“Bob - Good post, although in the case of Cheltenham, the local population has never REALLY got fully behind their local club - in my opinion anyway. In Gloucestershire, the top sports in order of attendence are: 1) Horse Racing 2) Glos Rugby Club 3) Cricket Festival 4) Chelt Town (possible, thou could be even lower). Even if Chelt got to the Championship, we would struggle to pull in more than 10,000 fans regularly - I think that sums it all up really.

Anyway, Bob, I hope that MA proves you and other doubters wrong - I certainly think the style of football played will be more attractive than under JW + KD, but maybe we will have to wait a couple of seasons for success to return to WR.”

“Jonny - you clearly remember the days when local populations would pour into football grounds on a Saturday afternoon to support their local teams out of sheer loyalty and because, frankly, there were precious few other things for the predominently male population to do on a Saturday afternoon. Those days have gone for all clubs except the most successful. Now people look at things like entertainment and value for money. The Robins are in no different position to so many other clubs and, to have any hope of attracting supporters over and above the diehards, have to provide both of the above. I think most fringe supporters who have drifted away do not consider that the current amount it costs to get into the ground to watch football at the lowest level in the football league represents good value for money. And, of course, they have disappeared because they sat through probably the most depressing season in the club's history.. Many of the supporters on whom the club depends for income are sick to the back teeth of Allen and his childish antics and watching football that had the team stuck at the bottom of the league for virtually the whole season. it is absurd to expect people to come to the football 'just because they should' - football should be entertaining, exciting and worthwhile spending hard earned money on not turgid and boring. If the team is up at the top end of the league by, say, the end of September, some people will return. If the team is struggling and playing boring football, if anything the crowds wil decrease further. Those of you calling for supporters to come to the Robins 'just because they should' are harking back to past days which have long gone. It is Martin Allen's responsibility to put together and motivate a team that will excite the crowds and get them back. Frankly, I don't think he's up to it and will look to get out as soon as he can. Phew !! I need a lie down .....”

“Well Jonny, you should know by now, they're not happy unless they're moaning.”

“theres too many people talking the club down at the moment, to be sucessfull we have to get behind the manager and the club and support the players. If we don't the chances of failure are higher this we don't want.”

“where as the bulls have already made their signing of the season in leon!!

best of luck my son.”

“Dicky 3 my good friend.

We were a 'mid-size' League 2 club 2 seasons ago when were promoted from that division. If anything, it was a stronger division that season.

Personally, I think the promotion race is wide open next year. If any team puts a few results together and builds a bit of momentum, they have a decent chance of being in contention come May.

Shrewsbury are spending big and would have to be favourites to go up as Champions. Bradford have flattered to deceive on more than once occasion in this division and I don't think next season will be any different. They are also having massive cutbacks at the moment.

Good luck for the season but I think you guys need to pull out a few good signings to be in with a shout.

Roll on 15th August! ;-)”

“Vincent - Just like Chelt, Hereford are only a middle-sized club, even in League 2 - compared to clubs like Bradford + Shrewsbury, we will both struggle to compete at the top end of the league next season. I reckon the Bulls + the Robins will finish close together next season, but only in mid-table positions.”

“Calm down dieseldog, no-one has compared him with those players. All they did was to say that he could fulfil a similar role i.e. a target man.

Our squad is starting to take shape very nicely. Very pleased with the signings of Lunt and Bartlett especially. Let's also not forget that it was only the season before last that Constantine scored 25 goals in League 1 for Port Vale. A change of scenery and some decent service might do the world of good for him.

Plenty more signings to come too. The wise money will be on us going straight back up - you heard it here first!”

“Message for driveldog see you still like the sound of your own voice, can't you give it a rest for a while.”

“Bingo, the bookie now that DiMatteo looks like he is off to west brom what are the odds on MA returning to manage the MK Dons.”