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MONTPELLIER HSC MID TERM REPORT

For me having joined the club a few games in this is a mid season report. 

I was somewhat surprised when approached by the President of Montpellier (not the President of  T100 Big Frank) about taking on  the challenge here as my CV is not great (failures with FC Twente and WBA). But I thought what is the worse that can happen – finish bottom again !!!

Well my target was not over ambitious, I just wanted to ensure that I could try and build a team up over  at least 2 seasons and  initial aim was to try and get to  40 points.

The first few games it was a struggle for me to get my  formation right and to get the players working for me. I decided it was time to shift some  senior players out – Fletcher, Huddlestone, Hilton, Valdes and now Arter. A big gamble really as it is not easy in Division 5 to bring in some reasonable experienced players. I have to admit none om my signings have made a big impact yet, but the players still here have done a really good job.  Currently the youth policy is a very low priority and will remain so till at least another 2 seasons I think.

Never keen to single anyone out but having put Jourdren in goal he has played really well (so far). It is however up front where the experience of Pelle and Defoe have either been scoring goals or  providing assists for us.

Neither of these players will be leaving before the end of this season. Unless my president interferes in player deals.  

In addition we have loaned in Kalas from Valencia and Lingard from Arsenal (maybe for the season). Lingard in particular will give me another option and a rethink on the successful formation we have been using so far.

We currently have 29 points, so 40 still some way off and in a very tight division where there have been a lot of draws I am taking nothing for granted.