NICK Holmes has responded to supporters' questions submitted for the May edition of our Ask Nick! feature.

Due to the extra work load last weekend's play-off final created, his answers didn't quite go out in time for Sunday's final, but are still produced here.

Supporters wishing to put Nick on the spot for the first feature after the summer break, should e-mail their questions to mike.turner@salisburyjournal.co.uk by noon on Friday, June 29.

Thanks again to everyone who submitted questions - those on a similar theme have been linked together.

Play-offs/final/Histon champions...

Q. Congratulations on reaching the final of the play-offs. How are the nerves?

A. "I did not get a chance to do these answers before the Braintree game. I can tell you there were a few more nerves around than the norm. I thought all the lads handled it very well, and did not let their own jitters harm performances."

Q. We had two great games of football in the semi-finals against Bishop's Stortford - do you think the final against Braintree will be as exciting, or will it be like the game at their place recently?

A. "I never thought the final would be as good a football match as Bishop's, but it did give you an advert for good old English football, that was excellently refereed."

Q. Two teams with great defensive records - have the lads been practising penalties?

A. "I must admit I was dreading the thought of penalties. After many practices only Tubbsy and Cooky could keep the ball in the stadium!"

Q. Histon eventually won the league by a massive 19 points - but they weren't 19pts better than us, were they?

A. "No they were not. Had it not been for Tubbs' suspension and the resulting injury crisis we would have given Histon a much better run for it, though they would have taken some catching."

Injuries...

Q. Good to see an almost fully fit squad again - that must have been a relief going into the final few games of the season.

A. "We managed to get by in the end, even though we lost Turks and Neilsen for many games and had Tommy only 25% fit."

Q. What's the latest on Wayne Turk's injury - will he be fully recovered in time for the start of next season?

A. "Wayne had an operation on his knee last week and should be 100-per-cent fit by the start of the season. That would be a rarity for him!"

Alan Ball...

Q. How much of an influence was Alan on your playing career?

A. "He was brilliant. He did not suffer fools easily. He would always say: "why have two touches when one will do."

Q. Thought the tributes to Alan Ball from all over the country were fantastic. In particular those from Southampton. It's amazing seeing how close those with a Southampton-connection have remained after all these years. Why do you think this is the case?

A. "The club was then run as though it were a big family. Lads enjoyed that, and it is no surprise that after retiring many made their homes down here."

Ground developments/car park/public transport...

Q. Any news on what you're naming the new stand? Will In-Excess still be the main sponsors next season?

A. "In-Excess have renewed their sponsorship for another season. We are obviously very grateful for their continued support. No stands have been named thus far though we would hope by the new season we may have a sponsor."

Q. Good idea to keep admission prices to a minimum next season, but a few of us think it's a bit of a cheek to ask £2 for the car park considering the state it's been in.

A. "We did not have the best of weather this year to maintain the car park. They will work on it during the close season, but the costs of tarmac-ing are far too great."

Q. How about installing a car wash at the exit to the ground? Be happy to spend a couple of quid parking and then going home with the car the same colour I left with!

A. "An entrepreneur with a sense of humour who could make a fortune!"

Q. Any news on public transport to and from the ground on matchdays for next season?

A. "Trevor Cross is looking into the possibilities of buses from the city centre."

New players/transfers...

Q. There are reports that VTFC made an audacious bid for Paul Sales. Are all the players you want to keep for next season on contract?

A. "Nobody has made a bid for Salesy, though a few local clubs asked if we were keeping him for one more year. All players that we wanted have at least one more year with us."

Q. How many new players are you likely to bring in during the summer?

A. "Like last year at this time, we will not make wholesale changes. We will be looking for two or three lads to improve us."

Pre-season friendlies...

Q. Thanks for the early notice of the AFC Wimbledon friendly - are any others pencilled in? It's always nice to plan your holidays around them so you don't miss any!

A. "As of today the Wimbledon game is the only confirmed match. By the end of the month we should have a full list of friendlies."

Q. Last year you hinted that we might have some more higher profile friendlies this time round. Saints' first team perhaps?

A. "Unfortunately not. It disappoints me to see they are off to Eastleigh again. 500 games do not seem to matter anymore!"

Q. Will there still be a special match to commemorate the 60th anniversary/book launch?

A. "The day we play Wimbledon will be a day where the "Book Team" are arranging special events."

Player of the season...

Q. Who would be your player of the season?

A. "All of them. They're a team."

New kit...

Q. How much will the new shirts cost and when will they be on sale?

A. "I believe they will be around the £35 mark."

4:36pm Thursday 17th May 2007

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