Lou began by telling me that because of the delicate nature of the takeover at present he would be unable to answer some questions and that he hoped I understood. He also said he preferred to be straight with fans as a normal rule. I said to just tell me any he couldn’t answer and that you would all understand, that we were grateful to have access to him at all. finally.

1] What can you tell me about the club’s plans and intentions re strengthening the squad?

A] Good start, I can’t answer this one. (smile) I don’t know the answer myself as yet.

2] Your previous role was as European scout. Have you seen anyone worth buying?

A] As prices escalate and the situation becomes clearer, the staff that we have and the wages we would have to pay make it impossible to bring anyone in from Europe or elsewhere. The majority of players coming from overseas want high wages as an incentive.

3]. Do you have a good working relationship with ANY agents?

A] Some are very reasonable in their demands and others aren’t. There are good and bad agents. The use of agents was always on the cards as they were used by baseball and football players in America, now the majority of players have agents to look after their interests.

4] . Do you feel that many players are money grabbers?

A] Part of my job is to separate the players who do a fair shift and work hard, from the ones who don’t. The ones that do the work deserve the rewards and get them.

5.] Are you doing contract negotiations with players now?

No this is not in my control.

6] Have you ever undertaken any negotiating skills training?

No.

7]. What do you feel your main role as Manager is?

A] 10 years ago the Manager handled all aspects of a player, wages, training , team selection, finances in general. Now we concentrate on training and team selection. I have no control over who goes or who comes in or in negotiating contracts. My responsibility is the first team players and checking on the up and coming players to look ahead to the future.

8]. How will the Club cope in a positive sense - with the new transfer system that allows players to move at will?

A] No club will welcome this. Nowadays a year before a players contract is up we have to be thinking about his future at the club and about the money aspect. This is not good for any club or for keeping the players settled.

9]. Is anyone developing new contracts to deal with possible new issues that Bosman II might bring?

A] There is no-one working on this at present.

10] . Do we offer any off-field development opportunities to current players to develop as future coaches, etc or is that the PFA's role?

A] Luckily the PFA handles everything if players want to carry on into coaching catering or anything. This is all handled and funded by the PFA.

11] Do you take any notice at all of any "amateur scout" recommendations?

A] 99% out of 100% recommendations come to nothing, but everything is checked out and looked into nowadays it has to be. The only problem is the gap between fitness in such as non-league and pub teams to professional teams.

12] I'd like to know if you are actually enjoying being at Town.

A] I have enjoyed it so far. Last season was a roller coaster of a season though as all fans know. Because it was not decided until the last Saturday it was heartbreaking. We now have the uncertainty of next season but hope to facilitate the return to division one if we can at all.

13] From my survey, most fans want you as manager on a long-term deal, would he want that too. A manager can't work wonders in only TWO years, really?

A] I would like a long-term contract to be able to fulfil everyone’s expectations and get the best out of the players and the team.

14] . If we do manage to keep the current in-contract players, what positions are top of the list for reinforcement? How many realistic candidates do we have for each?

A] Competition and backup for the goalkeeper is a priority. A left back and cover for left back is needed and competition up front.

15] . With the benefit of hindsight, should we not have bought players earlier, as many supporters were suggesting (double or even triple the fees would surely now look like excellent business against a £4 million pa additional loss on relegation?).

A] The financial position has been well documented, money was not available at the time..

16] Why do you appear ignore the young talents of such as Paul Senior and John Thorrington?

A] I never ignore the youngsters. If they are given a chance too early they think they have made it and don’t work on getting better t is important that they reach a certain standard, as Delroy and Heary did, for me to give them a chance to come through to the first team.

17] Many people feel after seeing Paul Macari in the reserves, that he deserves a chance in the first team, could it be reverse nepotism that he isn’t tried there?

A] No I am his biggest critic I admit but I am fair.

18] Schofield was one of the most exciting youngsters I've seen and after a dazzling showing in Sweden two years ago; he’s simply never been given a chance. Why?

A] Time is still on his side. There has been no opportunity because the competition has been too great.

19] What’s is your idea of playing the likes of Irons and Hay as wingers?

A] I had no choice with the injuries and sales. Pre-season fitness is important.

20] In the friendly games I’ve seen so far, I have seen NOTHING that makes we think we will even finish in the top half of the table. .Where do you feel we will realistically finish?

A] I agree pre-season can be disillusioning, but pre season is never a guide,) for example last year we won all the matches) We really have no idea until the season gets underway and we start to get a feel of how things are going in the division.

21] Who are the "best" players that WILL be playing for Town next season?

A] All the players have got different things to offer. Teamwork is important. Commitment, approach and attitude are not to be questioned in them all.

22] Who, if anyone, are we going to make available for sale? Have any clubs enquired about any of our players?

A] I can’t answer this one right now.

23] Are we aiming to play a long ball game or passing football to attain promotion next season?

A] There will be no set pattern. The players will be asked to apply themselves in the best way they are capable of.

24] Would Rubery be prepared to spend any cash on players without first making a sale to balance the books?

A] I can’t answer that one because I don’t know.

25] Is it true you have been wage capped for the players you wish to bring in?

A] I can’t answer that one either sorry.

26] Who do you or Jordan see as the creative members of the first eleven?

A] A number of our players are creative and valuable assets to the team.

27] Has Deehan's departure hampered preparations for the new season?

A] It was a big shock and came out of the blue. We all wish him well.

28] What would you say Kenny Iron's best position is?

A] Centre midfield!

29] Have you had personal differences with Chris Hay?

A] Not at all. He was with me at Celtic and scored goals for fun. At Swindon he scored goals. He is a nice lad who needs to come out of his shell a bit to compete.

30] What would you say Chris Hay's best position is?

Wide left has always been his best position and where he has scored the most goals.

31] Would you accept that you should have taken one chance in one of the few final games and actually tried to win a game?

A] We did! I realised at the Wimbledon match (we missed three unbelievable chances there near the end) that things were not going to go our way.

32] Is anyone at the Club a qualified fitness expert?

A] The physio. possibly??

33] . In view of your own experiences, why do you think it is that so few managers take their case to court for unfair dismissal? Have you just been unlucky? ;-)

A] I’ve been unlucky.

34] . How would you describe your training methods?

A] I work them hard and expect 100% commitment. I demand nothing unreasonable and improve them as much as possible.

35] What exactly is Town's policy on loan signings, e.g. the Jim Brennan case? Wasn't it a waste of time and money?

A] He got himself sent off in a reserve game, which meant he was out for three games. The problem now is that many clubs expect loans fees as well as paying the players wages. A loan player for a month can end up costing the club £40,000 or more.

36] Do you believe that players are meant to be seen and not heard

A] When I was a player I wouldn’t go near the manager’s office out of respect. No opinions were allowed. Constructive criticism is never a problem; I would worry more if someone agreed with me all the time.

37] What is your relationship like with David Taylor?

A] I have not met him as yet.

38] .Do you welcome the idea of having new management/board of directors who will devote their time to moving the club forward?

A] This is by no means certain and I cannot comment on this at this time.

39] Do you have any reservations about the current squad size?

A] Every manager does.

40] Could I ask you how much attention you pays to the opinions of the fans (whether it is by websites, papers, mailing lists or whatnot).

A] Everyone’s opinion is important but in the end the final decision has to be mine.

41] Do you look at the www.htafc.com website?

A] I wish I had the time (this was said smiling as during the interview he had people knocking on the window to attract his attention. He is very much in demand)

42] What is the most positive single thing that you would highlight for this season?

A] Determination and feeling within the squad that a major push and commitment will be needed in rectifying last season.

41] Have you got a message for the Worldwide fans?

A] No football club can be successful without the fans behind them. The players would have given up long before the end of last season if it hadn’t been for the support of the fans. Support is a major help. Please get behind the team and support them as much as you can this coming season.

I thanked Lou for the one and a half hours of his time that he gave me, and his patience in answering the questions asked. He was far from the ogre I had expected and I liked the guy in person very much. He had not been told that I wanted to interview him in the past and made it clear he had enjoyed the interview and would be accessible to me at any time in the future if I wanted another interview.

By Jeanne Brown.