Supporters Club evening with Nick Blofeld

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:02:17:14:58:33 by Susanne.

Our next evening with Nick Blofeld is on Tuesday 15th Feb in the Illustrious Suite doors open 7pm fir a 730pm start. £2 for non-members and free to members




(sticky please)

Ping

Ping

Might even pay this time.

Dangnammit I'm in Parent-Teacher conferences that evening. Will someone please take notes?

I will try and remember stuff.

I reckon that they might announce some more re-signings at the meeting as they did last time (when they were simultaneously announced on the website).

Barters - entrance by supporters Club card only!

I still have my form from last time?

What about my GF? It says £2 non-members?

Quote:

Barters
I will try and remember stuff.
I reckon that they might announce some more re-signings at the meeting as they did last time (when they were simultaneously announced on the website).

Who's left to re-sign? Hape and Flats?

DBF, it depends if you are looking at how many are up for renewal or how many we want to keep.

I may be wrong, but I think the following are currently still up for renewal at the end of the year:

Barnes, Dave
Boussuge, Jacques
Carraro, Matt
Cheeseman, Tom
Faamatuianu, Johnny
Fernandez-Lobbe, Ignacio
Flatman, Dave
Hape, Shontayne
Grewcock, Danny
Keyte, Matt
Mercer, Guy
Ovens, Josh
Roberts, Paul
Scott, Nick
Short, Peter
Skirving, Ben
Skuse, Will
Stagg, Ted
Woodburn, Ollie

I'm assuming Danny and Barnes will retire but I guess we're looking at keeping more than Hape and Flats from that list.

if not already on the agenda can somebody ask for a rec development update please

retention of someone like guy mercer would be deemed very good news to everyone i would imagine. others on that list may be met with mixed responses.

Quote:

charlieboa
retention of someone like guy mercer would be deemed very good news to everyone i would imagine. others on that list may be met with mixed responses.

I'd add Ovens, Skuse and Scott to that along with Carraro and Flats as good popular club players. A new signing would be good too as we've had one two weeks in a row.

as i have'nt been able to get to last 2 i might try to get to this one , given the timing there might just be some news to glean from it !

COME ON YOU BATH
!!!!!!!
BATH, BATH, WHEREVER WE MAY BE WE ARE THE BOYS FROM THE WEST COUNTRY , AND WE'LL BEAT YOU ALL WHOEVER YOU MAY BE , BEAT YOU ALL FOR THE WEST COUNTRY !
Mike-s, in exile in Bridgwater

We'll be going so I'll try and do a "match report" afterwards. I'm sure the Rec development issue will come up and they will tell us as much as they are prepared/able to - I'm sure people will be asking Mr b tough questions and I am sure he will be more than a match for them!

Guys I'm new to this, I'm a season ticket holder - would I be eligible to come to the Supporters Club evening with NB tonight??

You should be fine marshie10 - it is open to non BRSC members, the difference being you might get charged £2 if Sparksy finds you!

Many thanks Susanne, i'll try and keep under the radar!!

As i've never been to a BRSC evening, I don't really know what's good form and what's not - can we put forward realistic names of players we'd like to see signed, and players we'd like to be retained (Matty Carraro and Flats)??

Probably wouldn't be the normal form. But I'm sure that they wouldn't mind too much. Certainly the issues of re-signings and so on will arise and I expect there will be questions taken.

I'd be interested to see how NB reacted if someone came straight out and asked if A.N.Other was going to be retained.

You could try, and Nick would listen politely, but I think we have to be realistic about how much influence we as supporters/season ticket holders have! It is bound to come up in discussions (along with the beer and the ladies' loos!).

Quote:

'd be interested to see how NB reacted if someone came straight out and asked if A.N.Other was going to be retained.

I would hazard a guess that he will smile and tell you they don't comment until things are confirmed.

Where exactly is the meeting, I'll be coming from about and hour away? If someone doesn't mind just giving me rough details...? Many thanks.

it's "in Illustrious Suite from 7pm. Members free, non-members £2" according to the BRSC twitter account.

Sorry to be annoying guys but where is the best place to park? Is the Illustrious suite the on the top floor?

The Illustrious Suite is in the Hampton Stand so come in via the Sports Centre entrance and head up to the top floor.

Susanne - you seem like a star!!

She is marshie10, She is.













Hot to!!

Ay Ay - I go away for a few days and find some shenanigans on ere!!! Suzanne???!!!

Tom "Samson" Biggs - Adopted Player 2012/2013
Chris Cook - Adopted Player 2011/2012
Luke (THE LAW) Watson - Adopted Player 2010/11
Michael " Classy" Claassens - Adopted Player 2009/2010

Building a nice future VETS team!!!

Your hot to Stir!

Pretty tired after that. Few things:

I would think from what Brad Davis was saying Matt Carraro is off. :-(

The offer to Eastmond is nowhere near £200k.

It seems an offer to Fearns has been made.

If the future is not in Bath, it's in Keynsham. :-(

I think Hape might leave.

If they don't find the right 10 they will go with what they've got instead of signing someone to have one.

Before people take this as gospel, it's just me reading into what was said.

Pretty much what I got to, in terms of Keynsham to be fair think rec is still plan A.

Agree that Hape sounds like he is off and unfortunately Carraro too

Really enjoyable. From what Brad was saying, Carraro's decision is mainly down to him marrying an Aussie bird. But Brad did also mention the fact that with the foreign ruling of only 2 being allowed in the match day squad, that Carraro would be replaced by someone who is really going to benefit the club (I got the whiff of a big signing - Chisolm?).

I also got the impression that Eastmond and Fearns are pretty certain. I wanted to delve into the Luke McAlister link a bit more, I feel he would be a quality replacement for Butch, very much a like for like. I also got the impression that the Francois Louw rumour/story has some substance to it.

How do I become a member of BRSC? I payed my £2

Marshie. Are you the chap that asked about ten questions? ;-)

Haha, yes barters I am. I was just so keen! I was the youngest I think. Which were you?

marshie10, i was the lemon at the back, as always!

Right at the back, wearing red?

The other (relatively) young one about four rows in front of you (with the bored looking GF!)

thanks for the updates chaps.

not much substance from NB on the progress with the rec?

sounds like a 'overseas' player coming in then? if carraro off and possibly lobbe that leaves us with 2 slots?

Charlie, NB wasn't there. I got the impression that he is in a southern hemisphere country...

NB wasn't there??? it was an evening with Nick Blofeld without Nick Blofeld or did I just misunderstand you?

"NB wasn't there" - get your 2 quid back Marshie, you've been sold a pup!

Last minute committments meant he couldn't be there. It happens.

Tom "Samson" Biggs - Adopted Player 2012/2013
Chris Cook - Adopted Player 2011/2012
Luke (THE LAW) Watson - Adopted Player 2010/11
Michael " Classy" Claassens - Adopted Player 2009/2010

Building a nice future VETS team!!!

But Jeremy Wilton the MD stood in and did a great job i thought.

Brad also reads ERE and was most interested in the split camp of views on Shonty!

Cheers,

Rich

Was it so sudden that the Supporters Club weren't told beforehand that NB had a sudden appointment elsewhere? Glad I stayed at home and watched a tremendous European performance by the almighty Spurs!

I've just done some notes but it has come out longer than expected so I'm going to put it up as an article and link to here shortly. Most of the player stuff has been covered but they said a lot about Farleigh and the Rec which are often raised 'ere so I thought an update might be helpful - watch this space.

Was that the most stupid gesture by Gattuso to try and pick a fight with Mr Jordan?

Apologies for the lack of Nick last night, unfortunately we were not aware until the 11th hr that Nick may not make it. The opinions given, however, were the Clubs regardless of who presented them.

Supporters' club membership forms can be downloaded from allez-bath.co.uk or you can join on the desk infront if the Clubhouse in match days.
For clarity ALL non-members should pay £2. However if, again there was no-one on the door as last time, then that was our fault. I was unable to make it last night due to illness so Barters gets let off again. I will make sure that I am on the door next time checking membership.

Jan & Mike checked membership Sparksy

Cheers,

Rich

Oh goodie, I need not fret. All that were there should have paid accordingly!

"I would think from what Brad Davis was saying Matt Carraro is off. :-("

If true, Shame, but best of luck and thanks and if DH is a replacement that's ok.

"The offer to Eastmond is nowhere near £200k."

I think any statement that tells you what a player is earning is a best misleading.

"It seems an offer to Fearns has been made."

Sounds worth a shot.

"If the future is not in Bath, it's in Keynsham. :-("

I guess the key is 'if not in Bath'. if not in Bath Keynsham is probably as good as anywhere.

"I think Hape might leave."

Would not be surprised, or that disappointed.

"If they don't find the right 10 they will go with what they've got instead of signing someone to have one. "

Good, get it right or play Olly and Vesty there.

I've now put up my view of what went on here

Anyone who was there feel free to disagree with my take on it!

Thanks, Suzanne. Am intrigued about the 'legal challenge re covenant from the 20's' aspect. Has Warthog been digging again?

I thought Jeremy was excellent and spoke very well. And I've always thought that Brad was a hero, he's done an absolutely fantastic job with the defence - the way he's got Carraro and Abendanon punching well above their weights has been invaluable. It was good to hear Brad as well and get the chance to ask him questions about the on field matters, perhaps I did ask him about 5 too many though - he also gave a bone breaking hand shake.

Barters, I know which one you were, I thought your girlfriend did very well!!!

Interestingly Brad didn't totally rule out McAlister, I think he would be an awesome signing, he is like for like with Butchy, although he perhaps tackles for legally that Butch. He also has a great boot on him on and off the ground, looking at the state of his thighs, if we get a penalty within 60 metres he could land them, i've seen him land a 63m kick!!! I don't like the idea of Olly and Sam being the only two available 10s, Sam is great in a tight game when we need to keep things narrow, but when we need to be expansive I think we struggle with Sam at 10.

Quote:

Mike-s
Has Warthog been digging again?

Sounded like it - if not him then someone with similar interests. I think the Fiends may have met their match in BC2 though!

Thanks, Susanne, always thought Firs Field was a no no. My view is the Council should swap the playing fields at Odd Down.

The 1922 covenant is not new and 'ere it is:

"no workshops, warehouses, factories or other buildings for the purpose of any trade or business which may be or grow to be a nuisance annoyance or disturbance or otherwise prejudicially affect the adjoining premises or neighbourhood shall at any time hereafter be erected upon the said hereditaments or premises except the part thereof now in the occupation of Bath Artcraft Limited and that nothing shall be hereafter erected placed built or done upon the said hereditaments and premises including such part thereof as last aforesaid which may be or grow to be a nuisance annoyance or disturbance or otherwise prejudicially affect the adjoining premises or neighbourhood provided always that no factory chimney shall be erected on the portion of the said hereditaments now in the occupation of Bath Artcraft Limited.”

As the land was sold to Bath Council in 1956 this covenant I would argue has been superceded.

CC it would seem that the club have instructed QC's to look into it too. Don't think it's Warty, but another resident in his road who has come out of the woodwork with this one.

Don't think the club plan to put up a chimney so all sorted then!

Tom "Samson" Biggs - Adopted Player 2012/2013
Chris Cook - Adopted Player 2011/2012
Luke (THE LAW) Watson - Adopted Player 2010/11
Michael " Classy" Claassens - Adopted Player 2009/2010

Building a nice future VETS team!!!

Quote:

Stir Crazy
CC it would seem that the club have instructed QC's to look into it too.

Should have given me a bell would have saved Bruce a few thousands!!!!

Regarding Hape. Nick B. said on the radio about 3-4 weeks ago that Hape should start managing his agent. He had an offer on the table for some time and it was up to him. I suspect the Club have made their valuatin and are not moving.Hape needs to be carefull that events do not take over and the offer is withdrawn.

Quote:

and the offer is withdrawn.

No sign of that last night - and I don't think Bath would withdraw it without pushing him for an answer. Sounds like it could be an agent made issue though. Brad Davis made a comment about Hape having to decide what was best for him and his family. Only my surmising, but maybe there is more money on offer elsewhere but the lifestyle in Bath is worth something. Trouble is an agent doesn't get a percentage of an intangible.

I would have thought that enough hot air has already come out of Warty's 'Chimney' to already have transgressed that covenant!

Great report Susanne; you've covered all the key points.
I agree that Brad was a little more open about the situation with a couple of players than Nick would have been!!Good sense of humour too.
Thought Jeremy did really well in Nick's absence; he's improved considerably from the first impression he made at the AGM!!

Thanks Susanne for taking copious notes and reporting back.

Quote:

dragonfly
Thought Jeremy did really well in Nick's absence; he's improved considerably from the first impression he made at the AGM!!

Poor guy - I think that was his first encounter with supporters and he did look like he had unexpectedly walked into the lions den.

Give him his due, he is a quick study. He very quickly realised that a Rugby club is completely different to a race course. Turns out he has also played rugby in his past and the right code, unlike Brad!

Jeremy's first week I think included both the AGM sagas as well as the Awards Supper. He has been to many of our Committee meetings and can nearly ALWAYS be spotted lurking in the background at events, he was at the last 'Nick Night' so knows what the Supporters' are like!!

From your article, Suzanne: "He also made the very important point that Bath Rugby need the Council to get behind this too – B&NES can’t view Bruce as a bottomless chequebook to bail them out!"

Interesting to see that B&NES have approved £10M to redevelop the Sports Centre. Just need to sort out the consultation but the council appear to be working in the right direction.

BBC News article

Smiley Neil :-)

Quote:

Smiley Neil
Interesting to see that B&NES have approved £10M to redevelop the Sports Centre.

Although it will cost a lot more than that! I think this is part of the perception problem about Bruce. Jeremy made a couple of points about this

1) Although Bruce is wealthy he is an astute business man who intends to see Bath Rugby run as a profitable business in the long term.

2) a Sports centre is difficult to run profitably - especially when it contains a wet are i.e. a pool. And Sports England expect to see facilities replaced like for like - the existing sports centre has a pool therefore a replacement will have to as well. I think Bath Ruby are therefore reluctant to have too much involvement with a new centre

Just remembered something else they mentioned - they have taken the lease on the shop next to the ticket office on Pulteney Bridge (used to be Pink Stripes) and are going to move the ticket office in there.

This was mentioned when someone raised the issue of the fact that in Biarritz any one in the town can be in no doubt that there is a rugby match on, whereas this is not the case in Bath. (It will also allow the ticket office staff access to daylight!) THe ticket office under the West Stand will still be open on match days.

Can't remember the time scale - likely to be a little while as the building is Grade I listed.

Think the time scale was 'by the end of the season.

Althought it is a positive move I think it could be better still if it was on Milsom Street or in that vicinity. Far fewer people pass through Pulteney area as the shops basically run out there.

I think you are quite wrong there, Barters re. shoppers not going over the bridge etc. It is also in an ideal position for match days and is in the true heart of Bath.

Anyway, the leases in Milsom Street are prohibitive.
Although we are all interested, its quite a limited market comparative to the big names in Milsom St, New Bond Street, Stall Street etc.

But there's no advantage to it being near the ground. Because people going to the ground are going to the game already. A presence in the very centre of town would likely pick up more new customers.

Quote:

A presence in the very centre of town would likely pick up more new customers.

It could be that Pulteney Bridge is good for now because it is near the shop and possibly a shorter lease? The rumour that we were going into the old Next store near the corridor is obviously not going to happen as that is now being refitted as 2 new stores (can't remember what).

Maybe they don't want to get tied into anything too long and too expensive at a time when everything is up in the air and up for review.

When is the next BRSC meeting? For me it is almost better than Christmas, I felt like a pig in sh*t.

Quote:

Susanne

Quote:

A presence in the very centre of town would likely pick up more new customers.

The rumour that we were going into the old Next store near the corridor is obviously not going to happen as that is now being refitted as 2 new stores (can't remember what).

Maybe they don't want to get tied into anything too long and too expensive at a time when everything is up in the air and up for review.

I remember Nick saying a couple of meetings ago the site was seriously being looked at. I suspect it was perhaps a lease/cost issue. I'm Sure it will come in time, and the new Ticket Office/Shop is a good postive step.

Agree with Marshie, the BRSC Supporters updates are cracking evenings - really good for both Club and supporters.

Cheers,

Rich



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:02:18:17:58:11 by Bathbadger.