Chronicle Article 7 January 2000

This article heralds the appointment of Ian Atkins as the new team manager. We heard at Carlisle that Atkins, who had orchestrated Northampton's rise to a Div 2 play-off final and who had played at all levels, was at the match and the likely appointee. If Mr Smith needed any further evidence after the Orient debacle that an experienced manager was necessary, that was quickly provided by Carlisle. However, events took a strange turn when the assembled media at the Deva on Wednesday morning, including TV cameras, were told that the situation was at "ground zero". A press statement went on to criticise the media for having damaged the efforts to strengthen the coaching staff and contributing greatly to the league position.

The calls for Mr Smith to step down as manager have increased in the last few weeks as the team has hovered around bottom place. Recently, in the media, he has criticised fans, the ISA, coaches, the previous manager and players. Now the media itself has come under fire.

Mr Smith has maintained that the coaching has improved since he took charge and suggested we are 95% of the way towards the finished article. Nevertheless, we have the worst defensive record in the league by far and joint second poorest goal scoring performance. He has also said that he was thrust into the managerial role, (yet one he appeared to relish). He has brought ten of the current staff to the Club although appearances of many have been restricted.

After Orient he indicated that he had intended to relinquish team management following the Carlisle game. It seems a pity, therefore, that when ISA members voted for him to step down two weeks earlier, the offer of shares to a total value of £140,000 was withdrawn, rather than him outlining these long-term intentions. In a similar vein, an offer by Executive Club members to sponsor a manager was not taken up. Such finances would have been particularly helpful in view of the investment now likely to be required.

He has referred to the "tight ship" he is running at the Deva and that the wage bill is the lowest in the Division. Behind the scenes he has benefited since day one from the efforts of the ex ISA directors and the volunteer ISA staff. The ISA have assisted in other ways including match sponsorship at senior and youth team level, programme sourcing and stadium refurbishment. After working in the commercial department since July, two ISA committee members felt it necessary to withdraw their services due to the criticism of the ISA committee.

We are not greedy supporters but football is part of our lives. We have had limited success over the years, but like all small Clubs we live on hopes and dreams and memories. Mr Smith raised our hopes high through extravagant promises, yet everyone else appears to be castigated for the current problems. The Club belongs to the fans, emotionally if not practically, and we are all suffering. This city is seriously in danger of losing its League Club. Every game has increasing importance. It remains to be seen if Atkins can turn things around.

The ISA AGM is on 31st January at the Royal Mail Club. Nominations are invited for the ISA committee.

Les Smith ISA chairman

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