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Abridged transcript of the Fans Forum held on Friday 10th October 2003 in the Social Club (page 2)

Q. How are the finances?

ME: They are up and down as you'd expect but they are a whole lot better than say three years ago and compared with some clubs in our league quite manageable. We have to manage expectation with resources. We are still paying today for perhaps an era when expectation did not match the resources that the club had.
I spoke earlier about clubs with expectations bigger than their resources that could be in big trouble. We know that it can happen because Gresley Rovers are living proof of it.

Q. Are local companies approached to become sponsors of Gresley? I noticed some boards advertising Swadlincote based companies at Burton Albion.

ME: At the start of this season we sent out approximately 60 letters to local Swadlincote businesses asking them to join us on our journey. It's been very difficult to sell the concept of what they can get out of advertising at the Moat Ground.

When you compare us with Burton Albion there is one thing you have to bear in mind is that they appear on television as they did this week and business will get their boards shown.

If you visit other grounds in our league you will see that we have more advertising boards than most. And I can say that every one of them around this ground is renewed every season.

It is difficult to sell the concept, but once you've sold it or had them visit the Moat Ground it's not difficult.

We have two very successful companies about to have ad boards here so it's on going.
Some businesses had an issue with the club because of past history but they have seen and are seeing how Gresley had developed and moved on and are now wanting to come back on board.

Q. Gary, how surprised was you that Liam Walshe wanted to come back to the club and what qualities do you think he will bring to the first team?

Gary Norton (GN): To be honest I wasn't that surprised because we've been approached by a number of players who Alan [Titterton] and I spoke to when I'd just been given the manager's job. Some of these players were a little unsure of coming to Gresley at the time because of the manager vacancy.

Liam was one of those players and at the time expressed the desire to stay at Belper. However, he rang Alan to say he'd had an issue with Belper and wanted to move on. So we signed him.

As to his qualities - he can head the ball; he can pass the ball, which at times we've needed. He's a battler, he's good with both feet and he can shoot. I think he will give us the drive and energy we've been missing. We want a battling midfielder and Liam's got to show us he's that sort of player.

Q. Are you looking to replace Neil Kitching?

GN: Yes we are going to replace him. I'm not surprised he left. He asked to have a word with me because he felt he would have less chances in the first team now that the arrangement with Notts County has been extended and he wants to play regular football.

He's been very professional about the situation attending training and putting the work in and he's been waiting for a chance that didn't really come. We are looking at forwards and our scout has a list of players to look at because we are mindful that Notts County could recall Shaun Harrad.

Q. Congratulations on being awarded the manager of the month and can I say that you've done what the last two managers have not done that is bringing in some new players. What are your comments?

GN: Thank you for that. I must mention that it was also due to Alan [Titterton] and Steve [Hinks] and also the players who have come in and done brilliantly. Each and every one of them has brought qualities to the squad. What we won't do is bring in players who are no better than the ones we've already got unless we see future potential in them.