Chronicle Article 5 May 2000

"One swallow does not make a summer" says the proverb. Several of our annual visitors to the North Terrace have arrived already so it must be close. I'm not superstitious but seeing them perched on a barrier behind the goal, with their iridescent blue and white plumage, I couldn't help wonder whether they heralded the start of a good summer for a change. For City supporters that is.

As a lad, the first Saturday in May was always FA Cup Final day, which marked the end of the season. The league tables had been sorted at 4.45pm the previous week, before Sky took over the fixture list. In late August, footballers would be back playing for the same teams.

Times have changed. Freedom of contract now means that over 25% of players in every division will be changing clubs. In the summer managers are busy assembling their squads in time for preseason training. Due to administration, this was wasted last year. Hopefully things will be different this time round, whatever happens on Saturday.

Ian Atkins, who got Chris Kamara's vote in the Sun as division 3 manager of the year, featured on Radio Merseyside on Tuesday night. He spoke about his playing days, his coaching and psychology qualifications and his experiences of eleven years in football management, starting with Colchester in the Conference. The value of his contacts at all levels and his standing in the game has been exemplified in his ability to quickly recruit the right type of players for us within the club's financial constraints. Only Tony Hemmings cost "a couple of grand". The rest were begged, stolen or borrowed. He also referred to the spirit and hard work of the squad, superb fans and the support of the local media. And knowing the managers involved in Saturday's key games, he didn't expect any team to be doing less than its bes

We had a magnificent following of around a thousand fans who made the journey to sunny Cheltenham and we were again praised by home fans for our behaviour and support. Given our recent history, it was probably too much to hope that our summer could start early with a win. Despite the defeat, we are hardly any worse off and would have happily settled for this situation a few months ago.

However, the waiting is becoming worse by the day. I suspect that most of us just want to get to three o'clock Saturday and let it all out for ninety minutes. The team is well prepared, the support ought to outstrip anything previously seen at the Deva and everyone will be in touch with the happenings at Exeter and Brighton. The swallows' peace and quiet is due to be well and truly shattered. It will be an afternoon to remember, come what may. It will define our summer. Surely the Granada documentary needs a happy ending. We certainly do.

A week later the ISA end of season disco features the players' awards and the ISA Annual Draw (first prize £1000). A few tickets are still available. (Would members please return monies and counterfoils by May 10th). Maybe after that we can all enjoy a good summer.

Les Smith ISA chairman

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