September 2006 Forum Report


Lively Debate
By Barmy Kev
October 2 2006

Barmy Kev has taken excellent notes at last nights forum, reflecting the mood and the content admirably. I have not edited them into full sentences but have edited a little for clarity and flavour. Those of you who weren't there will no doubt get almost the full sense of the meeting.

Forum Report

 

 

Panel

Chris Lowe

John Emburey

Vinny Codrington

 

Warner Mezzanine filled to the rafters. Approx 200. 

 

Chris Lowe Intro

Said (tongue firmly in cheek) how he much he was looking toward to forum

Apologised for cramped venue, but no alternative

Next forum 26th Feb. 

AGM 11th April

 

Vinny

Disappointed with season. Have had a top to bottom review at what went wrong.  Had a heart to heart with playing staff two days previous.

 

Embers

Very poor year.

20 wickets main issue. Apart from Silverwood, the bowling was poor

Need a quality spinner.  Rymps not going to be always available.

20/20 Shah and Ed Smith off form and Rymps and Joyce not available.

There will be more support staff for away trips including medical officer and masseur.

Overseas signing Chaminda Vaas and another (player’s name was announced but been told to be kept “members only” until signed and sealed)

Captain appointment no rush – will be interviews in winter and will chose carefully.

 

(Kev and Ged's comment- much debate at drinks after forum regarding the suitability or otherwise of internal candidates)

 

Nick Compton capped (rapturous applause)

 

Questions

 

Q. Fast bowling coach/ Mentoring for youngsters?

A. Announced John Lever appointed. Senior players do mentor youngsters.

 

Q. Godleman. Why not played more?

A. Off form early season.  Promise later. Was in line against Kent was turning wicket so Weekes and Pepsi picked.  (Kev and Ged's view - this was wasted opportunity to blood youngsters in meaningless game)

 

Q. England players what do we gain?

A. Credibility and some cash.  Good to see them do well.

Q. (reposte) No compensation for 14 years without trophy.

 

Q. Will players leave because we are in 2nd Div?

A. No not due to 2nd Div.  Leaving Mel B- could be paralysed if continues.

Chad-thinking over new contract while in South Africa.  Styris, Louw, Ali gone.

 

Q. Recruitment of fast bowlers- poor choices e.g. Hutchinson and Ali?

A. Risk with any signing.  Richo/Silverwood proved successful.

 

Q. Weekes poor treatment?   (Rapturous applause)

A. At beginning of season was told wouldn’t play much. He is now interested in coaching.

Q. (reposte) He is good for another 2 years – more or less same age as R4C.

 

Q. Why had we not taken advice from Jose Mourinho as requested at last forum?

Q. Some say Embers too nice and smiling

A. At open meeting they say he snaps too much, (Kev and Ged's note - feel Embers can’t win here)

 

Q. Body language bad, players look unmotivated?

A. They are told to go on pitch together, but some go to loo on route. Have discussed idea of psychologist.  (Ged’s note: psychologist for the motivation, presumably, not toilet training).

 

Q. Implications financially of relegation?

A. No major.  10 20/20 games 20 days in London may have more effect

 

Q. 1 divisional cricket?

A. Under discussion for 2008, with little county representation.

 

Q. Was poor performance and out cricket discussed at meeting?

A. Many players under performed. They were open and honest and sometimes brutal. 2006 needed to be consigned to dustbin and move on.

Agreed that players need more support in morning before games.

 

Q. Have we a limited budget for overseas players?

A. No. But wouldn’t be involved with (it is rumoured) £150,000 offered by Kent and Lanky for Murali for 3 months.

 

Q. Leadership.  Chairman invisible?

A. Offers wisdom and “burns ears” regularly own phone.

Q. (reposte) Member suggested Sussex success was due to inspirational leadership we lack.

 

Q. Selection. Too many short-term and quasi-overseas players?

A. Sven Koenig we could do with him now.  Imran Tahir- bowled better than figures shown and has improved.

 

Q. Captaincy should be decided in Middlesex Room?

Met with laughter, no comments

 

Q. Preparations for next season?

A. Some train in January twice a week, but not contracted to do so. Report in March-do weights and leap tests Not going to India as didn’t benefit this season.

 

Q. Overseas players did well against us, while Louw struggled?

A. Seemed to benefit from flat tracks at Lords

 

Q. Preparation of pitches?

A. Difficult to influence due to Gatt’s previous vociferous opinions that didn’t go down well.  Took Mick Hunt for coffee asking for more grass. (Kev's note- I think a pint at Star would have gone down better). With potential signing more grass might not be needed.  Could be dinner rather than breakfast for Mick Hunt next year to get drier pitches.

 

Closing Embers

Thanked us, Turn out showed we care.

 

Chris Lowe.

Thanked us and John and Vinny for being open and honest (applause).

 

Fingers asked where were team?

Suggested we would not be so honest if team were there.

 

Barmy Kev's comment.

 

Certainly was not a fiery as expected and compared with mid season.  It is clear they are trying to address issues and taking positive steps in this respect.  There was no indication of trying to hide from issues.   It was worthwhile turning up and I feel a little more positive about 2007.