Phil Good Factor At Forum
Ged Arrives By Chopper
By Barmy Kev
March 6 2009
Barmy Kev reviews the March Middlesex CCC Forum. If you were there, you'll probably wonder whether you had been in the same meeting. If you weren't there, you'll now feel as though you had more-or-less been there; you can almost smell the Long Room floor polish. Joking apart, this is essential reading if you are MTWD (Middlesex Till We Die). Many thanks, Kev.
INTRODUCTIONS
Ian Lovett chaired the meeting and introduced panel:
Vinny
Shaggy- the face of radio 5.
Gus Fraser—Applause.
Ollie Brown was introduced as new membership chairman. He introduced himself saying he is here to help all members with their issues.
QUESTIONS
Morgan and Malan's status? England qualification will not be affected by his recent Ireland call up. Won’t miss any Middlesex games due to Ireland call up. Malan will qualify for England April 2010.
Batting All Rounder at 6? Gus spoke about Phil Hughes ignoring question. He wants to see how all players perform. Shaggy excited about youngsters. Availability of all rounders universally difficult – e.g. England having problems in Freddy’s absence. Berg was mentioned.
Hughes Availability? Gus - “are we talking about Simon Hughes?”. (much laughter). Phil Hughes will play 3 CC matches, up to ¼ final FPT and 2 20/20 games.
Warm up before Play-is playing football a good idea? Shaggy feels warm ups overrated. Our last game at Northampton, there was 2 injuries. Ben Scott chipped one of his toes (which he painted night before) Nannes also injured. Injuries can happen with catching practise too. Need to keep players interested-can’t wrap them up with cotton wool. Ramps was once sent off in warm up for two footed tackle, but it was “only Tim Bloomfield”.
Are we still interested in De Wett? No. Tougher restrictions. Not looking for Kolpaks right now. Long talk from Gus about looking from within. (I Luv It was spotted rather obviously yawning).
Nick Compton? Angus wanted to keep him as huge potential. Mentioned that “he can be high maintenance” and a “bit of a tart” (all said in very good humour).
Robson. English or Aussie? He is in the process of qualifying for England.
Will our future generation going same way as Dalrymple/Joyce? Gus looking into issue of creating better environment for players. Shaggy said up till May last year a lot of negative attitude. No specific individual(s), but this negative influence not there now.
Pace Bowling- 3 Parter
1/ Key Players Injuries? All bowlers including Silvers and Richo training hard and are fit. Richo would be wrapped in cotton wool if possible. Danny Evans lost 2 stone in Australia.
2/ Do we have bad injuries record? All fit but get “knackered”. Vinny stated that, across the county system, 70% of bowlers over 30 get injured.
3/ John Lever? He will not be retained, Gus can cover that need, with the help of others on a needs basis. Gough (for example) will also help when he’s not dancing.
Young slow bowlers? Shaggy put hand up. Laughter ensued.Only Kabir Toor. We will be scouting around. This is a problem with many counties.
Malan as bowler? He has been practising on own in nets and may be used more.
Compton as bowler? Shaggy didn’t realise he could bowl.
2nd Signing? Compton re-signing (not resigning).
Are we going to get more suitable wickets? Gus tongue firmly in cheek- “we could always use Barbados one”. Gus stated we need to learn to bowl well on all surfaces. They will speak to Mick Hunt/ John Stephenson re pitches.
Is priority producing players for England or strong Middx side? Mentioned Strauss had good effect on team end of last season. We will not be afraid of playing youngsters. Example was Everton FC playing 17 year olds in Merseyside derby in front of 40-45,000 people.Gus said didn’t want “tired old pros going through motions”, which drew an interesting glance from Shaggy and much laughter. Gus then said that Shaggy is not a tired old pro.
Who is responsible for team selection? Agreed would be Shaggy.
Have we any future captain given Shaggy only has 2 years? Shaggy thanked questioner for appointing him another year. No natural successor, but looking at Morgan and Murtagh.
Stanford. Have your views changed? I Luv It said at time ECB’s decision was well intentioned but now have different view. Middlesex were approached by a wealthy individual who wanted to be the main sponsor, but Middlesex decided not to make a major sponsorship deal with an individual because of risk factor. Ged went red and looked very sheepish when this news was announced. Stanford did offer to fly his pitch to North-West London.
Giles Clarke? ECB made mistake with Stanford. Middlesex in favour of stability so voted for him. Clarke has done good work with Zimbabwe affair / broadcasting deal. Also needed to consider in context of alternative. 15 counties agreed and voted similarly.
New Sponsor? To be announced this Wednesday. Not a bank or insurance company.
Did we lose financially from missing out in India? No loss, but nothing gained. Players not paid and all took it well. Nash did put in for expenses.
Why change to Middlesex Panthers? I Luv It never liked Crusaders name; indeed he would prefer no nickname but it is an ECB requirement to have a nickname.With new sponsors it was good time to change and new sponsors wanted a change. Marketing folk inform us that the new name should appeal to youngsters more.
Any new out-ground? This under review and is high priority, although not easy.
Sri Lankan Shootings? Very sad, will change dynamics of cricket and other sports.
CONCLUSION
A most enjoyable forum that filled us with very positive vibes, again expertly chaired by I Luv It. I was glad questions were cricket related and answered well with humour. It created a feel good factor amongst most fans, but then again a ball has not been bowled yet this season.
TAVERN AFTER
Then the panel and many attendees mingled for a drink or six. I stopped taking notes and have forgotten the other juicy gossip, which probably is just as well, despite the fact that all the really scurrilous news came out at the Tavern rather than the Forum (he says with tongue firmly in cheek).
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:03:15:07:13:51 by Ged.
Just a few impressionistic points of my own to add to this.
I enjoyed the atmosphere of the meeting in the Long Room.
I was pleased to hear some very decisive answers from Gus and Shaggy. We want leadership and direction from these people, so it is good to hear a sense of purpose in their answers.
I thought there was a sense of realism and honesty too. We do have a young squad this time and that might make things a bit hit or miss, especially in the 1st class stuff. But if we play with purpose we should win more than we lose and therefore do well. I like the thought of us playing highly combative 1st class cricket. Realism mixed with this positivity is just what we need for 2009.
Easier to say before a ball is bowled than it is to do throughout a season, of course.
