The Club programme editor John Lawrence asked First team gaffer Gavin Rose some questions, & they were included in the programme against Three Bridges

We are re-publishing it here, for any Hamlet fans who were not at the game.

The plastic pitch debate always gathers pace at this time of year when we have a series of postponements. Do you feel 3G pitches are the way forward for clubs at our level? And how do the players feel about playing on such artificial surfaces,as opposed to grass?

"3G pitches obviously have some advantages to teams at non league level, such as financial revenue streams, plus a greater expectancy of fixtures being able to be fulfilled. the downside would be the effects the surface can have on players physically, it can be very unforgiving especially to the older players."

It has been good to have Ahmed Deen and Frankie Sawyer back in the squad after injury, but how close are Josh Turner and Ethan Pinnock to playing again?

"Yes it's great to have them back, but equally frustrating that reserve games have been scarce as it's hard for them to gain match fitness to enable them both to challenge for a place in the side. Sawyer started a month loan spell last Saturday at VCD in the hope he can get much needed game time. Turner is progressing well and should be training with the squad today. Pinnock is also progressing well, and will be running this week."

Having defeated two top Premier Division sides in the League Cup recently, how do you feel our current squad would fare playing teams at that level week-in and week-out?

"Those two results and performances were very impressive by the boys, but I wouldn't read too much into how we would fare into the division on the back of those results. Our only concern is how we fare in our current division this season and we doing well at present with a very small squad and tight resources."

Looking ahead to next Tuesday's League Cup semi-final, our Ryman North opponents Thamesmead Town are also on a great run at present. Do you know much about them and what we can expect?

"I haven't seen Thamesmead play this season, but it doesn't surprise me they are doing so well. I've known their manager Keith McMahon a number of years now and he has always managed to produce good competitive sides. It's a semi-final, so both teams will have a prestigious final to play for. I'm sure it will be a good game."

One of our promising youngsters, Abdul Mansaray, recently had trials with Brentford. How did he get on there?

"Yes, Abdul trained with Brentford's development squad last week, and was due to play for them earlier this week, against Northwood."

Whilst on the subject of our young players, how do you, Junior and Kevin feel our team have fared in their Conference Youth Alliance games this season?

"The Academy boys will go through a few transitions per season as we need to make sure we develop each young man we bring on the scheme. Some performances have been outstanding as a group and others not so good. The most imprtant thing is that boys are developing their individual games and are able to further their potential careers in the future."