Countdown to the big kick-off: Phil Ball, Alpha Rail
In the last of our chats with local football fans in the business community, we talk to Phil Ball, sales director for metal railings and gates manufacturer Alpha Rail and a life long Mansfield Town supporter.
What was the high point of last season?
I think for any football supporter, one of the highlights of the season is always going to be getting one over your local rivals, but to get the double over your rivals, now that is just something special in itself. Last season I got to see my beloved Stags beat Notts County twice, 2-0 away at Meadow Lane and then 5-0 at Field Mill. We didn’t just beat them, we buried them and I’m sure if you asked any Stags fan the same question, they would most likely give you the same answer.
Favourite other team in your division?
I wouldn’t say I have another favourite team, I’ve always been Mansfield through and through, but what I will say is, I always like to see an underdog do well. Take last season as an example. I enjoyed watching Accrington Stanley progress, because it just shows that you don’t need all the money in the world to be successful. Although they lost in the semi final leg against AFC Wimbledon, a club like Accrington epitomises that through good management and savvy off field business strategies, a small club can be successful.
And least favourite?
I’m not the kind of guy that despises any other teams. All football supporters just want the best for their teams, so it is pointless hating other teams. However, that said it’s always nice to get to a win, even better if it’s against your local rivals, but that doesn’t mean I have any ill feeling towards Notts County or any other team.
Have you been happy with the close season?
So far I’ve been quite pleased with the summer signings. I think Adam Murray has been quite astute in the additions he has made to the side. We have not necessarily had the results we wanted in pre season, but it takes time for teams to gel and I’m hoping that after some time spent on the training ground, the team will perform well during the forthcoming season.
How do you think you’ll do next season?
Well I’m hoping last season isn’t an indication as to how this season will go. In 2015-16 we started well, but really faded away towards the back end of the season. I’m hoping that the coaching staff and players will take responsibility and make some changes to rectify any future dips in performance so that we don’t suffer the same problem this year.
Predicted finish?
If the summer additions can gel with the existing team, then I don’t see why we can’t challenge for promotion. I don’t think we’ll reach the heights of automatic promotion but I think we can really have a go at making the playoffs so I’ll settle with 6th place and then hopefully do well and give our fans a good away day trip to Wembley.
