad in his recovery.

 

 

 

[CallumPar]

I hope there’s no top flight clubs needing a LB next month, cause Josh Edwards would probably be top of most scout reports. Easy to forget he’s only 23, because he’s been such an important player for so long. Apparently that was his 160th game for us today.

He's playing very well just now and I honestly don’t think there’s a LB in the league that I’d take ahead of him. We have a problem if we lose him at some point. He’s so bloody fit, we’ve never had to worry about having any cover for him.

[VinnyPar]

At least we'd get a bit of cash since McPake confirmed we'll be extending his deal by a year.

[Nat Weederburn]

Hopefully some news coming soon regarding us activating the extra year on his contract. I'd be shocked if we don't get offers in January and the summer though, such a dependable player who continues improving every season. Must've played 150+ games for the pars already at 23? 

[Cardle is Magic]

Could swear it was only a few weeks ago that people ITT were trying to say that Edwards wasn’t very good…