Meet the Players 2015 Season

The "Meet the Players evening" was held on Thursday as I'm sure you will all know. It was a great success being well attended and all present were able to spend the evening chatting to other supporters whilst supping a drink, watching the lads train on the pitch albeit in rather damp conditions, but from the comfort of the Midas marquee where it was quite bearable. As I said the evening went very well with the opportunity to  have a hog roast with several side dishes which was very well receved by those present and compliments to the chef and staff an excellent meal. After having eaten, the serious part of the evening began, being in the capable hands of the local newshound Dave Gibbons who kept things moving in good time. A few of the squad for this season were called up to the mike for a few words, I think I have got their names correct and we will be putting on this site mug shots of those who have signed to date a.s.a.p.

Firstly here we see those supporters who chose to get a drink and have a chat while the others watched the lads train on the main pitch.

After we had all eaten the entire squad who have signed on the dotted line along with the trialists are seated ready to be presented to the audience.

Dawsey having a chat with the M.C. Dave Gibbons and his Physio team at the bar beforehand.

Then on to the floor to give us an idea of his objectives for the coming season.

After a few of the trialists being introduced it was Cameron Setter who was called to the mike to say a few words. It's apparent that all the squad get on well together from what he said, also he is looking forward to the start of season.

Next up was the well known figure of Dan Collier who told us that he had been told he was untrainable, he explained that he was told what to do in training but has an innate ability to go his own way whilst trying, he said, to stick to the game plan. Much to the amusement of his fellow players.

Dave Fisher who was next up said he was looking forward to playing a more open game than he had in South Africa wherein whilst maintaining the physicality of the Boks he looked forward to the extra wider skills of the Brits.

Ethan Ford was next in line, very gracious about the England .v. Aussie test cricket told us that he was able to make use of his grandmothers nationality to get a visa to play at Brickfields next season.

Then our very own Herbie Stupple was under the spotlight, but all in good spirit as with the rest of the squad he, being a senior member and a long time Albion player told us something of the various situations under different head coaches. He did say that the current crop of players had the best team spirit of all and he was looking forward to having a full and sucessfull season for the club and the supporters.

Nile Dacres who came to the stage next has played against us many times whils with Moseley and is very excited about our prospects of having a good season this time. 

The last player to be called up was Thomas Bedford who has also played Championship rugby with a few teams, he is also looking forward to a great season.

Our new Physio team were also in attendance to support the lads. We seem it appears to have a big background staff team this season although maybe not. We also have our head coach who was presented this evening, a fitness coach and of course Simon "Jan" Hinklin who remains as our team manager. Perhaps others as well.

We also have a new head of  Marketing and Sponsorship, Emma Still, who has taken over from Clare Stirling who has another career to follow. Emma said she has set herself high goals to achieve and wants to increase the present income from sponsorship and marketing sourses so if you wish to sponsor a player then she is the person you want to talk to.

The evening was concluded with the presentation of the usual cheque from the "200" Club to the club. When I say the 200 club, these monies also include the profits made from the monthly luncheons that are attended by any of the supporters who wish to and do attend these and any other functions that are organized by Vince and the 200 club. This time the cheque was for some £1700 bringing the total given over the years to over £30000 I believe.

If you don't currently attend these functons why not try them on the first Wednesday each month for lauch at he club, thanks.