This time Matt Webb gets down and dirty with player/manager/founder Billy Rouse about his and the team's start to the season.
Matt Webb: So Bill, you've made a great goalscoring start to the season, scoring in 5 consecutive games now. Are you surprised at this given you're previous goalscoring record?
Billy Rouse: Well very much so, you know my footballing skills more than anyone else. I don't score goals.
MW: What do you put this down to? Do you feel the return of Danny Rouse has helped and maybe allowed you to be more attacking?
BR: Partly yes, as we both work well together, but i think i've just been hitting the target well recently.
MW: As we've seen with impressive results! How do you feel about Cronies start to the season?
BR: We'vc started well. An outstanding result against Red Express, although i do feel hard done by with the Bad Boys result as we're the only team that had to play them before they pulled out, but other than that it's been encouraging.
MW: With most of the tough games out of the way now, are you looking to get a few more wins under the belt and really push on and try and get an unbeaten streak going?
BR: Yes most definately. It would be good to get some of the fringe players involved, although we cannot afford to slip up.
MW: Having seen the first 5 games of the season, what are your aspirations now?
BR: Well i would really like for us to push for a top 3 spot and secure a new top quality signing.
MW: Someone like Terry Gale or Andy Norman?
BR: Terry yes, Andy maybe not. I was thinking more along the lines of Ross Tremewan or Ryan Beckett.
MW: Of course these are top quality players but are you worried that it would maybe ruin the team spirit which is just coming together? Too many cooks spoil the broth, we've learnt previously that too many disruptions to the team can have a detrimental effect on how we perform on the pitch.
BR: Yes i totally agree there, but with Michael (Benyon) being away at Elmore some weeks it would be good to bring someone else in.
MW: Some members of the squad have reservations about this though..they feel that this may threaten their place in the squad. Should they be worried?
BR: No, not at all, but certain players are going to have to show me more or else we will need changes!
MW: So no-one's place in the team is secure? Not even your's?
BR: What's the point of running a football team if your going to guarentee places, so to answer your question..NO!
MW: Is that a sign that your not happy with performances so far this season?
BR: No..We've been playing well and i just want the best from my players.
MW: How would you deal with any players who disagree with your policy and become disgruntled over lack of playing time like Martin Tyrer in previous campaigns?
BR: Well Martin left after not getting the games, but then missed Cronies life and came back..he came back with a point to prove and has been twice the player he was before. You've just got to prove yourself and if your not prepared to wait for your chance then what's the point of playing the game?
MW: Valid point, but do you feel that too many new faces could potentially ruin the history of the club..in the end you could be left with no original members of the team left. Then what is the point of the club? You've got to decide the direction of the club..do you want success with the best possible players available no matter who they are or do you want to stick with the same core and work with them and try to improve?
BR: I know it's quite disappointing with only 2 original members left, but with myself and yourself still in the set-up i believe we can create an unstoppable side!
BR: I am very happy with the squad. I just want to see mroe from a couple of the lads.
MW: So what direction do you want the club to head in..for example if Ronaldinho, Buffon, Ronaldo, Ferdinand and Fabregas wanted to join would you let them?
BR: Well lets be honest, who would turn them away?
MW: Yh of course they would make Cronies the best team in the world, but then what is the point of having the team if none of the founders or current squad are left to play in it?
BR: I think you are going off the point here. We are both involved in the set-up as managers
MW: Im not the 1 who is avoiding answering the question!
MW: Is it more about the banter and the fun or is it more about results and honours?
BR: With the squad we've got we will challenging for honours with are banter.
MW: You've still not answered the question..what direction do you want the club to head in..what is yours and the club's prerogative?
BR: I want the club to be challenging for honours. I feel the current squad is capable of doing this.
MW: Yes we know this, but if better players became available would you turn them down so the team could remain mostly the same?
BR: It really does depend on how the team does over the season.
MW: So if you had to, you would replace the whole team?
BR: Are squad is good enough to compete with the best, so there is no need for change!
MW: So your pledging never to replace the team? But earlier you said no-one's place was secure!
BR: No-one's place is guarenteed. You can't jus say the team is Matt, Danny, Mark, Harry, Martin can you? Players have to work, that's what i meant.
MW: So the whole team could be replaces if no-one performs well?
BR: I can't just magic up new players! I don;t think you understand what i'm saying. If for instance Martin has a shocker, he won't keep his place, he will be moved to the bench.
MW: I never said you could magic up new players! But if they did become available would you replace the team?
BR: No!
MW: Finally a straight answer.
BR: Finally a straight question.
MW: All of my questions have been perfectly straight.
MW: How would you prefer the team to be like..Red Express a team which maybe takes it too seriously and results are everything or for example Silver Bullet where it's more about the fun.
BR: Wherever there's Cronies FC there's fun!
MW: I think we'll leave it there for now..we could go on all night about Cronies FC! Thank you for your time, we've certainly cleared up a few things!
BR: No problems.
