So what if people in blogger land aren't genuine ? I am going to write anyway.
So what if netballers aren't honest ? They are going to play anyway.
So what if someone wants to get dirty about what is written ? I am going to write anyway.
No matter what, the truth will be told. When an article was written with the title " Netball or track and field", it apparently struck a nerve in somebody's spine. This individual was so shaken up that they started getting dirty.
Anonymous, as the individual called HIM/HERSELF wanted to attack the club I coach. Hey, it aint gonna happen! SAFE PASSES is not a launching pad for netballers with personal vendettas with others in this sport and will never be. As promised, I will try to bring all things positive no matter how people in managerial positions feel.
For some of you out there who would like to leave positive comments, that opportunity has been taken away and hopefully in some way you will get it back. For those with negative thoughts on this blog, you have no choice but to keep them.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Good Keeping
As was earlier stated the aim of creating this blog was to hopefully highlight some of the challenges that we have in netball here in Barbados. It was hoped that readers would take the time to understand that what was being written was never a personal vilification on anyone.
When readers of SAFE PASSES could attempt to get edgy, nasty and even STUPID, I knew that something right was being done. Earlier this evening( 27-01-09) I saw some words printed on a t-shirt.It read ' DON'T KNOW HOW TO ANSWER STUPID'.
An article dating 23-01-09 has apparently caused one reader to be bitter.Answering to what is utter STUPIDITY on their part is rather easy and to reply would mean giving them the priviledge of gaining some MUCH SOUGHT AFTER KNOWLEDGE.
Unfortunately for some netballers, especially those who may have attended the UNIVERSITY @ WATERFORD and probably now UWI CAVE HILL, it is heartening to know that you have taken the time to read this blog. It is however unfortunate that you probably were hoping to find playing tips and track and field drills here and didn't.
Thanks for jogging my memory,hopefully when the first whistle is blown, you will be still on the court. Game over!
When readers of SAFE PASSES could attempt to get edgy, nasty and even STUPID, I knew that something right was being done. Earlier this evening( 27-01-09) I saw some words printed on a t-shirt.It read ' DON'T KNOW HOW TO ANSWER STUPID'.
An article dating 23-01-09 has apparently caused one reader to be bitter.Answering to what is utter STUPIDITY on their part is rather easy and to reply would mean giving them the priviledge of gaining some MUCH SOUGHT AFTER KNOWLEDGE.
Unfortunately for some netballers, especially those who may have attended the UNIVERSITY @ WATERFORD and probably now UWI CAVE HILL, it is heartening to know that you have taken the time to read this blog. It is however unfortunate that you probably were hoping to find playing tips and track and field drills here and didn't.
Thanks for jogging my memory,hopefully when the first whistle is blown, you will be still on the court. Game over!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Answers given
"We doan know wha gine on!" Those were the first six words uttered to me recently in a conversation with a few netballers from the U-21 squad. Due to the fact that those words are used to begin this posting, it doesn't mean that they were appraoached.Actually it was the opposite. YES ANONYMOUS, I have spoken to the players at trials and to be honest, it was worth the three ( 3) seconds. Pun intended!
ANONYMOUS also wrote about faith in the trainer and coach, my thinking that I am a better coach and more. What amazed me about that reply or comment was the fact that the person seemed more into launching an attack at what was written than why it was actually written.
Having had the priviledge to converse with one of the best netball coaches ever and having her CRITIQUE some of my programmes, I take some measure of pleasure in saying that I am a good coach. I can and will also say that with the best trainer, we were able to win consecutively without that winning formula. Surprising, eh?
The opening of this post asked a question and it was also an answer to one of many that was asked by ANONYMOUS. Hopefully he/she will realise that negatives can be turned into positives.
Never will this blog be used as an avenue to discredit any coach/trainer or even MANAGER.It will simply HIGHLIGHT some of the BAD PASSES made and the DISTANCES taken in 2009 and beyond.
ANONYMOUS also wrote about faith in the trainer and coach, my thinking that I am a better coach and more. What amazed me about that reply or comment was the fact that the person seemed more into launching an attack at what was written than why it was actually written.
Having had the priviledge to converse with one of the best netball coaches ever and having her CRITIQUE some of my programmes, I take some measure of pleasure in saying that I am a good coach. I can and will also say that with the best trainer, we were able to win consecutively without that winning formula. Surprising, eh?
The opening of this post asked a question and it was also an answer to one of many that was asked by ANONYMOUS. Hopefully he/she will realise that negatives can be turned into positives.
Never will this blog be used as an avenue to discredit any coach/trainer or even MANAGER.It will simply HIGHLIGHT some of the BAD PASSES made and the DISTANCES taken in 2009 and beyond.
Opinions count, don't they?
Barbados became an independent nation on 30th November 1966, bringing with it something called FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION. As a result of this ability to express ourselves we were able to speak our minds and thoughts through poetry,essays and even blogging.
When this blog was first conceptualised, the intentions were to bring an awareness to anything relating to the sport of netball in the island. All the postings here are PERSONAL thoughts and feelings AND will remain that way.
Unfortunately that FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION is now an attack on the integrity of persons involved in netball. I guess THE TRUTH REALLY HURTS !
I like to voice my opinion on things even when it ruffles some feathers. No matter what, I am going to speak the truth.
When this blog was first conceptualised, the intentions were to bring an awareness to anything relating to the sport of netball in the island. All the postings here are PERSONAL thoughts and feelings AND will remain that way.
Unfortunately that FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION is now an attack on the integrity of persons involved in netball. I guess THE TRUTH REALLY HURTS !
I like to voice my opinion on things even when it ruffles some feathers. No matter what, I am going to speak the truth.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
No ball bowled
Although the heading of this blog suggests cricket, this posting is about netball. Can you imagine being a part of any national training squad for any of the three teams at the moment and without even a ball being passed you were cut from the squad ?
In this sport of netball, it MAY soon happen. Some very disgruntled and dissatisfied trialists on the U-21 squad are saying that very soon they will be history makers. FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS !
Apparently like in the OJ Simpson case and worded by the late great attorney Johnnie Cochran, IF IT AINT FIT .............?
Then people were livid,angry,upset ......................., are they going to be the same here as well? Wait and see !
In this sport of netball, it MAY soon happen. Some very disgruntled and dissatisfied trialists on the U-21 squad are saying that very soon they will be history makers. FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS !
Apparently like in the OJ Simpson case and worded by the late great attorney Johnnie Cochran, IF IT AINT FIT .............?
Then people were livid,angry,upset ......................., are they going to be the same here as well? Wait and see !
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Netball or track and field ??
Wikipedia online defines ANAEROBIC exercises as those used in non-endurance sports to build power( netball, basketball) while AEROBIC exercises include lower intensity activities performed for longer periods of time ( RUNNING, walking,swimming).
Not even the athletes from the club I manage/coach are MADE to run a 5k at any point in time and these are national and potential national athletes. When I heard/saw that the present U-21 squad were going through this demanding exercise, I was floored ( pun intended). Why was this being done at this time ?
Then I remembered an article carried in one of our daily newspapers where the then newly appointed coach remarked that she would like to carry the U-21 team to the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees ( CANOC) games in Trinidad and Tobago. What will the team be doing there? It is a netball team that isn't playing netball and a long distance team that cannot win a race.
The netball stadium has been used for netball,volleyball,boxing and even road tennis. Now we can add track and field.
When did the merger between the AAA and the BNA occur ?
Not even the athletes from the club I manage/coach are MADE to run a 5k at any point in time and these are national and potential national athletes. When I heard/saw that the present U-21 squad were going through this demanding exercise, I was floored ( pun intended). Why was this being done at this time ?
Then I remembered an article carried in one of our daily newspapers where the then newly appointed coach remarked that she would like to carry the U-21 team to the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees ( CANOC) games in Trinidad and Tobago. What will the team be doing there? It is a netball team that isn't playing netball and a long distance team that cannot win a race.
The netball stadium has been used for netball,volleyball,boxing and even road tennis. Now we can add track and field.
When did the merger between the AAA and the BNA occur ?
Friday, January 23, 2009
I have often been asked when my suspension will end and my answer was always the same. Today I was in a restaurant and a netballer approached me with this question: " Now that your friends are in, you gonna get the ban dun?"
I have never sought to use my friendship with anyone on the Board of the BNA to assist in my impasse at all. Now that the new members are just as close to me , I still am not going to ask them to betray the ethics behind their ascension.
I didn't get to have an actual conversation with this netballer because several other players approached with the same question as well. What I did say however is that time is a healer.
I have read with much interest a post on the blog 'Netball&Politics&Sport' where the writer commented on the recently held Barbados Netball Association( BNA) general meeting for the election of a Vice President and Secretary. The writer notes that only 5 or 6 clubs were represented totalling 11 persons.
Due to the non-attendance of clubs, the writer noted that the meeting was " a passive demonstration of some kind". Should this absence be seen as a demonstration or a disinterest due to the frustration with the sport which has been going downhill for quite some time,particularly due to the dictatorship employed by the previous administration?
I DELIBERATELY chose to look up the meaning of the word 'farce" and came upon such descriptions as sham,circus,mockery and charade. Why would the elections be described with such a term when they were fairly contested and all clubs had a fair and even opportunity to vote?
Each person elected is quite competent in the areas for which they were chosen and more importantly,they come to the Board with no hidden agendas or personal biases which is exactly what is needed at this time.
My belief is that the blogger may have a problem with the fact that these newly elected persons aren't easily influenced nor can they be easily swayed, since it seems to be the norm for past administrators to try to influence and control behind the scenes.
The only point on which I agree with the writer is that there is something definitely wrong with the sport of netball and I hope the new administration will make it its mandate to try to repair the damage which has been done and restore confidence in the sport.
I have every confidence that they are the right team for the challenge and look forward to giving and offering my total support. Coincidentally and thankfully, this offering of support is also echoed by other netballers and supporters of netball I have spoken to since the "farce" elections.Even those who chose not to attend the meeting.
Netball is yet to recover from the damage which it suffered under the long stewardship of past administrators.Indeed the negative impact on netballers has been so great that they seem to have adopted a level of indifference that is quite frightening.
Due to the non-attendance of clubs, the writer noted that the meeting was " a passive demonstration of some kind". Should this absence be seen as a demonstration or a disinterest due to the frustration with the sport which has been going downhill for quite some time,particularly due to the dictatorship employed by the previous administration?
I DELIBERATELY chose to look up the meaning of the word 'farce" and came upon such descriptions as sham,circus,mockery and charade. Why would the elections be described with such a term when they were fairly contested and all clubs had a fair and even opportunity to vote?
Each person elected is quite competent in the areas for which they were chosen and more importantly,they come to the Board with no hidden agendas or personal biases which is exactly what is needed at this time.
My belief is that the blogger may have a problem with the fact that these newly elected persons aren't easily influenced nor can they be easily swayed, since it seems to be the norm for past administrators to try to influence and control behind the scenes.
The only point on which I agree with the writer is that there is something definitely wrong with the sport of netball and I hope the new administration will make it its mandate to try to repair the damage which has been done and restore confidence in the sport.
I have every confidence that they are the right team for the challenge and look forward to giving and offering my total support. Coincidentally and thankfully, this offering of support is also echoed by other netballers and supporters of netball I have spoken to since the "farce" elections.Even those who chose not to attend the meeting.
Netball is yet to recover from the damage which it suffered under the long stewardship of past administrators.Indeed the negative impact on netballers has been so great that they seem to have adopted a level of indifference that is quite frightening.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I know why the caged bird sings
Several years ago noted American author Maya Angelou wrote what was and still is one of the most influential and thought provoking novels. The title of the book is also the title of this post.
I honestly have never read the entire book but there are chapters that generates discussions on divided families and over coming obstacles.
Politics will always be a part of sport no matter what. Unfortunately for some of us it consumes our minds to the point of trying to form a "coup". Netball or any other sport for that matter is bigger than any individual and should be seen in that regard.
We have a good ( maybe great) thing going and we will never be the BEST that we want to be if we continue to hold each other to ransom.
Maya knew why the caged bird sang and I know that "frenemies" will always be just that.
I honestly have never read the entire book but there are chapters that generates discussions on divided families and over coming obstacles.
Politics will always be a part of sport no matter what. Unfortunately for some of us it consumes our minds to the point of trying to form a "coup". Netball or any other sport for that matter is bigger than any individual and should be seen in that regard.
We have a good ( maybe great) thing going and we will never be the BEST that we want to be if we continue to hold each other to ransom.
Maya knew why the caged bird sang and I know that "frenemies" will always be just that.
13-1
What was supposed to be a challenge for the two remaining positions on the board of the BNA turned out to be nothing more than an unfair advantage. When the ball was tossed at the reconvened meeting yesterday ( Tuesday 20th January '09) , the winning margin for both Secretary and 1st Vice President was the same.
The match-up between Alicia Jemmott ( Spooners Hill) vs the former national player ( Carlton) was to determine who would be Secretary. When the final whistle was blown and the last goal scored, it was 13-1 for Miss Jemmott.
Former national player and past administrator Juanita Cordle in a return to form( at the right time) completely outplayed another Carlton player by the identical result for the post of 1st Vice President.
Interestingly enough, both losers were rumoured to be a part of a team that was training to elevate the standard of netball in Barbados. In the end the team scored two goals. As in monopoly,GO DIRECTLY TO THE GOAL LINE, DO NOT COLLECT A PASS.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
2005 V 2009
Coaching netball has and will always be something that I do for recreation. It has never defined who I am as an individual. My ability to improve on the weak areas of players as well as assist with the overall development of these players have brought me immense satisfaction over the last two decades or more.
At the 2005 Canadian National Netball Championships, my expertise was utilized by the province of Quebec. I was given the responsibility of coaching the U-23 team from that province for the championships. It was not an easy task.
Some of the girls had played netball before while some were beginners. I had only one month to prepare a competitive unit. What did I do? Drills,drills and more drills, with and without netballs.
Did the team win the championships? NO!Second? NO!Third?NO! Out of four, they were fourth. The satisfaction for me after all this was when one of the players was called to trials by the national organization for the Canadian U-23 team.
I have said that to say this. It is extremely difficult to prepare a team of less than average players for a major competition. It also takes a dedicated coach to get the best out of the players in their squad/team.
I saw that team in 2005 and I am seeing it again right here in Barbados but there are differences that are GLARING. Then the time frame was four weeks, now it has been more than four months. The person in charge then ( ME) knew what was necessary.Now? Wait and see! And yes, while the 2005 team was fourth or last( whichever is better), will we have the same result here?
At the 2005 Canadian National Netball Championships, my expertise was utilized by the province of Quebec. I was given the responsibility of coaching the U-23 team from that province for the championships. It was not an easy task.
Some of the girls had played netball before while some were beginners. I had only one month to prepare a competitive unit. What did I do? Drills,drills and more drills, with and without netballs.
Did the team win the championships? NO!Second? NO!Third?NO! Out of four, they were fourth. The satisfaction for me after all this was when one of the players was called to trials by the national organization for the Canadian U-23 team.
I have said that to say this. It is extremely difficult to prepare a team of less than average players for a major competition. It also takes a dedicated coach to get the best out of the players in their squad/team.
I saw that team in 2005 and I am seeing it again right here in Barbados but there are differences that are GLARING. Then the time frame was four weeks, now it has been more than four months. The person in charge then ( ME) knew what was necessary.Now? Wait and see! And yes, while the 2005 team was fourth or last( whichever is better), will we have the same result here?
Answer this
When mandates are given to any organization sporting or otherwise,it is in the best interest of all concerned that nothing or very little is done to have any negative 'vibes'.
My involvement in netball over the years has given me the opportunity to befriend many of the players in more ways than one. I have always found it necessary to give an honest opinion whether the individual approved or not.
Sunday ( January 18th,2009) was no exception. Receiving a telephone call asking for my assistance via this blog was amazing.The caller wanted to know if the BNA can change it's name from BARBADOS NETBALL ASSOCIATION to NETBALL BARBADOS without consulting the general body. I think not! I further told the caller that I would ask a question and the answer given.
My honest opinion is this. A special general meeting with the membership of the BNA should be convened and the rationale behind the change given. The final decision should be made by means of a vote. Also if the organization is registered as a small business, the correct procedure of changing the name has to be done and a fee paid.
2009 will always be about CHANGE!!!
My involvement in netball over the years has given me the opportunity to befriend many of the players in more ways than one. I have always found it necessary to give an honest opinion whether the individual approved or not.
Sunday ( January 18th,2009) was no exception. Receiving a telephone call asking for my assistance via this blog was amazing.The caller wanted to know if the BNA can change it's name from BARBADOS NETBALL ASSOCIATION to NETBALL BARBADOS without consulting the general body. I think not! I further told the caller that I would ask a question and the answer given.
My honest opinion is this. A special general meeting with the membership of the BNA should be convened and the rationale behind the change given. The final decision should be made by means of a vote. Also if the organization is registered as a small business, the correct procedure of changing the name has to be done and a fee paid.
2009 will always be about CHANGE!!!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Jouney has begun
I have struggled hard about what to write here and I still am a bit unsure even as I try now. My personal opinions will always be mine and so here goes.
What was supposed to be a game to "look at trialists" between the U-16 and U-21 squads respectively turned out to be a game winner for the Julie Phillips coached team. With more intensity than expected the younger squad played as though possessed probably knowing that some of them will be 'cut' from the squad soon.
It was the Sandrene Jordan squad that surprised. With past and present senior nationals in the lineup, the U-21 squad seemed as though they were at the National Stadium and not the Netball Stadium. They just ran and ran and ran, minus the ball at times. THINK the training being done helped there?
It was frustrating to be honest.
What was supposed to be a game to "look at trialists" between the U-16 and U-21 squads respectively turned out to be a game winner for the Julie Phillips coached team. With more intensity than expected the younger squad played as though possessed probably knowing that some of them will be 'cut' from the squad soon.
It was the Sandrene Jordan squad that surprised. With past and present senior nationals in the lineup, the U-21 squad seemed as though they were at the National Stadium and not the Netball Stadium. They just ran and ran and ran, minus the ball at times. THINK the training being done helped there?
It was frustrating to be honest.
Monday, January 12, 2009
School in session
Wonder what she telling the people children? I hope it was something to do with the game. It look so though,eh!
1/4 of a team ?
I was very fortunate to witness the first session of the senior national team this evening( Monday January 12th 2009) at the Lester Vaughan School. Did I say team? Maybe that was what I was hoping for. THREE girls attended what was a truly vigorous session with chief "trainer" Alwyn Babb. What made the situation even more disgusting was that coach Waithe and the BNA have to find ways and means for Barbados to maintain it's present ranking.
That only three players attended( coincidentally all from the same club) the question to be asked is,"Where were the other 9?" Comeon, this is the national team we are hoping to put us in the top 10 of netball and if the players aren't committed to train, are we going to look for others?
Personally I don't think that the MISSING 9 will give the same excuse/reason for not attending the session as they should've. What happens if they do ??
No amount of drills,no matter how skilled and no amount of pleading will win any titles where too much indiscipline exists.
That only three players attended( coincidentally all from the same club) the question to be asked is,"Where were the other 9?" Comeon, this is the national team we are hoping to put us in the top 10 of netball and if the players aren't committed to train, are we going to look for others?
Personally I don't think that the MISSING 9 will give the same excuse/reason for not attending the session as they should've. What happens if they do ??
No amount of drills,no matter how skilled and no amount of pleading will win any titles where too much indiscipline exists.
Ups and downs
Several years ago, the highest standard of netball was played in the Divisions 1 & 2 .Last year that wasn't the case at all. Three teams playing some excellent netball were able to force a three-way playoff to determine an outright winner of the Division 3. That the playoffs weren't played meant that the winner was decided based on goal average.
Former Senior Knock-out champions Spooners Hill was declared the winner followed by Brydens and Pine Hill St.Barnabas. Spooners Hill won based on the hard work of some of the individuals and the will to succeed.
With the BNA using the promotion and demotion system, it means that both Spooners Hill and Brydens will be promoted to Division 2. What about PH? Will they be allowed to remain in the same division or will they be promoted as well?
Some will say that PH already have teams in higher divisions, but are we promoting clubs or teams?
With the impending amalgamation of teams in the highest divisions,we may see a better standard of netball played. One blogger welcomed the return of ace national shooter and arguably one of the best in the world Lydia Bishop to 'top flight' netball. So do I!
Former Senior Knock-out champions Spooners Hill was declared the winner followed by Brydens and Pine Hill St.Barnabas. Spooners Hill won based on the hard work of some of the individuals and the will to succeed.
With the BNA using the promotion and demotion system, it means that both Spooners Hill and Brydens will be promoted to Division 2. What about PH? Will they be allowed to remain in the same division or will they be promoted as well?
Some will say that PH already have teams in higher divisions, but are we promoting clubs or teams?
With the impending amalgamation of teams in the highest divisions,we may see a better standard of netball played. One blogger welcomed the return of ace national shooter and arguably one of the best in the world Lydia Bishop to 'top flight' netball. So do I!
Rankings
When the IFNA decided that they were going to introduce a ranking system based on games played,won,lost,drawn?? was it in the best interest of countries such as ours?
Think carefully.To improve on our world ranking we have to play and beat countries ranked higher than us. While playing against opponents higher will benefit us,will it benefit them?
I don't think that a country with a top 10 ranking will want to risk losing to a country lower than they are. Do you?
For the first time ever Barbados may struggle to qualify for global tournaments and based on the present rankings from IFNA,it's gonna be a long hard fight. We are 12th at the moment with a total of 85 points followed by Wales ( 13th) and Singapore ( 14th) on 78 and 77 points respectively.
Can we maintain our position? Hard task!
Think carefully.To improve on our world ranking we have to play and beat countries ranked higher than us. While playing against opponents higher will benefit us,will it benefit them?
I don't think that a country with a top 10 ranking will want to risk losing to a country lower than they are. Do you?
For the first time ever Barbados may struggle to qualify for global tournaments and based on the present rankings from IFNA,it's gonna be a long hard fight. We are 12th at the moment with a total of 85 points followed by Wales ( 13th) and Singapore ( 14th) on 78 and 77 points respectively.
Can we maintain our position? Hard task!
Not yet
I have told a few people from the netball fraternity my intentions about coaching SH again this year. The responses while all good and positive are the same followed by this question:" You time up yet?"No, it isn't.
When the decision was taken by the BNA to 'suspend'me until 2011, it didn't mean that I could not ACTIVELY coach my 'old'team, it just meant that my appearance as a coach could not be on the bench. That was fine with me. Look at lawn tennis, where are the coaches when the games are being played?? I rest my case.
When the decision was taken by the BNA to 'suspend'me until 2011, it didn't mean that I could not ACTIVELY coach my 'old'team, it just meant that my appearance as a coach could not be on the bench. That was fine with me. Look at lawn tennis, where are the coaches when the games are being played?? I rest my case.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
I am back!
My decision to return to the coaching fray here in Barbados was not an easy one at best. I have been satisfied being a spectator and lending criticisms where necessary.
What brought me back was this. In the summer of 2008,I took my yearly trip to my second home ( Toronto) and helped my brother's team win their first Division 1 title.I didn't get to see the actual win, but when I got the good news it was like being there in the flesh. Way to go Twilight!!
That was't all. I have an interest in one of the trialists for the U-21 team and making the decision to help her out made it easy for me as far as club coaching. There are going to be serious challenges, but I am fine with them.
Am I really ready for the game of netball which isn't what it was when I "left" it? I am.
What brought me back was this. In the summer of 2008,I took my yearly trip to my second home ( Toronto) and helped my brother's team win their first Division 1 title.I didn't get to see the actual win, but when I got the good news it was like being there in the flesh. Way to go Twilight!!
That was't all. I have an interest in one of the trialists for the U-21 team and making the decision to help her out made it easy for me as far as club coaching. There are going to be serious challenges, but I am fine with them.
Am I really ready for the game of netball which isn't what it was when I "left" it? I am.
Ontario Open Women
The 2008 Ontario Open Women at a training session preparing for the Canadian National Netball Championships.
Congrats!
HUH?
Let's be honest here for a change. Are we serious about our chances at the World Youth Championships scheduled for the Cook Island sometime in the summer? I can see heads nodding in the affirmative. Now ask yourself this question - Since when ?
Realistically to be competitive is going to be a challenge. At the moment we have too many trialists at training in our effort to get a team that can challenge for at least a top 10 placing. Hey, I am not faulting the players,but I think that the management of the U-21( who bring a wealth of international experience) should know what is required.
How possible is it to get a team from players who possess limited strength in necessary elements of the game. I was fortunate or unfortunate( depending on the angle) to witness a scrimmage last year and know this, we are in for a long struggle.
Sure the game is played on the day, but looking on that day seemed to have passed. It would be ideal if questions can be asked by the management to the coaches of the 2005 u-21 team about expectations at this level. Will that be done? Hopefully!
Realistically to be competitive is going to be a challenge. At the moment we have too many trialists at training in our effort to get a team that can challenge for at least a top 10 placing. Hey, I am not faulting the players,but I think that the management of the U-21( who bring a wealth of international experience) should know what is required.
How possible is it to get a team from players who possess limited strength in necessary elements of the game. I was fortunate or unfortunate( depending on the angle) to witness a scrimmage last year and know this, we are in for a long struggle.
Sure the game is played on the day, but looking on that day seemed to have passed. It would be ideal if questions can be asked by the management to the coaches of the 2005 u-21 team about expectations at this level. Will that be done? Hopefully!