What has been the strategy behind player recruitment? How difficult has it been to effectively bring in a whole new team? What were the major challenges last season? Has the quality of the Academy surprised Ady? What has pleased the board and management team during pre-season?
The Darts Q&A took place last week, with dozens of supporters attending to find out the answers to these questions and many more.
Darts boss Ady Pennock and chairman Steve Irving spoke for more than two hours, with other directors, including Mark Brenlund and Tony Burman, and operations manager Jack Smedley, answering other questions towards the end of the night when fans got their say.
To summarise:
On signings
Ady has put in the miles to find leaders and players with character, something he believes the team lacked last season. He believes supporters will get behind players proud to wear the shirt this season. He has gone for a blend of youth and experience and hopes to hit the ground running.
On the Academy
Ady was surprised by the quality of the Academy, but impressed enough to sign four players to first team contracts. He is not afraid to use youth if they continue to impress. For Steve and the board, including Tony Burman, it was a proud moment and something that is testament to all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.
On last season
It was difficult for Ady coming into the club with just 10 games to go but relegation was a huge disappointment and not something anyone has taken lightly. However, it has allowed Ady to refresh and reshape the squad and all agreed it was now a case of learning from it and looking forward.
On football philosophy
Ady has used three at the back on numerous ocassions during pre-season, but has a plan B, C and D! He wants his team to excite, create chances and score goals but be more solid at the back. Players have practiced playing with 10 men and despite only having limited time with his new squad, Ady has relayed the formations he expects if there is a red card at different times in any game.
On the changes around the club
Steve said the club listened to supporters last season and executed plans to make many of the improvements over the past few months that had been highlighted. New food and drinks options, entertainment and board members were some of the changes that fans said had made a big difference already.
On signing so many players
Ady tried to keep some players on from last season, but many wanted to stay in the higher division. In retrospect, this has given him a clean slate to work from. He has enjoyed the challenge and has money left over should he need new faces as the season progresses.
On pre-season
Ady said the team has started to gel well. The dressing room is buzzing, with many senior players already showing their worth when it comes to leadership. He is really happy with some of the performances and is excited to get going. The division looks difficult, but performances against higher opposition in pre-season that has seen the new squad perform admirably, bodes well for the season ahead.
DFC thanks all the supporters who attended and hoped they enjoyed the night.
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