Somerset
The Big AGM
By Grockle
January 26 2009
The big Taunton talkabout has become the start of the season as it moves nearer February than November. A full house at the CA - wonder what we'll hear about.
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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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:02:03:17:48:35 by Grockle.
I expect a new signing to be announced just prior to the meeting.
Quote:Bobstan
Is this extra-sensory perception, Both, or have you heard something?
I know nothing, but they usually announce a new player, just before a meeting when otherwise, they might take a lot of flak, such as from disgruntled Blackie lovers.
None of which detracts from the appalling uneccessary fiasco that occurred
Hopefully, someone in the audience will have the balls to openly challenge BR etc. & elicit some kind of acknowledgement that we have needlessly lost a most talented performer who performed for us consistently.
Why ?
Grizzzly
Whilst we definitely now need to move on and concentrate on the coming season i think by it being mentioned by BR this will help close the matter rather than continue it.
If he just said something however bland a line can be drawn under it for good and we can move on.
I fear the reason the subject keeps arising is because we all speculate without any of us realy knowing any facts, lots of assumptions based on our thoughts of JL, IB, BR but none of us actualy know what went on.
Whilst nothing is said by the club i fear the subject is more likely to run into next season, particularly if things dont start too well and a successor to the Blacky no 6 role doesnt work out, be it wes, arul, omari......
Far better just to wish him all the very best in the future and thank him for his contributions to Somerset rather than continully seek to rake up the past,it can achieve nothing.
24/01/2009 16:06
I'll be very very surprised if any new purchases are announced.
Rosey didn't throw the kolpak issue out. The club always said they would go to the kolpak option if they could not provide through the normal markets. You may not agree with their decision regarding de Bruyn perhaps but Alfonso was contracted to fill a gap and he did. That gap is still there and he is still filling it. They think we need a number 4 and our guys have yet to prove that is not the case.
If the club threw away their kolpak promise then please let us all know which domestic players we missed out on to fill those gaps last season. Who were the domestic number 4's we could have brought in? Which domestic seamer should have taken Alfonso's position?
They aren't shaking in their boots about your possible presence Both I'm afraid and they will still have a hard time because they did in the Taunton meeting and you weren't there either. I am not a member so I will not be in a situation to ask but I will be reporting on what occurs. Hope to see some of you there.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:01:24:19:18:03 by Grockle.
I suppose it depends if he plays in the IPL .
Anybody that is going could ask a financial question. (A Ian Blackwell question would be useless)
Question.
How are they going to reverse a trading deficit of Ł189,549?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The ECB pay out was Ł249,885 down on the previous year.
The players salaries and administration cost was up by Ł205,330 on the previous year, I can’t see this expenditure being must down this year, even thou there is one wage less, like most people I expect they will all have a rise in salary this year.
Re the Kolpaks, the comments were made at the meeting when Blackie was captain, well before De Bruyn & Thomas.
I know not whether we missed out, I just remember the policy u-turn.
The only statement I know of that Rose made was that kolpak was the 'last resort' and would only be used if other possible options could not provide the resources we needed.
We needed a seamer and we bought one because there was no domestic seamer available.
They thought we needed a top 5 batsman. We may have said we had Woody - results tend to suggest we might have been wrong. They looked internally and the option wasn't there, they looked outside and domestically no-one available was consistent. They went for Zander and we again can't probably say they were wrong.
I hope we don't need him in 2010 but I've yet to be convinced by other players' performances that we have the player to replace him.
Again. What comments and what 'U' turn?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:01:25:13:39:47 by Grockle.
It would be extremely naive to try and compete at this level without making use of the best options available from wherever they come and have the neccessary qualifications to play.
There are NO potential new signings lined up either.
The reduced ECB subsidies meant it would be really costly to have mulitple Kolpaks, so the club had decided on just one, CW, I believe.
As for the potential signings, we only take proven class, LB.
And ''as far as I know''hardly fills one with confidence as to the accuracy of any of your profound outpourings at the moment.
It matters little who said what and when some time ago,the situation is The Club has a clearly defined policy on Kolpaks
As for only signing proven class,I'll leave it to others with far more diverse and vast knowledge of Somerset Cricketers to argue that point,except to say that I'll agree that the many you've had from Middlesex definitely fit that description.
I think you may be confusing Rose's personally stated view of kolpaks with the club's position at the time. They saw the need to play on the same "field" as the rest of the counties but they did say that they would support any future move to remove the kolpak initiative. I was at the meeting as well.
The problem seems to be linked with the lack of progress of some of our younger guys to become consistent first team players. Hopefully the trend may change this year and the first thing that would then disappear IMHO would be the kolpak contracts.
Edited just to say: 'beat me to it Both!'
VtF.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:01:26:22:59:01 by VictheFish.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com] Did anyone ask the question about Langer's involvement in the IPL and whether he'll be at Taunton at all at the start of the season.
Cheers
A number of people mentioned the fact that it didn't come up in the bar afterwards - maybe there are more in the know than yours truly.
I know not everyone likes everything that is being done by the club, but even the sceptics would probably have to admit that the leadership appears unequivocal and committed to its forward plan.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:01:27:11:45:01 by Frome Exile.
They were well prepared and ready for questions. Big emphasis on the youth schemes and getting the youngsters in, they are backing these four new boys an awful lot. I know one of them but have never seen him play - may watch for him this summer though.
Butler seems to have a lot riding on him he was specifically named as a member of their POST 2010 side.
He was mentioned alongside Chris Jones who will be probably be at university until at least 2012. He's part of my Bank of England Budget team who have just won the South West Regional heat and is Oxbridge level in Economics - you hate him already don't ya!
They were ready for the Blackie question and dealt with it quickly and concisely. Rosey pre-empted it in his presentation by talking about the difficulties of gaining a balance in a diverse dressing room. A lot can be read into "we worked with him to regain international fitness but unfortunatly we failed to achieve it". Lot in the word 'we'.
Other than that they pushed the 'safe hands' bit - you can have confidence in that with Ł4+ million in the bank and the 'expectations' agenda. Rosey said more than once that he wanted English qualified players in the side but ONLY if they were good enough. I love a meritocracy personally so I was very glad to hear that.
It was a little less 'South West homely' than usual and they looked and acted like a team of managers with a mission.
We shall see how that pans out.
The Gimlett Hill still looked a bit lost in the photos but they did sa that they expected the plants to be well established by the start of the season and that would change the look of it. It certainly looks like the new VP area....as long as there's a bar. No-one could tell us where they planned to put the flagpole though.
Tell them if they must use yellow text to use a Blue background next time!
The bit about rent from the apartments did confuse me a bit, how does that work?
They keep mentioning the Ł4+ m in the bank, it is very nice but the trading deficit is more of a concern. That Ł4m will soon disappear if more improvements are done.
In saying that every club would like Ł4m in the bank.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com] Also do not forget they have another 500k coming in from the sale of the Barnicotts building when planning permission is receieved.
All this with a promise that it will be re-invested back into SCCC.
I have been trying to sort out in my head today the difference between leasehold and freehold, I am thinging of moving sometime this year.
So far I haven’t seen in print in all the correspondence I have had about the flats what they are, I suspected they might be leasehold.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com] The Pegasus development may well involve two leases, one by which Pegasus lease the land from the club, and the second level at which each tenant owns the lease to their individual flat.
Sometimes, this rent includes maintenance to the grounds and building, as is often the case in a development of appartments.
As FE says Pegasus specialise in retirement homes. In this case each purchaser buys a 'unit' and then pays a further amount each year, to cover shared expenses, such as the warden, lift maintenance, gardening and maintenance of communal areas.
As the homes are on SCCC land, Pegasus will pay a rent to SCCC, presumably partly from sale of properties and partly from owners maintenance fees.
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com] In my single days I owned a maisonette (posh, eh!
), but didn't own the land on which it stood. The land was merely leased, but at zero rent. Quote:Botham
I think you'll find that he's not good enough for Somerset. We have very high standards. Any newcomers must be better than Blackie.
Well we were looking at him and a bit of research to put him in a list of those we do have, questions your assessment of our standards.
If we relate Nick to the possible replacements for Ian from the present squad and take out the bowling aspect because Nick has never actually claimed to be one then we are looking at Wes, Arul (hopefully) and Omari.
On batting stats alone
Ian has the highest first class average but not by much (39.7). Wes runs him a close second (38) and Nick comes in third (34.3) well ahead of the others
A class games? believe it or not Banks is top (31) with Wes a close second (30.7) and Nick third (28.65) ahead of Ian (27,6)
T20? Banks beats everyone hands down!! His 45 is way ahead of Ian's 20.7 and Nick is the lowest average of the 5
So Mr Compton is a mid point on our "standards" measure of batting prowess and Ian isn't the pinnacle in all forms unfortunately
He's better in the one day but if you want to compare with a batsman then Omari or Wes would be a better bet I'm afraid.
Probably we decided not to buy or Nick decided not to come rather than the suggested insult of him not being good enough for our "high standards".
But there ya go. It's only stats but then again it's only opinion. Qualitative versus Quantitative. Bit harsh on the boy Mr B.
Failing that my Somerset wear has a choice of Botham or Blackwell on the back!
Bigging up our boys at the expense of other players may not be exactly what Andy meant....especially when the figures suggest it's a bit tenuous.
I think this might stop a few using the Apartments as a Buy to Let investment.
I hope we can deliver on what is expected/hoped for.
So sad that 'fitness' is regarded as more important than 'performance on the field'.
Ah well, if we fail miserably in any game this season, perhaps we will be able to take great comfort that we can do so in a 'fitter' manner than the opposition.
Grizzzly
I had thought of buying one, renting it out to my son, I would then have access to a good view of the ground at all times.
As my son is mid 20's I had the feeling it was not the sort of age tennant they where looking for.
Under the current climate, and conditions/terms/prices cannot see the buy to let being viable.
Also my understanding of the carefully worded response ref IB FE.
Helping Ian back towards international fitness levels and working towards those international fitness levels together are two different interpretations and which one you took was left to you and not clarified by the mangement.
28/01/2009 10:50
Yes,a bit harsh mate and the humour is lost on me personally.
Of that list of four I would say only 1 wasn't up to standard.
One was lost to injury quite early but held a Caddy-less county side together for a significant period of time along with Rooster and Rosey I believe.
One showed glimpses of real promise but couldn't stay on the park consistently enough.
One showed the said Mr Blackwell how to bowl with guile and make the most of what God gave him during an early part of his Somerset career. Not sure you "fobbed" him off on us ML - more a case of couldn't find a place for him in your side of the time.
It just didn't work for the fourth - them's the breaks.
Whether Nick is someone Middlesex is looking to place with another county for similar reasons to the ones above is for another place I think.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2009:01:28:13:06:32 by Grockle.
Dutchy is in my permanent memory for more than one fighting performance and some of the best catches I'll ever see.
V Yorkshire at Bath off Lehmann was just out of this world
Kev? Was pacier than I expected and for a few games with Rooster really put the heebies up some very good batsmen.
I saw Thos once and he had the debut from hell in a friendly against students. There wasn't a lot of chance of coming back from that.
But in the long run I suggest their short tenure at Somerset must have been a dissapointment.
Nick is still very young,with his best cricket ahead of him,and has shown he has quality,injury and lack of confidence have affected him in the past couple of seasons,but hardly worthy of being completely dismissed.
You could do worse.
02/02/2009 11:47
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:02:03:17:29:31 by Grockle.
It would also be nice to see the free coffee and biscuits, re-introduced to the EBC.
Quote:On yet another question, he cut in before the member had had an opportunity to finish his question. It was frankly, in my opinion, a performance that showed a great deal of contempt and disrespect for the membership as a whole, and was summed up perfectly by the member sitting next to me that night, who said - “his arrogance is beyond belief.”
But Clarence, one could ask whether it is any more arrogant. contemptuous and disrepectful than, having been given the answer to the question numerous times in public fora, continuing to ask, and thereby demonstrating that you don't believe the answer given?
I'd be pretty contemptuous of someone who was effectively calling me a liar and accusing me, in public, of acting agaisnt my employer's best interests.
I don't wish to offend; merely to try and offer an alternative viewpoint.
Maybe one day over a pint at the County Ground instead.
It is then up to us to make our own minds up on your interpretation of what went on.
As i said in an earlier post any question on Ian Blackwell would be "useless". And a waste of time.
Thank for taking the time and effort, Grockle could post it separately on his front page it would save him having to do so himself,
The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com] It is good to get other views and certainly my personal view of 'Blackwellgate' is not the only one (or even the right one in some eyes).
So if you dn't mind I'll get around to that in the next day or so I hope.
Somehow or other, one day, those that manage Somerset CCC have to recognise their supporters and "treat them with dignity and respect".
The problem is that there is no "peril" in not doing so as we will support the team TWD. I just hope we win the CC before that happens to me!
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