Forum Report
By Seaxe Man
March 8 2007
Seaxe Man reports on issues discussed from Forum on 26 February. His attention to detail and accuracy of information makes me feel that I was actually there
Location - Banqueting Suite-attended by approx 150 pepole
Top Table - John Emburey DOC - Ed Smith Capt - Chris Lowe Chair - Vinny
C Chief Exec
Changes to staff - John elucidated these. New Coach 1st XI Richard Pybus
Sports Injuries Doctor - Bowling Coach= JK Lever Strengthening/Fitness/ Physio - job interviews for this position to be held on 6th March.
Capt's Address - Ed Smith - Great honour to be asked to captain Middlesex.
As a Kent supporter remembers the 1984/86 finals where Kent were beaten by Middlesex with a big contribution from the man on his right J.Emburey. His goals for Midd-x in 2007 - to be a powerful, ruthless and a winning side.
Players are at the right age to be committed and competitive - his job to engage with the players to get the best from them and also to the game The players who have wintered in England will be going with Ed to Perth in March for a training camp - 10 in number. He wished the WC 3 well.
Question - for John Emburey - As Director of Cricket - what are his responsibilities?
Now reponsible for development of young players from 10 upwards countywide ( 16 London Boroughs plus Spelthorne ) and any recommendations from adjoining Minor Counties of young players. Will also assist Midd-x Cricket Board to strengthen ties with club game. Will oversee as required,but 1st team to be solely run by Ed Smith and Richard Pybus.
Question - Batting? Shortages early season due to WC. Is this a problem?
Answer by Ed Smith He does not see it so-opportunity for Eion Morgan and Billy Godleman. Could mean Nashie being asked to bat higher.
Eion recently made highest score for Ireland Billy has been engaged in a successful tour of Malaysia along with Mickey Finn. Felt also that Nick Compton was in good form. Ed has checked stats - Middx over past 3/4 seasons has the most powerful batting array of all counties. He accepted though that they didn't perform to their potential last year.
Question from Murray Goldstein - more of a statement really - applauded
use of the term ' ruthless'. Felt we had'nt been so receently.
Mentioned Hants game at 170-7 when Scotty Styris went on defensive.
Answer from Ed Smith - said everybody will have different opinions on
what a captain may or may not do. Expected he will get flak if things don't always go as hoped. But it will not be for the lack of effort.
Question - tell me about the new signings?
Answer John Emburey - Chaminda Vaas won't be avail at start -WC. Jonno to cover. Kartik avail all season - but with the flat tracks will be expected to block up an end for the quicks - contain when needed to - look to winkle them out like Tuffers/Embers and Edmonds in days of yor. Did add though that he hoped India don't get any injuries on tour. Tim Murtagh - John was contacted by Alan Butcher saying that TM was avail to cross the river.
he swings the ball so adds depth to bowling as we have no culture amongst quicks for this skill. Richo in Oz after elbow op - hoped he would contribute this year. Danny Evans from Durham - aged 19 - 6feet 5iniches tall - fast and bouncy. Mark Jackson from Northants - on 3 months trial left arm swing bowler. Joe Dawes said when with us - no fast bowling culture at the club. Club accepts this view and has been looking to build up a pool of quicks - to be rotated as necessary giving form and fitness. Shaun Levy on summer contract - Embers expressed surprise that Shaun has not attracted attention from England at age group level. ( Seaxe Man states he would second that from
what he saw of him at Vine Lane last year) . Ed Smith also said hat he wants Silvers to lead the quick bowlers in a pack mentality - so that the oppo 'ain't going to think it's easy batting against Midd-x' either at Lord's/Southgate or elsewhere . Ed Joyce to be vice capt.
Question - cannot agree with Jonno signing - to injury prone and overweight.
Answer - jointly by John and Ed. Jonno was not expected to play every match.
Jonno himself reckoned he is good for another 2/3 years. Wanted to return to his spiritual home as he had unfinished business. Feels he can assist Midd-x back into the bigtime. Capt said he was happy to have him on board as part of the fast bowling pack.
Question - Ed - do you know Duncan Fletcher?
Answer - Yes
Question - Richo fitness?
Answer - from John we now have a Doctor of Medicine and are getting a Fitness Strengthening Coach - so advice will be on site so to speak, to anticipate any problems earlier. Simon Shepherd - former fitness coach on committee. ECB are collecting data at Loughborough on fast bowling injuries - how they occur and where - main area being studied is the lower back.
Announcements by Chris Lowe.
Official website has comp to win Scotty Styris' LVCC shirt. It is large.
Hall of fame - Gus Fraser and Tuffers have been added to this. Rules have been reviewed and Paul Weekes also qualifies for a slot.
Party - Sat 16th June 2nd day of Essex match - to celebrate 60 years since the glorious summer of '47 heavily featuring Edrich and Compton. Old playing colleagues plus Nick Compton to be there. Tickets available from Emma at office Seaxe Club events - see Steve Baldwin
Question - Richard Pybus/JK Lever - cv's?
Answer from John - Richard was born in Suffolk and played some Minor county cricket for them. Has also lived and coached in Oz/SA and two 2 year stints for Pakistan. Left there because they wanted his family to move there as well. Recently coached Northern Titans to the Super Sport Championship
(LVCC equiv). Has also had success with Border and Eastern Province.
J.K.Lever - is available for the majority of the season - will cover1st/2nds as required - has other job with a school.
Question from Gerry - where will Ed bat at Somerset?
Answer - at 4 but will open in onedayers. Ed happy to bat anywhere between 1 and 5 depending on team needs. Owais/Ed J and himself have scored over 5000runs each over the recent past. He wants all to play without the fear of failure. Said that the record of the 3 batters mentioned - surrpassed most other counties.
Question - financiial situation due to playing staaf of 22 and extra back up
staff?
Answer - Vinny - in short term - not a problem. Longer term will require vigilance. Success comes at a price. Felt that in future we would get a sympathetic hearing from Keith Bradshaw new MCC exec. He said that KB is first and foremost a cricket person.
Question - Will Ed Smith keep a diary?
Answer - No.
Question - can we liven up the wicket here? Southgate better for spin?
Answer - jointly from John and Ed - this of course is an old chestnut -
John has spoken to Mick Hunt in the past with as he put it, with mixed results.
Balance stilll wrong. However he, JE is now on MCC pitch committee and hopes he can influenece this area. Our players don't get square practice- so wicket is like playing an away fixture. He thinks KB recognises this problem. Ed Smith said we have to inprove the mindset on this subject and once again make Lord's a difficult place for the oppo.
Question - will we get a tourist game?
Answer - No. It is our turn to miss out. Tourists play few county matches.
End of Meeting