Divide & Conquer?

The cynics in the ranks may suggest that there was an underlying tactic associated with splitting up the group for players meetings this year. They might also have analysed the groups and wondered was there some strategic plan to balance certain lads against each other. Or they might just have been plain suspicious. They may not have been far off the mark with any of the above thoughts!

We decided to keep groups to max 6 people rather than have one big free for all. We wanted to have more structured conversations with lads, understand where their heads are at and get more quality feedback. From our (Colin, Conan and I) perspective it was very worthwhile and the most pleasing feedback was to hear how much fellas enjoy being involved. If that’s your starting point, things can’t be so bad.

Fellas put good thought into what they had to say and had prepared beforehand. The tone was positive and there was a good awareness of the realities we face regarding varying standards of players, difficulties in ensuring fairness, quality of pitches etc. The ideas flowed and there is plenty for us to work with now.

The idea of the meetings was that the players would talk and we would listen. When they were finished we would give our thoughts and plan for the year. I did quite well in terms of keeping my mouth shut with only the odd outburst to challenge opinions. Further work required though!!

The demographics are different here. At home you’d have a more mixed bag in terms of age, background and age-old club issues simmering. All the lads here are mid-twenties (with a couple of exceptions) and working. There is no, or very little, baggage to be holding fellas back. Their interest is in how to drive the club on, not in labouring on futile points. It’s a maturity, open mindedness, whatever you want to call it. It’s good.

I dropped Colin home after and he was commenting how the night would get you up for the year ahead. I’m not sure did it have the same effect on lads but if we can live up to their expectations than hopefully they won’t be long lining up behind us.