Members' Forum Summary - 4/4/02 - Part 2

On the subject of players, a member asked about Joe Grant, saying he 32 and is he a bit too old perhaps to be signing. Ronnie replied that he is one of the fittess on the squad and that he wants to do well. Goochie said he was impressed with Grant's attitude and that he is quick! A few members then said that they were pleasantly surprised with Joe Grant in the matches they saw him last year (1st XI vs Yorkshire and some 2nd XI matches).

Next a member raised the point of possibly having 2 overseas players. Nigel Hilliard said there was a 50/50 chance of this being voted in and if it was to happen that Mark and Steve Waugh have made it clear they'd possibly like to play again for Essex! What a bonus that could be!

Other points were raised about non-English players with Greek or Italian passports coming to play county cricket. Graham Saville said that Essex had been offered a few during the winter and that he says will we see more and more of the non-English players playing in England.

Next a member asked about the tie-up with West Ham United in a commercial sense. David East replied that some of the panel went to a West Ham match earlier this season as part of the deal. Ronnie then came out with the comment that he spoke to Paolo DiCanio that day and that he has an Italian passport and want to paly county cricket next summer! Of course, the room went into laughter! Top joke Ronnie!

Next, the standard of county cricket was brought up, a member asking if the panel thinks it has improved. Goochie replied it has and hasn't and that to do counties needed less players and less games.

Leg-spinners, or lack of them was brought up next, with Graham Saville commenting that he thinks there will be some coming through, at Essex and in county cricket in general. Graham works with youngsters, so he should know!

A member then asked if we attempted to sign John Crawley, to which the answer from Graham Saville was yes! Unfortunately, when we contacted John he had already had talks with Hampshire and opted for a move there. Crawley is of course an Essex boy, having been born in Maldon.

Next, a member asked about John Stephenson's role at the club having returned in the winter. Graham Gooch said he was the 2nd XI captain to bring throught the youngsters and would be available for the 1st XI one-day games. However, he would only play Championship matches if there was an injury crisis at the club.

Ronnie then finished things off saying he was, as ever, looking foward to the season and that Essex have realistic chances this year in all competitions. Let's hope that is true?!

So, a good and interesting night was brought to an end at around 9:15pm. Throughly enjoyable for the first time to pick what is going on at Essex and worth a visit for members reading this who didn't attend. The next Members' Forum is during the season on Tuesday 11th June, again in the Pavilion at Chelmsford and a 7:30pm start. It is the day before the start of the Ilford festival, so get down there!

Hope you found the read as enjoyable as it was to attend.

To read the 1st part of the evening's events, click here.

Date: 5/4/02