Daniel and Corey gave us their thoughts ahead of Hayes & Yeading's 2015/16 campaign. Up first, Daniel.
It was really a season of two parts for us. Phil Babb tried but ultimately failed and it looked for all the world that we would be relegated. Then Tristan came in and the turnaround was amazing. Overall, if you offered us safety at the start of the season we would have taken it so it was a good season in the end.
HAVE YOU BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE ADDITIONS MADE DURING THE SUMMER BREAK?
Yes. Tristan has got some amazing players into the club, cherry picking the sides that went down of some of their best talents as well as getting ex league players. We still have a very young squad, but it has bags of potential. The recent addition of Jake Nicholson, a player with European experience shows that talented players are buying into his vision. However, our best addition has been off the pitch with ex Oxford assistant Mickey Lewis coming into the club, a sign of true level headedness from the gaffer, adding some experience to his back room
ARE THERE ANY AREAS YOU FEEL STILL NEED STRENGTHENING?
We really do need a backup keeper. Magnus Norman is a brilliant first choice, but the risk of having him on loan is that he may be recalled by Fulham, leaving only academy kids to fill the gap.
ARE THERE ANY FIXTURES THAT YOU'RE PARTICULARLY LOOKING FORWARD TO?
We have been shafted a little bit by the fixture gods this season. A 500 mile round trip to Truro on a Tuesday night, as well as being paired with Weston for the annual Xmas/New Year fixtures really shows that we have upset someone in Conference fixtures HQ. That being said, Maidenhead on the Bank Holidays will generate a lively atmosphere as will Wealdstone. I don't think we can look past ending the season on the south coast in Gosport and the chance of a weekend out in Portsmouth for the best fixture of the season though.
WHICH OPPOSITION TEAM DO YOU HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THIS SEASON?
I think there will be some teams who will be disappointed if they don't have a good season. Ebbsfleet and Margate are both spending big and will want to be up there. Maidenhead and the 'Devolution' down there will also want to push the top teams this season. I personally have high hopes that Margate, managed by Hayes legend Terry Brown have a good season.
WHICH PLAYERS AMONG YOUR SQUAD SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR THIS TERM?
Harry Grant has managed to become a fans favourite in the course of one pre season, he is flashy enough that he is fun to watch and has the ability to play for clubs higher in the pyramid than us. However, everyone should be on the lookout for Lewis Ferrell this season, playing just in front of the back 4. After last season he flew out to America and played there for the summer and has come back looking twice the player. His ability to read the game and cut out dangerous moves will win us points on its own
WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'LL END UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON?
We will be safe and that is what counts at Hayes. I can't see us challenging the top half, simply because our budget isn't big enough. I think we will finish around 16th.
Now Corey's turn.
HOW DID YOU FEEL THE 14/15 SEASON WENT FOR YOUR TEAM?
Considering everything that happened off the field as the season went on - successful. From the reprieve appeal being turned down – eventually we stayed up because of Salisbury/Hereford. Then mid-season we were required to find £300,000 to fund our ground to be built. We had just under less than a month to prepare for the new season. Without a squad put together until the last few days before the season started. Many people, including myself put us favourites for the drop but we defied the odds of everyone saying we’d go down and stayed up with about 2 games remaining.
HAVE YOU BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE ADDITIONS MADE DURING THE SUMMER BREAK?
Very pleased, we have a much stronger side than last season I feel, as well as the experience we've got around the pitch added with the versatility of the players meaning we’re covered almost everywhere. I do pinch myself occasionally and wonder how we've made some of the signings we have made. Each player in some way has a connection with either the manager, or a former team mate or has previously turned out for Hayes & Yeading United which is only positive. We will surprise quite a few teams.
ARE THERE ANY AREAS YOU FEEL STILL NEED STRENGTHENING?
Keeper – although we've got Magnus Norman on loan from a Football League side, and had previously played for Farnborough last season his young age does worry me slightly, as well as lack of experience because of that. As well, we could do with a strong back up. Hopefully Charlie Crowley has learnt a lot from his last spell. Although – we have a great goalkeeping coach and are known for great keepers, let’s keep the tradition up!
ARE THERE ANY FIXTURES THAT YOU'RE PARTICULARLY LOOKING FORWARD TO?
All of the new grounds I've not done before – especially Truro on a Tuesday night will be great fun. Dartford, Maidstone and Havant look to be good away days too. Maidenhead away and “home” (hopefully we’ll be in our own ground by this game though) will be enjoyable, because we ground share with them so it’ll bring in a big crowd especially with the fixtures taking place on Bank Holidays.
WHICH OPPOSITION TEAM DO YOU HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THIS SEASON?
I have high hopes for a fair few teams this season – Havant & Waterlooville and Maidenhead United have both signed some quality players who could easily fit into most sides in the league above. The Hawks, should gain promotion and give the title run for its money and The Magpies will definitely be looking at a top ten finish, especially as they've changed their whole back four!!. I expect Ebbsfleet to finally seal the deal this year and clinch the title, with the money they’re chucking at it – it wouldn't go a miss in the Football League.
WHICH PLAYERS AMONG YOUR SQUAD SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR THIS TERM?
Well we've got, on paper a very good squad and there are some players out there. Some of our fans will disagree with me, but if Ashleigh Artwell is fit he is a tidy player and can certainly bring something else to the team, and looked impressive when played last season. If fit being the key words. Harry Grant. He has been fantastic all pre-season and has been our stand out player; he’s a real joy to watch on the football pitch and has great footballing ability. Nice person to talk too in person as well which is always a bonus.
WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'LL END UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON?
Playing back in our own ground! Other than that, I'm hoping we have finally waved goodbye to the relegation battles which go into the final few games. I'm hoping for the higher end of the bottom half.
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