F A n F I L E

DOUG FENNER @ archiebunkeruk

The big talking point among the fans is how well ex- assistant Steve Ball will do as boss, and whether he’ll be allowed to bring in senior players.

This season will be different to last because we just have no idea what effect the virus is going to have on finances, transfers and football in general at this level. I won’t be happy unless I actually get into the ground.

Look out for Kwame Poku [ above]. He isn’t really a breakthrough player as he’s on so many radars, but the attacking midfielder is a regular and he’s only just turned 19. Also, Ollie Kensdale could get his chance after Luke Prosser’s release. The player I’d happily drive to another club is Luke Gambin, who just doesn’t cut it. Maybe he’ll jump out of the car and prove me wrong.

Our key player will be that boy Poku. He’s a bit raw, but this kid is going places that I’m sad to say we probably can’t take him. The opposition player I secretly

admire is John White, who I’d take back from Southend. It still doesn’t seem right, him being there. He’s not got enough fingers to play for them.

The pantomime villain will be that club visiting from down the road.

Our most underrated player is Ben Stevenson [ below, right]. Technically he’s much better than League Two, and he’s happy to get stuck in. If we actually played to his strengths, we would see how good he is... and he wouldn’t be with us for long. The one change I’d make would be the introduction of safe standing. The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is a combination of ‘ he won’t last very long’ and ‘ give him a chance’. It’s 70 per cent for the former right now... If he left, he should be replaced by someone else from within, although we’re probably down to the tea lady. Whoever comes in must accept the limitations put on them, so anyone who can succeed in those conditions. We’ll finish in the play- offs, all being well. That should be the minimum target. If we get to play in front of crowds, then we should have some money to strengthen.