To Be Depressed Or Not To Be Depressed?

At last we have the much-awaited MTWD Forum report. Here you will find comments not mentioned on the Official report. However, there is a similar tone reflected on the sense of frustration of our season, mixed with upbeat words and some other matters close to our hearts.

The panel consisted of Gus, Richard Scott, I Luv It and Buck.  I Luv It mentioned in advance Buck had to leave early due to attending another function, so all questions on matters related to him should be submitted early.  No point in mentioning the Middlesex Room issues early on to Buck, who was not suitably dressed had he wanted to enter our so called Room.  

In Gus’s opening comments he must have used the word “frustration” at least 5 times, with the salient point made of us having fallen away after such a promising start.  He stated we were one win away from being serious Championship contenders at end of August, and one win away from next round qualification in both one day competitions.  We won 18 games in all competitions more than last season. He felt we were performing 60-65% of what we are capable of and need to be close to 80%. He mentioned at end of season Durham were at virtually 100%.  He praised our 2^nd X1, with the trophy on display, we shared the championship with Lanky and lost both 1-day finals to sides who had many 1st team players.  Our under 15/17/19’s all finished 3^rd in their groups and we have 4 players in England’s youth squads. The future looks good.

The first question/ statement by Ged directed to Buck saying he was at Chester Le Street for his famous moment and how even the England fans willed him to achieve his ton.  Buck acknowledged what an amazing experience the Ashes was, with the century being an absolute highlight, but the Lord’s test a low light.  He felt the Aussies are making inroads to a winning formula.  Middlesex matters were mentioned too and in all his answers I’m sure he used the word, in context of questioning, “attitude” as much as Gus used the word “frustration”.   He felt there was an element of 2^nd season syndrome and a need for all our batsmen to individually show some mental toughness.

The “Robson Law” matter was bought up and Buck admitted he had tried to persuade Robbo to play for Australia rather than England. He made it clear he will support him 100% whatever he decides. This was the day Robbo had been picked for the England Lions tour, which would involve “conditioning” in Australia.  Tongue firmly in cheek Gus bought up the scenario of Robbo being selected to play for Australia while out there.

There was an excellent written question sent by a member who couldn’t attend the forum. This was regarding us not having a full time batting coach and how long it will take for his role to work to good effect.  In response all the Top Table extolled the qualities of Mark Ramprakash, with Buck adding as an overseas player he is not into this having issues with leaving for local rivals and problem coming back syndrome. There was a comment from Gus I could not get my head around when he said Mark O’Neill as our batting Coach was good on the technical side and Ramps is good on mental side?  The improvement in Robbo, Dexy, Simmo’s batting this season was used as evidence as Ramps benefit to us. There were some comments from the Top Table about “fatigue” affecting performances.

More depressing questions followed for example us losing soft matches (like Derby away). The mood and some vibes made me start to think this is a relegation forum.  There were more downbeat questions, which were responded with “frustration and “attitude” in the Top Table answers.  Step up Lower Pav who expressed how we had come a long way in the past 4 years and he believed that this squad will win the championship (greeted by muted applause). I Luv It took this as an opportunity to ask us to wonder what the (relegated) Surrey forum would be like and Paulo Di Canio got a mention in this context.

Just as we were feeling upbeat again there was a question regarding our 20/20 performance against Surrey in front of a capacity crowd. Richard Scott said this format is a high-risk game that could be over very quickly. The players were gutted after the game.  There was a similar situation in our favour during our away match at Essex.

Buck was asked about his commitment to Middlesex and said currently he is available for all of next season and thinks we can win the County Championship. He left with Richard Scott to a standing ovation.   Richard Scott returned to the Top Table having done a tactical.

We now have a 4-pronged question.

Ed Joyce back?  No truth in rumour,

Gus applied for ECB MD job?  No (or was it not yet)

Ollie why overlooked for Lions tour?  His nickname in dressing room is Jim Laker, but Top Table can’t possibly be drawn in his matters being overlooked by England.

Eoin Morgan was also mentioned in this question and some others later raised the matter of his role for Middlesex.  The situation is unclear on Morgan’s contract and it is difficult to know what our finances will be as a result of this. Gus then went at great lengths to state how professional Eion when turning up for Middlesex games and how he is irked by unjustified criticism in his direction. (I don’t think he was referring to MTWD). He felt it was important to mention the impracticality of him playing at Headingley for our last game, having just captained a day night ODI in Hampshire the night before.

We then had a statement regarding Ollie hugging his father after his 15 wicket haul at (relegated) Surrey and comparing this to his perceived opinion of the David/Peter Willey indifference when he achieved his ultimate achievement. In answer, Richard Scott and Gus happily shared positvely the family values of our club

This a perfect cue for the MTWD question to follow. Step up Fozzie.  He referred to the previous comments of us being a “ family club”, this shown by how the players were still approachable to our fans at the Kit Sponsors party after the disastrous day against Somerset. The matter of Middlesex Room was then raised mentioning all issues close to our hearts from the MTWD thread on this matter.   I really wanted to applaud the question.  The answer given was in my opinion understandable but totally unsatisfactory.  Reading between the lines of the answer and with Seaxe Man’s and Kimmy’s comment on MTWD thread regarding this matter, basically we are lucky as tenants to receive any favours from the MCC.  Put up or shut up!  Later it was raised MCC members can take four guests in to the “Middlesex Room” but MCCC can only one.  I intend to pursue this matter  further, don’t hold your breath, but I want satisfactory answers.  In the words of Phil Catchpole “ Battle”!

Kimmy then asked I’m not being facetious while admitting she might be “ what exactly do the Committee do?   The Top Table stated all their roles very clearly and justified their existence.

Our Leprechaun had to mention Counties signing overseas players in August and how unfair this is.  And so say all of us. Richard Scott response was that we just need to perform whoever is in front of us, but did not respond to specific point. I Luv It said will present this matter at some ECB meeting. Conclusion again was good point made, but doubtful whether the rule will change.

Our departures were discussed next.  It was at time known Smudge had gone to Gloucs.  Corey has been released this was confirmed.  If it wasn’t so late, feeling tired and emotional, I would like to have asked can’t we give Corey one more year.  But my question/statement was regarding how annoying our public address announcer is  with the emphasis of my point was he mentions little about Middlesex during play and when he does he can’t even pronounce our players names correctly.   Vinny Coddrington in the audience by now mentioned there has been change in personell and we were will not hear the dulcet tones of Mr Perambulator.  I won’t miss him.   

There was a final feel good ending when the 4 pronged question man stated how pleasant Radlett was this year in every respect comparing this what the “Middlesex Room “is lacking.

 I Luv It then gave information for events planned for our 150^th Anniversary.

The meeting lasted longer than usual with a wide variety of relevant points raised.   Time for a glass or six to absorb everything discussed mixed with some careless whispers.