WEYMOUTH held their second fans’ forum this season prior to the 4-3 win over Hamworthy United at the Bob Lucas Stadium.
But what was said and by who? We have all the details for you.
Acting CEO Paul Maitland began by stating that there would be three forums per season to keep fans updated, with the next scheduled for February or March 2023.
Questions then switched to manager Bobby Wilkinson.
Do Weymouth have a gameplan for each match?
THE answer was an unequivocal yes, although Wilkinson conceded they do not always work out.
Are incoming signings imminent?
ONE signing is hopefully expected by the end of the week. Wilkinson is in contact with another manager in the National League, waiting on their club’s involvement in the FA Cup.
READ MORE: Brendan Willson returns to Eastleigh after Weymouth loan
Loanee Brendan Willson, who returned to Eastleigh today, is now expected to go to Colchester but could return if it does not work out.
Maitland also stated that the 28-day recall rule prevented Frankie Monk, Matty Burrows and Cameron Murray from being called back for Welling amid the Terras’ injury crisis.
Wilkinson was then asked by Murray was sent out on loan. Wilkinson responded by saying the two had a conversation to get him 90 minutes each week but the subsequent injuries then came at a bad time.
Why is there no interaction between youth teams and the first team?
WILKINSON said youth players were on the pitch prior to the 0-0 draw with Cheshunt. The players are welcome to come and get involved behind the scenes.
Youth managers are invited by Wilkinson to call him and arrange this.
What is Wilkinson’s long-term plan?
HIS ambition is to be here several years but he does not want to promise five or six years.
The Weymouth job is a big challenge but hopefully he will still be here in five or six years.
Wilkinson stated he did not leave Bracknell to only stay a year. He is on an 18-month deal and has the backing of Maitland and acting financial director Simon Etherington.
Will Weymouth go full-time if they win promotion to the National League in future?
MAITLAND says that is the million-dollar question but with the difficulties of the past two seasons he is open to ideas as to how to facilitate that switch. Maitland denied simply employing a commercial manager would be the answer.
He estimates £1.2m to £1.5 is needed to operate in the National League per season.
Maitland reveals Thursday night training will begin at Shaftesbury’s Cockrams ground on the 4G. Shaftesbury have sacrificed their own first-team training to accommodate Weymouth but a friendly in the summer is part of the deal.
How are the injured and ill players doing?
WILKINSON admitted there are not many close to coming back.
Harry Kyprianou is out for three weeks and Teddy Howe even longer. Surgery is needed on his knee. Ben Thomson will return soon.
Andy Lambert then invited potential volunteers to help on matchday due to the club’s increased ambition to being more professional. Maitland added the club has been encouraged by the Safety Advisory Group to install a walkway.
Are there too many matches on Weymouth’s pitch?
MAITLAND says the situation is not ideal and there is no easy solution.
No current plans for a 3G but matchday revenue helps fund the under-23 and women’s teams.
Talk then switched to online comments, with Maitland admitting Weymouth lost a player due to negativity on social media. The player’s agent saw it and pulled the plug on the deal.
How are Weymouth’s finances looking?
ETHERINGTON revealed the club is in a much healthier position.
The debt is cleared and there is money in the bank, meaning Wilkinson has leeway although he is hamstrung by contracts this season.
The change of Boxing Day fixture from Taunton away to home is estimated to be worth about £10,000 to Weymouth.
The subject of summer revenue using the pitch was brought up and Maitland says different events can raise money but must be of interest to fans to maximise revenue.
Live music was tried around 10 years ago but it did not work. Further ideas are welcome but using the pitch would need consideration as it undergoes renovation in the off-season.
Maitland finished by teasing the next hall of fame evening, which is expected to be held at the Bob Lucas Stadium at a date yet to be confirmed.
Maitland also revealed Wilkinson is doing his bit by trying to get auction items to raise extra money for the club.
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