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| Tuesday 22nd September 2009 | |||||||
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Stability is the key for Hearn
Hearn completed his takeover following weeks of negotiations. But the county town-based businessman is no stranger to the Dorchester boardroom having previously been a director, and the club’s vice-chairman, before stepping down 20 months ago. When did you first start getting involved at Dorchester Town? “I started off sponsoring games and sponsoring reserve-team players, probably six, seven or maybe even eight years ago. I’ve always done programme adverts and that’s how it all started. Once you’re in there it gets hold of you, but I’ve always supported Dorchester since I was knee high.” What were the reasons behind your departure from the board in January 2008? “I personally felt things were a bit stale and it was the right time for a change. Eddie Mitchell came in with honourable intentions. He tried to go with kids but the Blue Square South is a tough league and a lot tougher than people give it credit for. Eddie admitted to me personally it was perhaps a little naïve to go that way but I’m sure he’ll be doing things differently at Bournemouth. They’re flying high at the moment so they’re obviously doing something right.” After stepping down did you ever believe you would eventually become the chairman and majority shareholder? “It’s always been an ambition of mine to be the chairman of the club. I felt quite strongly that if I stayed in good health then I would one day become chairman. I’m surprised it’s happened so quickly but the timing was right so it’s a good move and I’m really looking forward to it.” What are your immediate aims for the club? “I just want to stabilise the club, get the board of directors together and then build on the team for this season, and move on again next season. We also want to get the community back involved, obviously use the marquee for functions and get as many people through the gates as possible as the more people coming to watch provides more revenue, which means the better the team we can put out.” Apart from Adam Robertson and David Martin, is there anyone else you would like on the board of directors? “I’m talking to three others at the moment but can’t go too much into who they are because I want to be honest with them and find out what we’ve let ourselves in for first as I don’t want to make any false promises to them about what state the club is in. Colin Clark and Eddie Belt will be back as vice-presidents and it’ll be good to have them around the place. I asked Dave Roberts to stay as a director but he declined, which I fully understand, and no one is going to fall out over it as everyone’s on good terms. I’d love to see Eddie Mitchell and Dave again soon and they’ll be made to feel very welcome.” How difficult is it going to be to finance the club without the help of a multimillionaire like Eddie Mitchell? “I’m fully aware there is a burden we are committed to and we will make sure the club lives within its means and to the best of its ability. Any shortfall will be made up by the board.” Are you confident the club can live within its means? “I’m looking on the positive side, and I think everybody’s got good reason to think we can move on. I wouldn’t have taken this club on if I didn’t believe in my own ability and that of the people I would love to be working with. I really believe we can make it a huge success but people will have to be patient. That goes for everyone, from the management to the supporters. One thing I will not do is jeopardise the future of the football club.” Will there be money made available if Roy O’Brien wants to bring a certain player in? “We’re in a situation where I can’t commit to that right now but I’m very confident that, with the marquee and looking into other ways of creating revenue, we can help do that. I want to see us regularly in the top 10 and the next aim would be the play-offs. The Blue Square Premier is a long way away but that would be the aim after that. We need a lot of people on board to achieve that but with the extra costs that come in that division, the revenue would in turn be higher. It’s very important for me that we stabilise the club short term and then build on from the positive things. I really do believe we can move the club forward. Are you happy with the players in the squad right now? “I’ve been impressed with the team we have this season. I would like to see them bond together off the pitch and become more involved in the local community. That’s something we’d like to build on and I know Roy and Ashley Vickers are keen to do the same.” Have Roy O’Brien and Ashley Vickers got your backing? “Yes. I don’t know them too well but I’ve spoken with them and everything has been positive. We’re still early in the season. There are a lot of tough games ahead but it’s important we start moving up the division. Staying near the bottom is not an option and won’t be acceptable so we’ve got to start winning. Having helped set up the Under-18s in the first place, will you be looking to create closer links with them again? “We don’t want to miss out on local talent. We have got the Dorchester Town Youth set-up, which is fantastic and second to none, while the lads who have been running the Under-18s have done a good job. It’s a massive jump from the division they’re in to the Blue Square South but I do believe we have missed out on a lot of talent over the years and I think there are players out there that can do a job for Dorchester. A vital part of that would be going from the youth set-up to the Under-18s, a possible reserve team and then through the ranks. If they’re good enough it doesn’t matter how old they are. But there are processes to go through and my goal is to make sure that if the players are good enough they have the chance to come through. I’d love nothing more than local lads earning contracts at Dorchester Town.” How has your first week at the club been? “There’s been a lot to get my head around but it’s something I’ve taken on board and it’s going to take a couple of weeks to find out where we are and then we’ll move on. I really do believe the future is bright and I can’t wait to get my teeth stuck into it.” Do you feel there have been too many off-the-field distractions at Dorchester in the last few years? “A football club is about getting results because we’re in a results business. I want the players grabbing the headlines not the chairman. I’d rather take a back seat and let the players do the talking. The board and I will do our best to make sure everything is running properly off the field and it’s down to the management and players to do the talking on the pitch. The games with Weymouth over the festive period should draw good crowds. Are you looking forward to the derbies? “Yes. There’s always a good atmosphere at these games and I’m hoping to see a good crowd. There have been some good games between the sides over the years and hopefully we’ll see more this season.”
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