For reasons known only to himself, Barmy Kev didn’t tend to upload his own masterpieces, he sent them to me for editing/uploading.
This is one of the “Sportnetwork lost masterpieces” of 2007, rescued only by dint of that e-mailing for editing/upping process.
Any edits I might or might not have made are lost for ever, but here is the unexpurgated text as submitted by Barmy Kev.
More Questions than Answers or
Barmy Kev’s End of Season Forearm
A packed house at forum with standing room only for late arrivals. Using the Long Room was muted to dinosaurs at MCC as alternative, but all attendees would have to dress suitably, which would have severely restricted crowd, as Chris Lowe put it “with you scruffy lot”.
Chris Lowe congratulated team on Pro 40 promotion and 2nd X1 cup. Rapturous applause followed.
Chairman said some encouraging words about our fans support, youngsters in team, our conveyor belt for England, lack of Kolpak and legacy left by Phil Edmonds.
As question and answer session was about to start I had 3 questions in mind to ask.
1, What we are going to do about Katrik no ball problem?
2/ Whether go down Kolpak route?
3/ Questioning our lack of urgency in trying to beat Notts in LVCC at home.
The one I would ask would depend on what covered and my feeling at time.
My hand up, but a gentleman well known to panel was asked first. He stood up saying he had 3 questions. My view was that these were rambling statements and he was only allowed 2, “in fairness to everyone else”.
His gist was underachievement of team having not won trophy in years and batting this year. Neither were denied, although Ed made reference to poor pitches when batting first.
The 2nd statement was regarding coach and I’m sure he mentioned Duncan Fletcher as option, which around me was met with derision under people’s breath. The Pybus situation was explained and really covered MTWD speculation at time, with excuses ranging from our facilities, to wifey not settling and offer of old job. Agreed this was not satisfactory state of affairs regardless.
With my hand in air, next question was about comings and goings. 5 people mentioned leaving in strictest of confidence so I can’t reveal. Ok Ill tell you, one. Vaas won’t be coming back next year. Comings-an all-rounder who has done well in 2nds. Name not mentioned but assuming is Berg.
A Kolpak being sought after- (Muted applause). Someone close to signing. Clues. Is an all rounder seam bowler, bowling better than batting. On fringe of Test side and reading between lines South African. –not Johan Louw.
My hand still in air, a gentleman after tiresome long speech as retired MD seemed to want to stir up issues re how Ed Smith was elected as captain and that our hierarchy involved too many people. He did not seem happy that Ed was elected via Paul Downtown Working Party. Vinny was called from his spectator’s role to answer. While it was confirmed this was case, the decision was ratified by Embers but whether he had much choice difficult to stay. It was agreed that the hierarchy needed streamlining but everyone had role.
My hand still in air, but some legal boffin chipped in with 3 challenges to panel. He claimed the restriction of right to work for non-British born players could be challenged in court of law. He then spouted something off about Equal Opportunities. Finally non Kolpaks reduces our potential quality.
The points raised weren’t answered directly. Embers did say Kolpaks was not a policy but a “recommendation” by Committee. This arguably contradicts what Phil Edmonds has previously said.
My hand still in air desperate to ask something based on team and performance as felt debates were digressing from this. Next question asking if Kartik returning- confirmed yes.
Follow up about whether we will have squad nos. on shirts for LVCC and the size of nos. There was a vote in room with even result (subject for future poll here). Vinny said he would oppose these as long as he can, but chance that ECB will enforce these next season.
At this stage it was 7:45 and really felt there was not much time for relevant cricket discussion. I was relieved that a good question was asked about John Lever’s role and whether the improved performance of young bowlers was down to him or co-incidence. Embers actually thought it was co-incidence and felt strength and conditioning coach had big say in our bowlers. He mentioned one rookie with no name given “who needs to listen more”- any guesses?
Someone then asked Ed Smith whether he liked his job and what he found the most demanding. Ed obviously, said yes and used some standard corporate speak using the word “challenge in every sentence.
Murray then had his token rant stating Ed said he was “Autocratic”-which he disputed.
He also suggested our Kolpak should be an all-rounder spinner to replace Rymps. Embers stated none around if we went down this road.
As approaching 8:00-my hand still in air- old chestnut about whether Middx can have more say in Lords wickets preparation, in which a just seen pigs fly like response was given.
Then a good point about catches being dropped especially in slips, although the suggestion of sports psychologist to help was met with cynicism, as was whether distraction of captaincy affects Eds catching. I personally can’t imagine as ball comes to you at 80mph he will hardly be thinking who is going to bowl next over. Ed did state, especially in Pro 40 fielding was good and won us matches.
It was 8:00 and lots of hands including mine in air and Chris allowed 2 more. One was enquiring about Nash health and whether cover in place. It was stated problems stress related, but actual root cause not established, although his Benefit mentioned (We were asked to support Ace next year as he does not need distraction). Embers stated wickie cover not discussed at this stage, although we have a couple of promising ones from 2s.
Next question was asking for better tannoy at games and up to date scorecards. Stated matter will be taken on board. We shall see but I am not holding my breath.
Question of out grounds for next season. Southgate safe for another year and hope to have full festival.
One final question was it going to be me. No the gentleman at beginning was allowed a 3rd. I did not take note at this stage, but recall he wanted to have another dig at Ed and say nothing constructive.
Summary.
I admit I was disappointed for first time at forum, did not have chance to ask question. However, I felt there were a lot of questions and statements that served no purpose and wasted time. Compared with last forum where there was great discussion on how processes were going to change, there was very little that can be taken from this effort.
The brevity of official website report http://www.middlesexccc.com/news-detail.asp?NewsID=958 confirms this.
Party
The end of season party proved an enjoyable occasion.
Dial M received his Seaxe player of season award and I enjoyed his comment about “preferring it this side of river”.
Weekesey got deserved award on our Hall of Fame. His dad was entertaining as ever. I was happy Weeks spoke to me and commented how grateful he was for Legends flag, but found it when saw it intimidating living up to it.
Ed gave me a lot of time one to one basis to answer some points, more than I would have hoped for at forum.
Chris Lowe when challenged said he did not see my hand up, but there was a political reason why the 3 question ranter was allowed such time and promised me first question at next forum if I remind him. By then I was on 7th, I think, glass of wine so I was past caring.
A good mingle was had by all as another season officially came to a close
