The top table does not have Justin you'll be sad to hear but Brian Rose, Richard Gould Andy Nash Rory O'Donnell and Mr Gabbitas

Nice things said about Andy Nash for the job he did taking over from Giles C. It's standing room only.  Andy Hurry and Jason Kerr  are on the side and we have a lectern from which the presentations are coming....in front of a real screen this year.

Andy Nash starts proceedings.  Four key objectives;

• Compete in all formats of the game
• Develop our own players
• Increase the financial strength of the club
• Improve facilities for players and supporters

It seems we competed in all formats in 2008 (really?)  A Quarter Final in the early format was 'acceptable' it seems.  Little said about the Pro40.

Huge investment in youth cricket has been made.  Jimmy Cook is working with them.  Four have represented England at U17 and have signed professional contracts.

There is a propoer second XI competition now and they will be supported.  Andy Curtis mentioned for his work with the Cricket Board - good relationship with that level of the game.  We have links in Bristol at Withywood for the first time in a long time.

£4.4m is a big profit (more than all the years since 1875 combined) it was more than all the other counties put together.  But other areas have done well also and the teams within the club have worked hard and effectively.

That investment is seen around the place - the West Stand - The Gimblett Hill and the Club Hub - the best sports facilities in the professional game in England at the moment.  Next major project is overhaul of the CA starting this time next year.  Seating for 500 people includng the new 'Long Room' on the first floor.

Investment in the winter training for players has also come from that at every level.  Aim is to make the ground the best facility in the country while maintaining the iconic aspect of the ground rather than turning the place into another 'Rose Bowl'.

Capacity will be 10,000 for the T20's.  May be able to get to 12,000 at a push.  SCCC is pushing for catergory B status - 15,000 and the possibility of ODI's in the future.

The catering is back fully in house (no pork rolls?) across the ground inside and outside.

The IPL may be a problem next year - clash between the 'Minor' Test series and other competitions.  No indication that the recession is affecting the membership but it may happen.  T20 saturation was mentioned - mustn't flog it to death.  The 50 over game is struggling - has the ECB backed the wrong horse?  SCCC wants 40 overs if possible.  Kolpaks will disappear.  If the Englishmen are good enough then Somerset will play them but we have some good kolpaks.

We have a very settled squad.  Probably two more Academy players will play for England this year.  The salary cap will be coming in - stop the likes of Surrey.  The ECB will follow Rugby with a cap about £1.8m as a guideline but more stringent regulation later and if you're caught cheating then you get expelled from the first class game.

Many threats and opportunities in the changing game but we expect a succesful year in 2009. Thanks were given to Phil Squire the club's doctor for umpteen years and to Rory O'Donnell for his treasurer work for 21 years - honorary life membership is his reward.  He says we are in extrememly safe hands.

Q and A session 1

Taunton membership is down.  What is being done in local schools to get the younger children in?

Surprised - lots are turning up for the one dayers as non members (it is only 162 down)?

When will the OP come into the time frame?  Will Andy Caddick be named on it?

Something is coming up about Caddy's name on something in the near future.  But we won't borrow money to push it forward.

Rory then does the accounts. (Not in my reporting remit I'm afraid). £4,060,000 profit - nuff said.  We've also reduced our reliance on the ECB funds we get so less reliance on the centre.  There was bigger investment in the players as we moved into the first division in both areas.  We've spent £2.6m on the stand, general land and the church land needed for the Gimblett Hill.  The accounts were adopted.  Rory  proposed Alex Tetley to replace him as Treasurer.  He was appointed unopposed but as he works for AC Mole who are the club's auditors they can't continue therefore.  Dixon Walsh replace them.

The Elected Club Committee members were announced by Richard Gould.

Formal Business over - Brian Rose's Presentation

Nice words said about Tom Pearce who has passed away. SCCC are setting up a memorial award for the Young Players of the Year under his name.

This is one of the most exciting times in cricket since the playing time of the late 70's and early 80's.  He expects the Pro40 will be back.  He wants to try and leave a legacy over the next few years that people will enjoy for the next 50 years.  Thanks to Gouldy for his work.

They have spent time trying to balance the side.  We had a few problems a few years ago.  Justin has brought an attitude to the club.  One team in one direction at the same time.  It's not easy but it is important here.  Young cricket is part of that 'Layer Cake' and getting 13 - 15 year olds are getting the best coaching with the first class players around the place so they lose the intimidation.  That needs balance as well.  Rosey only wants players to play for Somerset if they are good enough irrespective of where they come from.  Two of the young contractees are good enough to press for first team cricket before the end of this year.  When they leave school in fact.

International players next year have to have international cricket experience to get a work permit for England.

Aims for next year

• Compete in CC.  Hildreth, Kieswetter and Trego need to step up
• Reach the Quarter Finals of T20 (minimum)
• Improve one day performances
• We need to develop a spinner who will get us 40-50 wickets.   

The core of the side over the next 4 years includes Butler along some well known names it's good to see including Edwards, Turner and Kieswetter.

Richard Gould Presentation

Gate receipts are vital to our financial stability.  There will be rent from the Pegasus apartments and the restaurant underneath will be leased out.  ECB and TV revenue from September 2009 to the next year is bneing negotiated at the moment.  We haven't provided England players and that has decreased our revenue.  But would you rather have Banger here or in England colours?

We saw some pictures this year - no artist impressions - real stuff.

Questions

Taunton commitee - what plans are in place to maintain our first team position?

How did we lose Ian Blackwell?

He struggled to regain his international form in 2006.  He missed most of that season.  Since then we've worked to get him back to a fitness level for international competition but failed to do so.  It was agreed that a new start was needed by both parties and a change was mutually agreed.  We wish him well on his three year contract at Durham.

Arul Suppiah?

The position is that we applied for permanent leave to remain after 10 years in England.  They didn't recognise his student time as part iof his residency.  Arul returned to Malaysia to apply for a work permit for 2009 and we expect him to get that.  In 2010 he will have to prove he has international cricket for that season.  Unfortunately he couldn't expand on his England performances from 14 because of his residency issues.

Ian Blackwell again....

Have the cricket commitee learned from the man management problems?  Will we look to bring him back in three years after the captain has left?

Do me a favour?  Dealt with quickly....yawn.  If Ian is good enough and still about then maybe he'll be a consideration.  The management aspects are a personal opinion.

Do the players have the self belief to push to the end of the season when they are close to a Championship?

Rosey replies.  We have to plan again and go forward, learn from experience and go forward again.  He is confident that the players have learned.  Sport is unkind.  We actually got there in the first place.

Andy Hurry we are a strong club and people don't want that feeling again.  The players have thoght about it and brought in a sports psychologist for those who want to use it.  The players need to know the supporters are behind them.  Get behind them and believe that they can do it.  The messages get back to the squad and it eats at them.  So give them some positivity.

Can someone have a word with JL about his first innings shot selection in the CC please?

Rosey we have to take risks to win at Taunton and sometimes it goes against us in an effort to force results.  Justin needs to win the toss more often!!

The last few questions were on particular issues - regional committees having the right to invite main club officials to AGM's rather than they arrive - didn't go down well!  Seems that;s the way it used to be,  Gouldy  passed that one on to be discussed at committee later,

There will be a move towards refunding people who eat at the pavilion for their car parking and the meeting for the Park and Ride based omn the east side of Junction 25 is this Friday.  The club hopes to run shuttle buses ion match days when it's sorted and that was that.

Hope I've got most of it! 

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