Sale Sharks Start New Season with a New Look
Capt Jason Robinson
By CheadleEnder
August 4 2004
New boys Trevor Woodman, Sebastian Chebal, Sililo Martens, Josh Taumalolo, Sebastien Bruno and surprise new signing John Carter joined new captain Jason Robinson, and the rest of the team at Edgeley Park today for the official photographs.
Sale Sharks supporters caught their first sight of both their new players and the long awaited new kit today.
Yesterday's bright sunshine gave way to the more usual grey Manchester sky and a constant downpour of rain for much of the morning. For a while it looked as though this year's photo opportunity would have to be moved inside for the first time. In the end, however, the rain stopped for long enough to allow the photographers and reporters to mark the start of our new season in the traditional way.
Jason Robinson's recently announced appointment as Captain for the new season meant he took his place in the centre of the picture alongside Director of Rugby, Philippe Saint-Andre and coaches Jim Mallinder and Kingsley Jones.
The newly redecorated Robinson Brewery stand provided an impressive backdrop for the pictures. The volunteers who have worked on renovating the ground all summer were offered the opportunity to meet the players and take photographs of the occasion. They were also included in an official team photograph which will be signed and presented to them. It was very warming that when Dave Swanton announced the reason for the picture every member of the team applauded the workers for their efforts.
One of the best things to come from the work that has been done this summer is the close bond that has developed between the Sale Shark's and Stockport County fans who have worked so closely together. It now feels as though we really are all part of one big family.
Also amongst the volunteers was a very special man - John Fernie. John played at loosehead for Sale FC from 1951 to 1955. It was a wonderful opportunity to get this picture of John with Sale's newest and most famous prop Trevor Woodman.
John Fernie and Trevor Woodman prop together
Another of the staunch Stockport County fans took advantage of the occasion to meet up with a player who once also played the round ball game on the pitch at Edgeley Park - Chris Jones.
Whilst reporters reported and photographers clicked on - some of the team decided maybe a little more practice wouldn't go amiss . . .
Sale Shark's most famous and respected team member has also had a brand new kit for next season. Sharky says he is looking forward to the new season with great optimism. He is still upset about the red card he received in this year's Mascot Sevens but has vowed that he will be back bigger and badder than ever.
