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| | Main Club & Ground Sponsor Main Stand Sponsor Official Club Website Sponsor Programme Sponsor Southern Football League First of all I would like to congratulate Ian & Gary on a fantastic evening on the 27^th February when Norman Whiteside and Aaron James (comedian) attended for a sportsman evening. The Club put on a great night and I know all the Players that attended (25 from both sides) enjoyed the evening. I was surprised though at the lack of supporters who came on the evening, and I must stress that we all need to support the Club at events like these to take the Club as far forward as we possibly can I hear from the players and I have seen for myself some of the negative comments that certain supporters are expressing on the Forum. I would like to take this opportunity just to put a few things into perspective and let you know some facts. I would like to think I have been open and very honest to all the supporters since I joined the Club, and I will continue to do so. Since I came to the Club our record in the League is played 26 won 13 drew 10 lost 3, taking a possible 49 points out of 78. No one including myself ever thought we would be in the position we are in now, and all the credit for this goes to the players. Because of the run we went on expectations have become even higher from the Supporters. All along I kept reminding people that there would be a time when we hit a sticky patch and it would be interesting to see how the young lads would handle it, and the Club in general. I must admit that the majority of the Frome supporters have been nothing more that awesome, and the away support we receive most of the time is fantastic and to those people I thank you, as do the players. The players and I have and will continue to hold meet the manager evenings and will continue to answer any questions that you may ask, as open and honestly as we can. What does disappoint me is that people hide behind user names on forums to have a pop at either players or myself. I am more than happy to accept any criticism, but would rather people approach me, either after any game, or before games and I will always listen and would like to think I am approachable. I Just find it rather negative that people post things without some time knowing the full facts and also letting other Clubs read our negativity openly. I also accept that Football is a game of opinions and when you pay your hard earned money you have every right to voice your comments and that you have to take the good with the bad. Again I hear comments that we did not want to be in the Somerset Premier Cup and that I played a side against Bridgewater that showed this. Well to let you know this is completely wrong. Yes I left players out and I make no apologies for doing so. To be successful you need a squad, and if you don’t play some of these lads or trust playing them, then they become frustrated and look to play elsewhere (just look at Ashley Clarke moving to Gillingham). Also there is always the possibility of players getting injured during the season and for me it was the perfect opportunity to have a look at couple of different players. Also to say I was not interested in winning the competition is totally false, just look at my reaction when that disgraceful penalty decision went against us. Also just to let you know the Bridgewater manager would have played a few more of his fringe players but he didn’t because they did not play a game of Football since February 20th and their next League game was against Bracknell where he changed the side about. I will never ask any of my sides to play “ Hoof Football” as some of the experts have been saying. I am the first to admit that we have not played very well for the last couple of weeks but it does not help that we have lost Lapham and Perrott, but not for one minute will I hide behind that. We have to pass and try to recapture our fast attacking play of a month or so ago and again and I can assure you we will be trying our best to do that. On Saturday we produced a woeful performance at North Leigh and I would like to apologise to the supporters who travelled to the game, However having said that I cant be too hard on the players, knowing where we have come from in such a short period of time. What has pleased me is that Frome Town are now becoming a respected team in the Southern League and trust me we have one of the best facilities off the pitch of which the players, committee and the supporters should be proud of. I hope to see as many of you as possible tonight at Thatcham and if not at home to VT FC on Saturday. Thanks for your continued support Cheers Darren