We spoke with First Team Manager Nathan Hallett-Young as the 2025–26 season approaches to hear his thoughts on the next campaign, including building on last year's accomplishments, new acquisitions, fan support, and the club's identity.
"We exist because of our fan base. Their encouragement keeps us going, gets us through difficult times, and motivates us to maintain the standards we set for ourselves." Young, Nathan Hallett
What goals do you have for the squad this season, both in the league and the cup?
"We want to get better, and that much is obvious. Strong foundations were established last season, and they are now the standard for what we hope to accomplish moving ahead.
We'll have an incredible season if we can build on that and elevate it even further. We want to compete, not just stand still, whether it's in the league or the cups."
How is your strategy this year being shaped by the lessons you and the team learnt during the previous season's campaign?
"We discovered early on how fast-paced and intense this league is. We had to quickly adjust because it's a different level than what we were accustomed to. We were strong tactically last year, but we also need to match that physical side if we want to compete regularly.
Our preseason preparation has been heavily centred on that. We'll be a formidable opponent if we can integrate both.
What would you say about the character or style of play you want to develop this season?
"Cohesion. That has always been central to who we are. We put a lot of effort into building a close-knit team that stands for one another through thick and thin.
We weren't necessarily the superior team on paper in some of the games from the previous season, but we won due of our dedication and solidarity. That attitude, that conviction, is potent. We'll dig in together, regardless of whether we have our backs to the wall.
Our success has been largely attributed to that spirit, which will be crucial once more this year.
Over the summer, there were some significant additions. What attributes have they contributed to the group?
"Part of the game is that players come and go every season. Some well-known athletes who have played a significant role in our journey over the last few years have moved on. However, we must hire gamers that compete for spots if we hope to continue expanding.
Standards are raised by that competition. I'm rather happy with the people we hired this summer. It demonstrates purpose—a will to keep going.
The new players have added tactical awareness and a true technical advantage. It's encouraging to see the levels increasing even in the early preseason.
How have the players handled the preseason's demands thus far?
"It's been a pretty good beginning. Establishing connections, integrating the new players, and strengthening our collective identity have been the main goals of the preseason. This year, we've adopted a slightly different strategy.
It has been a gradual build-up rather than a demanding beginning. Above all else, match fitness has been the main objective.
In order to assist us get off to a quick start once the competitive fixtures begin, we have more games scheduled than in recent seasons. That should offer us the best opportunity to get off to a great start.
What effect do the fans have on the players, and how significant is the club's relationship with its fan base? "It's crucial. We exist because of our fan base.
Their encouragement keeps us going, gets us through difficult times, and motivates us to maintain the standards we set for ourselves. Without supporters, football is nothing.
I sincerely hope we can continue creating memories together and am thrilled to spend another season with them. We had a fantastic average attendance at the Mem last year, and we hope that number will continue to rise.
We aim to enhance the already amazing matchday atmosphere, whether it is from seasoned season ticket holders or new fans visiting the iconic blue and white quarters for the first time. We can accomplish more if we have more individuals supporting us.
Do you have any fixtures in particular that you think the team is particularly excited about?
"To be honest, we look forward to every game. We do this to play, to compete, and to have fun.
Nevertheless, a select handful always attract attention. We always look forward to the West Country rivalry versus Swindon. Then there are the distant days, like as Worthing, which provide other difficulties.
For us, though, it's about taking each game as it comes, maintaining our composure, and doing ourselves a favour each time we put on the shirt. That's the goal every single week.
When the 2025–2026 season is over, how would you define success?
"Knowing that we've grown as a group, as a team, and as individuals would be success. I'll be pleased with our accomplishments if, in May, we can look back and say that we've advanced, lifted the bar, and competed at the highest level.
We have lofty goals, and with the team we're assembling, the people surrounding us, and the encouragement of our supporters, there's no reason why we can't achieve them."
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