I'm not sure to what extent the meeting with local SA supporters has been covered in the media but here's some feed back anyway from this observer.
I was among a group of local supporters (about 50) who were invited to attend the meeting which was closed to the media. SAF received a rousing standing ovation on arrival and was relaxed and jovial, with the goings on in Cape Town seemingly having no effect on his demeanour. He answered questions put to him by the group in a patient and thorough way as you would expect from him. Unfortunatley the meeting only lasted about 40 minutes due to his tight schedule. Here are some of the issues that were discussed.
In answer to a question about the vacant number 9 shirt, SAF said they had been negotiating to bring someone in before the World Cup but the deal had not materialised. Whether or not this would be pursued in January was not made entirely clear.
On the subject of transfers SAF seemed keen to pursue Escude, the deal having been scuppered by Rennes - quite reasonably in SAF's view due to the fact that he was too valuable a player to lose at that time. How that may change later was not made clear - perhaps United will need to up the stakes somewhat.
Generally SAF thought the transfer market was out of control and that salaries were hurting a number of clubs - an indication that the spiral was unlikely to continue at the same rate in the future.
Answering a question about Keane's contention in his book that there was a lack of motivation amongst certain players last season, SAF agreed that a number of contracts had been renewed at considerably higher wages and there may have been, albeit subconsciously, a drop in effort and motivation amongst some of those players - he didn't mention names of course.
As far as the youth set up was concerned, SAF said he was extremely happy with the current structure and personnel and particularly with the arrangements being made with various feeder clubs to circumvent the restrictions that Clubs have in only being able to sign youngsters within a radius of 1.5 miles of the club. Carlos Queiroz was going to Brazil to set up connections in this regard. On players to look out for SAF specifically mentiond Fletcher, if he could stay clear of injuries and build up his strength, Richardson, if he could get more consistency in his performances he'd be a marvellous player and Mads Timm. Also a young defender by the name of McShane who I must admit I had not heard of (maybe I misheard him !). SAF also talked about Michael Stewart as being very good but as a midfielder finding stiff opposition and therefore difficulty in competing for a place in that position. Much to the group's approval,John O' Shea was also mentioned briefly, particularly the terrific progress he had made. No other up and coming prospect was discussed
Asked about JSV, SAF said that he had qualities such as a terrific motor and ability to pass the ball fantastically well but was always looking for that match winning pass, sometimes the ball that's not on, which tended to go astray. He said perhaps his game was more suited to Europe ie the CL, but that he had a great attitude to training and in the dressing room and he was very happy to have him. Maybe it is the Argentinian in him that made him a little unpredictable. SAF also said that JSV was used to having Simeone in close support which allowed him to express himself more. He also thought he tended to chase things a bit too much early in the game instead of conserving energy a little more. However his athletic qualities made him a great player for a long hard season.
SAF said that one of the hardest tasks of a manager was deciding when to let a player go who he felt was not going to make it. In this regard he mentioned Greening, Wilson, Mackem, Healy and one or two others whose transfers brought in 15m for the Club.
Finally in answer to the pitch and injuries, SAF said the OT pitch had always been a problem and was beginning to break up now. This would mean replacement fairly soon.
Unfortunately there was no time to discuss anything else and the meeting closed with the great man being whisked away to avoid quite a media circus outside- not before the usual autograph session behind closed doors during which he displayed his usual inordinate patience and understanding with the fans.
I was among a group of local supporters (about 50) who were invited to attend the meeting which was closed to the media. SAF received a rousing standing ovation on arrival and was relaxed and jovial, with the goings on in Cape Town seemingly having no effect on his demeanour. He answered questions put to him by the group in a patient and thorough way as you would expect from him. Unfortunatley the meeting only lasted about 40 minutes due to his tight schedule. Here are some of the issues that were discussed.
In answer to a question about the vacant number 9 shirt, SAF said they had been negotiating to bring someone in before the World Cup but the deal had not materialised. Whether or not this would be pursued in January was not made entirely clear.
On the subject of transfers SAF seemed keen to pursue Escude, the deal having been scuppered by Rennes - quite reasonably in SAF's view due to the fact that he was too valuable a player to lose at that time. How that may change later was not made clear - perhaps United will need to up the stakes somewhat.
Generally SAF thought the transfer market was out of control and that salaries were hurting a number of clubs - an indication that the spiral was unlikely to continue at the same rate in the future.
Answering a question about Keane's contention in his book that there was a lack of motivation amongst certain players last season, SAF agreed that a number of contracts had been renewed at considerably higher wages and there may have been, albeit subconsciously, a drop in effort and motivation amongst some of those players - he didn't mention names of course.
As far as the youth set up was concerned, SAF said he was extremely happy with the current structure and personnel and particularly with the arrangements being made with various feeder clubs to circumvent the restrictions that Clubs have in only being able to sign youngsters within a radius of 1.5 miles of the club. Carlos Queiroz was going to Brazil to set up connections in this regard. On players to look out for SAF specifically mentiond Fletcher, if he could stay clear of injuries and build up his strength, Richardson, if he could get more consistency in his performances he'd be a marvellous player and Mads Timm. Also a young defender by the name of McShane who I must admit I had not heard of (maybe I misheard him !). SAF also talked about Michael Stewart as being very good but as a midfielder finding stiff opposition and therefore difficulty in competing for a place in that position. Much to the group's approval,John O' Shea was also mentioned briefly, particularly the terrific progress he had made. No other up and coming prospect was discussed
Asked about JSV, SAF said that he had qualities such as a terrific motor and ability to pass the ball fantastically well but was always looking for that match winning pass, sometimes the ball that's not on, which tended to go astray. He said perhaps his game was more suited to Europe ie the CL, but that he had a great attitude to training and in the dressing room and he was very happy to have him. Maybe it is the Argentinian in him that made him a little unpredictable. SAF also said that JSV was used to having Simeone in close support which allowed him to express himself more. He also thought he tended to chase things a bit too much early in the game instead of conserving energy a little more. However his athletic qualities made him a great player for a long hard season.
SAF said that one of the hardest tasks of a manager was deciding when to let a player go who he felt was not going to make it. In this regard he mentioned Greening, Wilson, Mackem, Healy and one or two others whose transfers brought in 15m for the Club.
Finally in answer to the pitch and injuries, SAF said the OT pitch had always been a problem and was beginning to break up now. This would mean replacement fairly soon.
Unfortunately there was no time to discuss anything else and the meeting closed with the great man being whisked away to avoid quite a media circus outside- not before the usual autograph session behind closed doors during which he displayed his usual inordinate patience and understanding with the fans.