Forumed ForeWarned

 
Q2 - The next question was on the subject of contracts. Compton, Joyce, Shah are out of contract at season's end. Have they signed? The questioner's concern, was: it was Owais's benefit year, he hoped a repeat of a previous beneficiary would not be repeated.
 
A2 - again Toby Radford answered. He said: you cannot force people to sign. What you can do, and he certainly was going to do, was to create a sufficiently well run ship which would encourage people to want to extend their Middlesex careers. ie make the Club attractive to play for. Success obviously would be a part of that aim. Ed Smith said he would be working with Toby to achieve this. 

 
Q3 - Questioner said we had nine fast bowlers but no all-rounders. Where's the balance?
 
A3 - Ed Smith stepped in to answer this hot potato. Ed accepted that this was the case: he however pointed out that a combination of Noffke and Murtagh ay 7 and 8 early season, would provide lower order runs: he was hoping for some good all-round performances from them. Gareth Berg ( Kolpak I believe. SM) is an all-rounder we will have to see how he goes. Ed S admitted that the all-rounder spot, is a work-in-progress.

 
Q5 - Murray Goldstein raised the next question. Relating to events of 10 years ago when John Buchanan was ousted by player power. Could Ian Lovett assure the meeting that this was not the case with John Emburey?
 
A5 - Ian Lovett said that it most certainly was not the case. Had John been in the room, he would assuredly back-up that statement. The DIC position as it evolved had a bureaucratic side to it, which John did not find appealing. He preferred hands-on coaching and felt therefore he was not best suited to the role. The parting was therefore amicable and by mutual consent. John has in any case acquired a position of his choice. Namely coaching one of the franchise sides in the Indian Cricket League ( comp fronted by Kapil Dev ). 
 

Q6 - Are Northern Rock still our sponsors?
 
A6 - Chris Lowe replied: and said indeed that was the case. They have been an excellent sponsor and both sides were undertaking to fulfil their contractual obligations. They have handed over the dosh for what is in any case, is their final year of sponsorship. Their name would again adorn our shirts. Someone remarked that was the brand tainted? Ian Lovett felt this only applied to the Newcastle United part of their sponsorship. This predictably produced a few guffaws.

 
Q7 - Questioner wanted to know the situation on home matches in relation to Southgate and Uxbridge.
 
A7 - Vinny runs the show here and kindly answered. Southgate have a new set of trustees who were unable to guarantee suitable dates. There are also some inhouse ( Southgate ) financial concerns. There is one FPT match at Southgate this season on Sunday May 25th v Sussex. So Uxbridge were approached and were happy to oblige with the necessary dates for the 4day matches. Vinny was very pleased about this, saying ' we need to keep all of our clubs happy and on board' 'especially with Lord's staging the 20/20 WC in 2009 and the ground will used for the 2012 Olympics'. Personnally I found his inclusive approach very sensible (SM). The Uxbridge matches are:T20 Kent Tue June 24th, LVCC2 Northants: starts Sun 29th June, SA Tour match or/FPT semi or T20 qf Fri 4th Jul depending on our progress in same? , LVCC2 Warwickshire: starts Wed 16th Jul, followed by PRO401 v Durham: Sun 20th July. He also mentioned that there are two matches at Richmond: Cardiff UCCE: 3 day match commencing Wed 30th April: plus a T20 v Hampshire Sun 22nd Jun. He further added, the alternative of playing one match at Uxbridge, then one at Southgate and then making the 25 mile return trip to Uxbridge was not viable. Hence the way the fixture list was constructed.
 

Q8 - Questioner wanted to about the reported ' merger'.
 
A8 - Ian Lovett - there is no merger on the cards. Keith Bradshaw has been approached about the inadequate practice facilities for Middlesex at Lord's. KB is more open and helpful on a number of related Middlesex subjects than his predecessors on that subject. In a discussion with 'Vinny' ' re the proposed Lord's upgrade' : the conversation took on a ' blue sky ' touch and a remark ' what if it were one club ' was picked up by a Times journalist ( present presumably for the redevelopment talks ) on a quiet day for cricket related matters and you know the story from there. IL said said there was some logic to it, but not in the foreseeable future. A show of hands in the meeting showed some interest. Personally, I don't like voting for anything until the ' terms of reference are spelt out '. In this case: the important issues of the cost and the status of Middlesex members, is of the must ' be known category '. Memories of the 75 EC referendum springs to mind, where 30 years later, the goalposts have moved several times, is a caution.  My own preference would be an upgraded partnership, so that both clubs could maintain their individual identities.

 
Q9 - Indian 20/20 cricket. Is it a threat?
 
A9 - Ian Lovett obviously it is a threat. A huge threat. Huge amounts of money are involved. Ed Smith: a lot of players are tempted, but challenge from the outside can be a motivation to the status quo. There is too much international cricket. However, all is not doom and gloom. The ICL would make it difficult for players to continue in the CC. There may be some collateral damage as players have a short career. Player's cannot be blamed with the large amounts of dosh on offer. The entertainment value could be absorbed into our cricket. TR echoed Ed's view. Run a good show. IPL: we have one player involved: Murali Kartik: this was at the behest of the BCCI. ICL: here 15 counties have players involved. We are one of three who do not. This drew the caustic comment: are they rubbish, so no one was asked?

Editor's Note- It was also mentioned whether if offered would Ed be tempted. He said he wants to concentrate on doing well for Middlesex- applause followed.  Can't help thinking it was more of case of him most unlikely to be on their shopping list. .

 Q10: This was asked by late arrival, Barmy Kev.  The lack of an all-rounder, the tail starts  at 6?
 
A10: Ed Smith got on this one quickly. He said yes: however, he had a higher regard for numbers 6 to 11 than had the questioner. Last year he said the problem position with a lack of runs, was number 5. Number 6 , if you considered Nash/Scott as one person, produced sufficient runs. He had hopes that Noffke/Murtagh would produce runs in the early season at 7 and 8. he accepted that the main batsman 1 to 5, have to bat and get big runs (this included him) to take pressure off the lower order. 
Editor Note- It was also mentioned that Scott scored more runs at 6 than 7. And our "no. 5" who underperformed has left 

Q11: What is our target for coming season?
 
A11: Toby Radford: our priority is to get promotion in LVCC. In one dayers: he felt that we played excellent cricket in the PRo40 last season. This he felt was because the wickets were drier with more carry, took a bit of spin at the bacend of the season. All of this suited Midd-x's style, both batting and bowlingwise . In the FPT which is played early, the wickets suited Midd-x less and we were more circumspect.
 

Q12: Murray Goldstein: Murray wanted to know why Ed Smith had gone on the defensive against Hampshire ( LVCC ) when they were 7 wkts down with 34 overs left and Shane Warne batting?
 
A12: Ed Smith said: as he was not the captain on that occasion and had not staged a coup on the pitch, he felt it was not in his control. Murray was reminded that it was two seasons ago and that Scott Styris was the captain on that occasion. Murray apologised.
Editor Note-this question as with all Murray's forum questions are designed to be provokotive. Even if this happened last year to use March to nitpick about a game last season is not constructive. Given Hants weren't in our league last year must have been a clue to fixtures under Ed's captaincy.  Ironically with Murray questioning Ed's agresssion, there was an argressive tinge to his tongue in cheek reply.

     
Q13: Was there to be any floodlit cricket this season?
 
A13: the short answer is yes. The PRO401 match versus Somerset on Monday 4th of August has been selected. Ian Lovett continued the theme by saying that the ECB were giving ALL counties money to erect floodlights. We of course being in the unique position of not having a ground, will still get the fllodlight money. To be spent on?????
 

Q14: What is the fitness of players?
 
A14: Ed Smith: Richo who has advanced his cause with the recent Lions tour, had had a slight ankle injury, but ok now. Ed further hoped that Richo would get further recognition, as his efforts deserved it, especially at this stage of his career. Steve Finn had had a groin op, but ok now. Plenty of player's around at Lord's/Finchley. Fitness training going well. He (Smithy) had never felt fitter. All players cannot wait for cricket to start. Toby added: we are off to Portugal for pre season: fitness, fielding a priority. Outdoor practice to continue on return. Essex, Surrey are nominated practice matches. Strauss, Owais and Morgan ( with Ireland ) will be absent.

Q15: Janet Davis: will a diet feature in Portugal like Spurs with Ramos.
 
A15: Toby: will be looked at. All sports moving in that direction.
 

Q16: Lord's wicket not prepared for situation. Example : must win game v Notts was as flat as a pancake. Notts won toss and filled their boots. Will this change?
 
A16: Ian Lovett: we will have to wait and see.
Editors note- no breakfasts with Mike Hunt mentioned 

Q17: Dave Nash: is he fit?
 
A17: Toby: yes, very fit.

Q18: Kartik: is he paid full contract?
 
A18: Toby: no: it is reduced prorata by the time he is absent. The balance is paid to his locum: Ashley Noffke. The overall total is equal to one overseas player for a full season. This was confirmed by Vinny.
Editors Note- I believe a deduction in pay packet for no balls may be a suitable deterrent 

Q19: This was a statement: member in audience said he had spoken to Owais's dad and asked him, if Owais was leaving Midd-x? Mr Shah said ' would not leave unless booted out '. So not leaving. Toby said: no way getting the boot.
 

Q20: Shirley: are we hoping to do better in the first innings?
 
A20: Ed Smith: last year was inexplicable. Need to bat better in first innings this year. " Middlesex batters on our wickets should be like watching Test cricket. Let's not address the problem but solve it instead.
 

Q21: Test Ground: will we get smaller?. This question related to our status and finance.
 
A21: Ian Lovett took the reins on this one. He pointed out that we were indeed classified by the ECB as a ' non-test ' county. There has been a debate about the fact that counties staging Tests make more money and can therefore either have bigger squads or pay higher salaries. He did go on to say though, that Middlesex are the most financially sound county thanks to the excellent work of Vinny and his team. So relatively speaking: we are up there with the big boys. However, he feels that eventually ALL counties will be subject to a salary cap similar to that which operates in Rugby's Guinness Premiership. So total cash available for players would be the same and establish a level playing field. Middlesex he felt: are quite well off anyway.
 
Editor Note- I recall Ian inadvertedly referring to Notts as no test playing team. I believe confused with Northants. He did correct himself.

Q22: A questioner returned to the emotional ( for some ) of the Southgate/Uxbridge debate. Saying that when we left Uxbridge in 1998, it was because the wicket was flat ( this kinda overlooked the fact that the Park Road characteristics followed the team to Lord's and Southgate over the next 10 years ). So his question was: what is it like now?
 
A22: Toby Radford answered this pretty unequivocally : in his view the Uxbridge wicket is an excellent wicket with plenty of pace and carry. Further it will take spin, which will suit Kartik. Ed Smith added: with it's pace and carry, it should ensure that the Middlesex batters run up some big totals there.
 

Finally the new second eleven coach ( Richard Scott ) was asked to say a few words. Said felt honoured and excited with his new post and the calibre of players he would be working with. Hoped for a good result this season. Round of applause for those sentiments.
 
I was impressed personally with the two new Forum members Ian Lovett and Toby Radford. Both were articulate and open in their answers.
 
The meeting closed at 8.00pm sharp and every one disappeared into the darkness of evening in a suitably pumped up mood.

Final Note from Editor-it was certainly an enjoyable forum with some amusing incidents. There was a feel good factor feeling and my optimism had increased. Some of us didn't immediately diappear into the darkness of evening and imbibed in Tavern. Seaxe Man was banned from drinking tso he could keep a clear head for report. Hopefully those who weren't there can now feel as if they were.