By Barmy Kev
September 15 2010

Barmy Kev gives his account on selected highlights from the forum. Maybe not a feisty as expected and nothing sensational announced, but it gives a flavour of general feeling amongst members and panelists. And, if you make it to end , you'll read about a feisty way to round off our evening.  

Panel Ian Lovett Angus Fraser, Vinny Codrington, Richard Scott

I Luv it opened. He said won’t talk for very long. Dext was disappointed (was he? thinks Barmy Kev) that couldn’t attend due to pre arranged commitment to play in South Africa.   Expressed disappointment for season, but also mentioned objective of players for England (sigh from BK).  When rounded up saying see I wouldn’t talk for long met by laughter as dragged on a tad.

1^st question. Member stood up saying was a member for 40 years and basically why should he renew next season?

Sigh from me. You renew as you’re MTYD.  Gus said “shared frustration” and “not making excuses” made excuse of bad luck (this stance is a common ploy at forums so thought would tally up this line).  He mentioned Worcs final game and conceded it was dreadful.  He did say there would be 6 weeks training from 1^st Nov. I liked it when he stated to questioner, if you have a difficult time with your wife do you give up? Many applauded this.

Then it was Murray Goldstein’s turn.  He stated been a member for 60 years. (Kimmy with tongue in cheek applauded).   This was long written statement main points were players leaving doing better elsewhere, no application and we are interested in social events.   

Gus argued players naming names haven’t done better and referred to one being extremely “high maintenance”.  Agreed application was problem needed addressing.   Didn’t get drawn into social side.

Next was someone inferring without naming the name an opener should have been dropped earlier.

Gus argued naming Scott Newman he was dropped scored a ton for 2nds given another chance and did well.  This gent argued by August there was no pressure on.  From a further question Gus said was on 3 year contract and if loses form will be dropped.

Next question was concerning overseas signings not being up to scratch and injury prone.

Gus used IOB example in response. Came to Middx with good fitness record then injured- not making excuses but was bad luck.    Quoted Chris Rogers as someone with 60+ batting average and a good signing.

A multi faceted question was raised.  Worcs slow over rate 2 deducted, why?   Why no spinner saying “ Ooodle” should have played.    And Ace contract?

Gus and Richard Scott said was bad with over rate, not making excuses but with Finn in side does cause problems.   In hindsight yes perhaps should have played spinner, but who would have dropped, maybe Murts and really should have won game anyway.    With Ace – basically not delivering as much as hoped and too inconsistent.  The way it came out was bad. It was explained that our media told reporter but requested this embargoed to the following afternoon, which is common practice.   This regrettably was not followed through and made press and website that day much to our disgust.  Ace was apologised to, but was unintentional.

Hey, a positive comment.  Well done to TRJ.  Applauded. Then wondering about Evans and Williams.

Gus reckoned TRJ future England material (many audible sighs).  Non-committal on Evans and Williams futures, but stated Williams is improving.

Fingers was next.  He mentioned apologies from fellow “ Rottweiler” Peter Moore Middlesex’s “Milk Monitor”  (reference to Liaison Officer) not attending.   Question was about Radlett suggesting ground has not right structure.

There is rebuilding work to be done and have been frustrated by various delays. Radlett ticks more boxes than other grounds.

A recent member eloquently asked about 3-year plan    

Something in place moving forward was summary of response

My favourite comment from audience was statement saying we are being “ shafted “ by ECB. E.g. recent Essex game they could play their internationals but we couldn’t

Gus shared our frustration. But him and Lovett’s comments more or less said out of our hands. It was commented Morgan faced 76 balls in a month, but was deemed needed a “rest’.   Was time to mention situation would be worse if KP had signed.  Put to audience if we would have liked KP with us.     Only 2 members were in favour and will not name drop but they were both MTWD moderators and it wasn’t me and CBG does not attend forums.

Now evening getting close to finishing and Ged was close to breaking Barmy Kev’s record of hand in air being ignored.   But then was acknowledged.  3 things to applaud-our signings, our structure and Neil Dexter’s captaincy.  But asked if any club development in Dext leadership skills.

Gus stated they would be working on this and possibility of sending him on leadership courses.

Then someone asked what do players think when they do badly?

Kimmy whispered to me “f**k it!.”     Gus more diplomatically said players do feel it.

Now my hand up as close to finish, as no mention of keepers.  Then someone asked about  Ben Scott’s future. 

Nothing decided, but appeared Simpson, still considered as no. 1 keeper.

Murray then was very complimentary about John Simpson quoting Sorry Oval game where we conceded 700+ runs with no byes. Not sure if this Teletext view.  But stated opening and keeping too much to take on, which may explain loss of form towards end

This was agreed by Gus and Richard Scott and mentioned how he selflessly will play anywhere for side.

I was getting thirsty by now – 2 more questions. Something about lacking self –belief, using British Cyclists as an example.

Agreed self belief a problem we do have a psychologist.  It was also mentioned by Gus, our team of the 80’s.  Although these players did not bond, well they never lacked in belief.

Last question Hooray. Explain our bad start season?

I blamed Ged being on holiday, but this over-looked.    Instead not making excuses was weather in March meant no grass nets and no warm up games.   Finally, mentioning games like Northampton away “ we should have won". 

It was concluded was the “ SHOULD HAVE WON SEASON “

Before I close report.  Gus said 5 times “not making excuses” – followed by an excuse and 3 times he “ shared our frustrations”

Afters

Now at party many members questioned Gus and Scott further.   I wanted to concentrate on other matters and was in company of QPR fans happily receiving updates of 3-0 win at Ipswich. Beefy started happy Leeds 1-0 up, but lost 5-2 and may have not appreciated reminders. Becks did a good job of ushering people out. It was 10pm, lets go to the Tavern.  

Tavern closed. They missed a trick, as there were still thirsty patrons. So suggested by Ged the Robert Browning pub Warwick Avenue and recalled a Bar Billiards table there.   A mini tournament took place.  Ged in final against James and on a virtual last ball / over finish it was closing time and game not completed as we were literally thrown out.  Not impressed and an argument ensued , with Ged recalling a simlar experience 12 years ago.  Ged may also wish to give ball -by -ball account of action leading up to this, at the risk of going off topic.

Reflections.

On bus journey was reflecting on evening. It was good forum in as much all questions were cricket relevant, which could explain Vinny’s quietness.  It was good that honest answers were given with little held back. But best of all, it was great to be amongst fellow members sharing highs and lows of many matters.  Most importantly, I’m already feeling optimistic about 2011.