Post by hally on Apr 18, 2024 8:47:20 GMT
Thanks so much to all the supporters who came and especially to the Directors Calog, Tej and Chris who were all very open and honest.
This is my summary so not board approved and not 100% spot on with everything but I hope fairly close on most points, feel free to follow up with me or Calogero can answer by email.
On Scott - despite the board being very happy with just consolidating this season after the 3 successive promotions there were obvious cracks developing in the squad and coaching staff and things being picked up on that meant a level of confidence was lost in the ability to see us ultimately move forward and at this stage the goal is to become an established Nat Lge South side. Our budget was raised in November following Scott’s ‘resignation’ and was around seventh highest level with Bracknell. Some of the money used was on players that were often seen on the bench whilst many of the ‘old guard’ continued on the team sheet. The communication was lacking too with players sometimes unaware what exactly was going on with their personal situation. Ultimately the ‘old boys act’ had to go to move the club forward.
On his resignation - this was due to fatigue and a run of poor form he wasn’t happy with himself but when it came was something the board could not really comprehend at the time and did not want. They were delighted when Billy and Darren talked Scott around and got him back on board. Should they have accepted it? Easy to look back now. He was checked in on regularly by Chris after this and given the opportunity to take a break for a few weeks to recharge but didn’t want this.
On the timing - certain situations were happening that meant the decision was made that Scott was to go. Rather than organise anything behind his back they wanted Scott to know but continue to the end of the season and get the send of he deserved but respected the fact Scott chose to go there and then
On the players - the situation was explained and the squad were told that anyone not 100% up for Saturday and playing for Billy as loyal to Scott were able to go with no hard feelings and it would be understood. The co-ordinated tweeting by these players for the Friday was disappointing. Note Captain Alex Kelly despite his obvious affection and loyalty to Scott remained at the Club
On player loyalty and long journeys - most at this level are used to this and it’s part of playing and why they are paid. Nat Lge South would see far more travelling. There is a core of players we want to keep and a lot of work going into recruitment and how we will recruit in future.
On the board - the departure of 3 of them was kept quiet as to not disrupt the season but it was agreed the budget would be raised and some of this would come out of their own pockets and these three disagreed on this. Additionally the extra workload was not something they could commit too fully
On the future - the 3 are committed to the club. The main revenue is gate receipts but a lot of work has gone into and will continue to go on sponsorship and other income streams. Calog in particular long term has the ambition to see the team go professional
On the new Manager - Nothing was admitted but I think it’s fair to say it’s been alluded to that we know who that will be and we all know him already
On the ground - as frustrating as it is that bar profits don’t go to the club the advantage is that any ground improvements are covered by the council. Both bars now have draught beers. There will at some point in the not too distant future be new covered stands/terracing going up. Also a new state of the art scoreboard is planned for next season
On the tunnel - once the game ends their is a league rule that the tunnel cannot be retracted until every player/coach has left the field - this is not down to the stewarding
On the stewarding - there will be a new Head next season and though rules will still be in place it will be a lot more sensible and relevant to the standard we are at and numbers we get through the gate (megaphones permitted??)
On America - The side is not completely formalised as yet hence there is no mention on our website but there are 1000 kids training as W&H America and this is work in progress
This is my summary so not board approved and not 100% spot on with everything but I hope fairly close on most points, feel free to follow up with me or Calogero can answer by email.
On Scott - despite the board being very happy with just consolidating this season after the 3 successive promotions there were obvious cracks developing in the squad and coaching staff and things being picked up on that meant a level of confidence was lost in the ability to see us ultimately move forward and at this stage the goal is to become an established Nat Lge South side. Our budget was raised in November following Scott’s ‘resignation’ and was around seventh highest level with Bracknell. Some of the money used was on players that were often seen on the bench whilst many of the ‘old guard’ continued on the team sheet. The communication was lacking too with players sometimes unaware what exactly was going on with their personal situation. Ultimately the ‘old boys act’ had to go to move the club forward.
On his resignation - this was due to fatigue and a run of poor form he wasn’t happy with himself but when it came was something the board could not really comprehend at the time and did not want. They were delighted when Billy and Darren talked Scott around and got him back on board. Should they have accepted it? Easy to look back now. He was checked in on regularly by Chris after this and given the opportunity to take a break for a few weeks to recharge but didn’t want this.
On the timing - certain situations were happening that meant the decision was made that Scott was to go. Rather than organise anything behind his back they wanted Scott to know but continue to the end of the season and get the send of he deserved but respected the fact Scott chose to go there and then
On the players - the situation was explained and the squad were told that anyone not 100% up for Saturday and playing for Billy as loyal to Scott were able to go with no hard feelings and it would be understood. The co-ordinated tweeting by these players for the Friday was disappointing. Note Captain Alex Kelly despite his obvious affection and loyalty to Scott remained at the Club
On player loyalty and long journeys - most at this level are used to this and it’s part of playing and why they are paid. Nat Lge South would see far more travelling. There is a core of players we want to keep and a lot of work going into recruitment and how we will recruit in future.
On the board - the departure of 3 of them was kept quiet as to not disrupt the season but it was agreed the budget would be raised and some of this would come out of their own pockets and these three disagreed on this. Additionally the extra workload was not something they could commit too fully
On the future - the 3 are committed to the club. The main revenue is gate receipts but a lot of work has gone into and will continue to go on sponsorship and other income streams. Calog in particular long term has the ambition to see the team go professional
On the new Manager - Nothing was admitted but I think it’s fair to say it’s been alluded to that we know who that will be and we all know him already
On the ground - as frustrating as it is that bar profits don’t go to the club the advantage is that any ground improvements are covered by the council. Both bars now have draught beers. There will at some point in the not too distant future be new covered stands/terracing going up. Also a new state of the art scoreboard is planned for next season
On the tunnel - once the game ends their is a league rule that the tunnel cannot be retracted until every player/coach has left the field - this is not down to the stewarding
On the stewarding - there will be a new Head next season and though rules will still be in place it will be a lot more sensible and relevant to the standard we are at and numbers we get through the gate (megaphones permitted??)
On America - The side is not completely formalised as yet hence there is no mention on our website but there are 1000 kids training as W&H America and this is work in progress
