Barmy Kev reports on the forum where for some reason everyone was in a good mood
The top table consisted of Richard Scott, Franco, Mile O’Farrell , David Kendix and Richard Goatley. The Thomas Lord Suite was packed.
Before the season was discussed the matters concerning Finance and Franchise cricket were raised by the top table. As statements will shortly going to press regarding these I can only offer a short summary on what I feel is permissable.
Finance- from Dave Kendix
Durham situation is an example of why it is important to be financially viable.
Winning the Championship is worth £532,000, most going to players.
MCC partnership helping financially and we are close to breaking even.
Financial situation dependant on relationship with ECB
Future of cricket-from Richard Goatley.
It was made clear more than once nothing is set in stone.
Members would be consulted and the club will try to protect them as much as possible.
It was thought that 2 20/20 competitions are not viable
A statement was also made from audience about the injustice of Durham’s penalties. ECB wanted them to build a ground for test cricket and this cause of their financial plight they were punished for
Thrilling stuff
Our season
Richard Scott was awarded his county cap.
Pitches –Member stated we won the league not because but in spite of pitches at Lord’s. Franco agreed it was hard work but hey we won the league. Dingy Bags mentioned on tough day at Lord’s Franco put himself at very short 2nd slip with helmet which Franco admitted was out of frustration.
That declaration on last day. Gale initially wanted something even more generous. The result speaks for itself. When asked Franco admitted he deliberately got himself out last ball as felt being not out after farcical runs not right.
I finished suggesting an open top bus parade down St John’s Wood High Street. with tongue firmly in my cheek. However, I seriously requested we had something prominent in Lord’s to commemerate our success this year. Discussions with MCC will take place.
Matters must be good as there was no mention of the over rate.
Party after
Understandably most in buoyant mood. 3 lurkers stated how much then enjoy MTWD which was graifying.
Franco advised his nickname is Tank
A novel idea for Christmas quiz was thought of after 3rd glass of wine –watch this space.
Meanwhile winter well everbody , as fans of the Champions of England and Wales
Well reported Kev.
Good questions were asked,and the top table were busy talking to as many as possible at the after forum cheese and wine reception.
I did ask one of the girls serving the cheese what a certain one tasted like...she replied no idea I can't stand cheese!
We all retired to the Tavern after for drinks to discuss forum.
Chatting to our old favourite I.Lovett was also an added bonus.
All in all,a good evening.
Very well summed up and you got my question right. The club's long list of objections to the Franchise cods was the highlight for me. Said most of what I feel and surprisingly strongly worded. David Kendix especially sharp on the likely losses to be placed against the ECB bribe, sorry payment.
Yes a very good Forum. David Kendix made an excellent speech on financial matters pertaining to the Club.
The 1.5 million bribe (per db above) was put into perspective when he said that that amount could be cancelled out by losses from our other revenue streams which may amount to more..
So, a pig in the poke, very likely, despite the hyping up of the bribe that occurs in some areas.
The Ecb vice chair spoke on the need to attract future generations to cricket as watchers and supporters. We all say amen to that.
Stating that market research reveals that only 5% of persons, of school age, can identify cricketers when shown a selection of photos or prominent cricketers names.
Quoting that WWF performers are more easily recognised.
This for me makes the case for free to air on TV a stronger argument to reverse that.
Also Sky should be showing more than just an end of season county match as their contribution to that debate.
A very good turnout...showing our members do care...and the top table were in sympathy with that.
It was also stated by the Board at the Forum: that any franchise operating from Lords which does not contain the name 'Middlesex' in it's title will be unaccceptable to the MIddleses Board and the County's 8500 members.
Please note Simon Hughes, he, of the London Seaxes and Tom Harrison.
On an historical note, back in the 1640's and the day's of the English Civil War..
Middlesex was a Roundhead County . In defence of Parliament at the Battle of Brentford, Middlesex defeated the Oxford Cavaliers.
A "half empty" interpretation of that would be that MCCC would be prepared to accept franchises if one of them did contain the name "Middlesex", which to me is less important than the whole ight team franchise stuff.
Given that it is not our ground, it is hard to see what influence we could bring to bear on the naming, other than simply saying we would vote against the whole scheme.
As you were probably there at Brentford, was there any declaration warfare by the Cavaliers before the Roundheads came out on top?
I praise Barmy Kev. True Middlesex as we are all on this site. Cricket a team game and a club needs everyone to be winners players off field staff and our thousands of loyal members. Have we found our Trophy cabinet yet or are we going for a new 21st century one, with room for t20 t50 silverware to go with our Gold?
At the entrance there is a Royal Charter with Queen Elizabeth II wax seal. HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh KG is our wonderful Patron. Cromwell lost
If my memory serves me,don't the county champions get an invite to Buckingham Palace and the trophy gets presented by the Duke of Edinburgh?
Do the players each get winners medals as well?
Shots1992 At the entrance there is a Royal Charter with Queen Elizabeth II wax seal. HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh KG is our wonderful Patron. Cromwell lost
Not sure Charles the First, caught up a tree near the Worcester Cricket Ground would agree with that Shots.
Ollie restored the Monarchy in 1660 under the current arrangements.
BeefyRoberts If my memory serves me,don't the county champions get an invite to Buckingham Palace and the trophy gets presented by the Duke of Edinburgh?
Do the players each get winners medals as well?
I think it served you well Beefy. If my memory serves me, it says in 1976, Mike Brearley's team received the trophy and their medals at the Palace from the Duke of Edinburgh.
A certain symmetry with now. !976 was our first win in 27 years. This time a mere 23 years.
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