In the latest instalment of Fan View Off The Park speaks to Joe from Bootle FC Unofficial Supporters Group Bootle Bucks.
Following their defeat to City of Liverpool on Bank Holiday Monday, the news that Joe Doran had resigned as Bootle manager after nine years broke.
Bootle currently have three points from five games in the Northern Premier League West.
They welcome FC United of Manchester in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup on Saturday September 4.
“From a team perspective the club has come on a lot under Joe. When I first started watching we were reliant on young players and a few old guard and results were very mixed.
“During Joe’s tenure the club has grown off the pitch exponentially with thanks to the efforts of his uncles, Bobby Capstick, Barney Ruth and their friend Geoff Fraser, along with the great Frank Doran and Frank Doran Jr. Joe Johnson has since come in and the investment in the facilities speaks for itself.
“This off the pitch growth allowed Joe to recruit players who brought the team onto a new level. The signing of Liam Loughlin in particular proved to be a watershed moment, as that helped recruit a few other lads and we went from perennial also rans to title challengers.
“Since 2013 the ground is almost unrecognisable. The club has undergone extensive renovations which has improved the offer for fans, local residents and visitors alike.
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“Joe and the whole Doran family have put a lot of effort into increasing the revenue streams into the club, to help it reach its full potential.
“It’s not just a football club, it’s now a community hub, which is fantastic.
“The investment in the stadium has been brilliant, with the new pitch in particular being a game changer for the club, attracting more lucrative opposition for pre season friendlies, like Wigan Athletic for example.
“The fans are very sad to see Joe go. He’s always been very accommodating and put up with a few of the lads talking absolute nonsense and thinking they know better, but he’s always listened.
“Those who’ve watched throughout his tenure know how he improved the squad, the massive effort he’s put into taking us to the next level and as a young manager we’ve seen his personal development too.
“Whilst on paper the start doesn’t look great, having attended every game I think there are a lot of positives to take from the opening five games. Clitheroe was a disaster, but the other three games we’ve lost could and in my opinion should have been wins for Bootle.
“Perhaps I’ve watched it through blue and amber tinted glasses, but I know the lads feel disappointed their efforts haven’t yielded more points. I think the lack of football for 18 months has afflicted all sides and we need to be patient. The squad is very talented and whoever comes in inherits a good team, who with few additions could cause a lot of teams problems this season.
“As we move forward with a new manager I think there’s plenty that can be achieved. Football at this level is so unpredictable and I think we should be very optimistic.
“The primary aim has always got to be to stay in the division as a newly promoted team. With a bit of luck we’ll start picking up the points and then we can start to be a bit more ambitious.
“It would be nice to have a little run in a cup this season too. We’ll still be here to get behind whoever it is the club choose to replace Joe. It’s an amazing opportunity for any coach and I’m excited to see who we get in.
“I think to be a Buck it means you become part of a community. Everyone involved looks to play a part in some way and it’s brilliant. We’re a very welcoming club and it’s always great to see new faces. Hopefully we see it really flourish now.”
