GLENN EMERSON IS ENCOURAGED BY RECENT PERFORMANCES AND RESULTS 354433

No er has enjoyed Glenavon’s recent improved form more than new Chairman, Glenn Emerson. It is just over three months since the Ardmore man succeeded Adrian Teer. 2r3738

“Performances and results over the last few weeks have given everyone at the club, most particularly our ers, a real lift,” he said. “The most encouraging thing for me was the vocal backing which the team received during the Larne match. The fans saw the team’s ion and commitment and responded. Afterwards, a number of the players commented on how much the atmosphere had helped, particularly during the second half. For some, it was the first time they had heard the Mourneview crowd really make a noise.”

Yet, at the end of August, after successive defeats in the opening three fixtures and a disappointing sequence of results in the second half of last season, there was a lot of concern about the club’s future prospects.

“No one is indispensable,” Glenn continued. “That includes the manager. I have talked to Stephen at length. He is well aware that the maintenance of our Premiership status is vitally important. If that was in serious jeopardy, then his position would become an issue. But we are not in that situation and hopefully won’t be.”

Emerson said that he hopes that the Dundalk man will be club’s manager long-term. “That is what I want to see happen,” he added. “I sat down with Stephen before the players returned for pre-season. He showed me on his laptop the plans which he had put in place for every game and every training session leading up to the start of the Premiership campaign. Everything was mapped out in meticulous detail.”

“I have spoken to the players and continue to talk to them,” he continued. “They all appreciate his approach. They tell me that the quality of the training is excellent. They like his commitment to play a progressive style of football. So far as I am concerned, if, ultimately, things don’t work out it won’t be due to any lack of effort on Stephen’s part and it won’t be because the team is not prepared properly for each game.”

The Chairman reckons that Glenavon ers understand the very difficult environment in which the Board and Stephen must operate. “Our fans know the position,” he said. “They are fully aware that we don’t have the resources of Larne and Linfield. They know that we have to work to a tight budget. That’s why there was such a positive atmosphere during the Larne match. They could see that we were holding our own against an opponent with a wages’ budget which is a lot, lot bigger than ours. That game showed that, whatever the disparity in resources, if we are well organised, disciplined and are totally committed we can pick up points. That should offer us hope.”

Glenn revealed that it was a difficult summer. The wages’ inflation, which has become a major issue since Larne and Glentoran went full time, continues to bite. “Stephen was given a budget. It probably wasn’t as big as he would have wanted it to be, but to be fair to him, he didn’t grumble. He got on with it and, I think, did very well,” he said. “The g of Keith Ward was the only recruitment issue we had. That was because he became available late in the Window. The manager was very keen to sign him. We pushed the boat out to make that possible. Otherwise, Stephen had specific targets, and, by and large, got the men he wanted. He was also clear about the players who did not have a future with us. The present squad is exactly what he wants it to be.”

Glenn revealed that at the start of pre-season he addressed the players as a group. “I made a point of taking five minutes to set out what Glenavon is all about. I wanted them to appreciate what the club means to so many people and I wanted them to know that I am always available if they have any issues or concerns. I am not sure how much of what I said they took in, but ten or eleven weeks later I think the new lads, in particular, are beginning to understand what it means to pull on a Glenavon jersey. The Larne game and the engagement there was between the ers and the team was a throw back in some ways to what I coming to games at Mourneview Park as a child. Then there was always a lot of noise and an intimidating atmosphere. That’s what we want at every home match.”

Since his appointment Emerson has chaired meetings of both the Executive Board and full Board. He is one of several new directors and office-bearers. “So far everyone has gelled together well,” he explained. “I am not saying that we have agreed on everything. People have different views. But, on the core issues, we are all on the same page. All of us want to push the club on. A lot of what we discuss is mundane but nonetheless important. We have, for example, just bought a new water tank to service the pitch. Finance is the subject we never get away from. We are continually looking at ways to increase income.”

The Board hopes, at some stage, to appoint a new Business Control Manager. “This is a priority for us,” Glenn continued. “We need to develop new, more lucrative revenue streams. But it is important to say that Eddie Drury has done and continues to do a fantastic job as Commercial Manager.”

Emerson was keen to reinforce the Board’s gratitude to the many benefactors and volunteers who contribute so much to Glenavon. “I could name names from now until midnight of people who give up their money and time or both to help,” he said. “Without their commitment – and they know who they are – we could not maintain the wages’ budget at the level it is at or even host games at Mourneview Park. To them, on behalf of my colleagues, I say a big ‘thank you’.”

Looking ahead to the next Transfer Window, Glenn is hopeful that the Board can continue to the manager. “My hope is that we will not need to do anything in January, but if circumstances change, we will do our best to assist Stephen,” he said. “Glenavon has no major debts but equally there is no cash reserve. During the summer we put every penny into the squad that we had and a bit more. But if the manager comes to us with a reasonable proposition, we will consider it.”

Emerson has nothing to report with regard to the club’s plans to further improve its facilities with the building of new dressing rooms and other accommodation. “We have done everything which the Department of Communities has asked us to do,” he said. “Now we are waiting for a decision. That should come early next year.” The Ardmore man is excited about the project. “A new building would not just mean state of the art facilities on matchdays for players and referees. It would give us space we don’t have at present to hold functions and revenue-raising events. It would also allow us to the community much more. Since the 1980s the club has made huge strides off the pitch. This would be another big step forward.”

Emerson has hopes that the team can maintain its recent form and challenge for as high a finishing position in the Premiership as possible. “Despite the constraints we have to work within, both Stephen and I are very ambitious,” he continued. “Neither of us will be content to finish in ninth or tenth place. We want to do better than that. But Rome is not built in a day. Patience may be required. Whatever happens, I and my colleagues around the boardroom table will continue to do everything in our power to make Glenavon successful.”