Re: under 23s : Wed Aug 31, 2011 8:20 am  

a.n Other wrote:

We will never know the reasons as the club have not released any info on the feed back they received. One thing that stands out to me though was what you previously said, the club is run by volunteers, good ones yes, but how could the RFL replace a club that appears to employ professional people to run their operation, with one run by a handful of volunteers?

And therein lies the problem. Look at the Widnes set up:

Steve O'Connor - Chairman
Julie Gaskell - CEO

Chris Shirling-Rooke - Head Of Commercial
Janet Pheysey - Football Secretary
Alison Quinn - Accounts Administrator
Mark Naughton - Media & P R Manager
Michele Carter - Lottery & Ticket Manager
John Foran - Community Co-ordinator
Paul Hansbury - Office Administrator
Interesting that these last few have sponsors!

They also have 4 matchday staff (i assume these are volunteers though) and 10 coaching staff.

When Wakefield went into administration, 28 members of the back-office staff were made redundant. 28!!!!


You need brass for a professional back office.

Re: under 23s : Wed Aug 31, 2011 5:05 pm  

Getting back on the original topic.

Do Leigh East play at the LSV?

Re: under 23s : Wed Aug 31, 2011 6:17 pm  

It's a cracking facility next door to the LSV.

Re: under 23s : Wed Aug 31, 2011 7:31 pm  

Bubba wrote:

Isnt that what the supporters of the club do as well rich? Put their time and money into the club?

You would think so. Over the last 25 years ive been involved in various schemes and sponsorship etc and missed at most a handful of home games(and away games for that matter). Yet even the slightest criticism of the most basic errors is attacked by the clubs fanboys who are blinded by the "well they are volunteers, what do you expect" line.(I believe theres less volunteers than what is made out on here anyway) The only thing i now get involved in is paying on the gate at every home game, believing the club get more money from me this way rather than me purchasing a season ticket and in all honesty i may purchase a season ticket next year to save myself some money. It seems any advice that is offered to these people, who must be struggling considering the errors that are made, is ignored or taken as having a go. I think the fans that do so much good work for the club like JFFC, Chris Smith and FBAW etc deserve a medal for helping the club out, Linda especially for the way she has been treated in the past. Lets hope the some of things mentioned in the Blog become a reality and the club collectivly start upping their game.

Re: under 23s : Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:14 pm  

Leigh 26 v 20 Fax.

Last minute try from Leigh to win the game. Deja vu.

Re: under 23s : Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:37 pm  

THECherry&Whites wrote:

Leigh 26 v 20 Fax.

Last minute try from Leigh to win the game. Deja vu.

Just got back,what a cracking game, two evenly matched teams right down to the wire. A credit to both pro clubs for getting both sets of lads together.

Re: under 23s : Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:55 pm  

Having watched more than my fair share of lethargic performances by the first team over the course of this season; tonight has been refreshing to see a group of players, playing as if the match meant something. For a group of players, all of whom are so inexperienced, to have matured over the course of their first season to be able to achieve a play off place is nothing other than phenomenal, not only are they are credit to the club but also a credit to themselves. Martin Gonzalez also has to take some praise, to assemble a team from scratch that then goes onto the play-offs takes some doing and (regardless of what people’s opinions are regarding his involvement for the first team) he deserves all the accolades for his work with the 23s, whatever happens with the coaching set-up for next year, I wish him all the best.

However, one thing that has disappointed me, not only tonight, but over the course of the season, is the lack of support for this team. This is a team that is essentially funded by the fans; however, the fans seem reluctant to offer their support, when it comes to watching the games and for the fundraising. It is the same small number of people that you see at the games week in week out, which is such a pity.

I only hope resources at the club and the Faxbuilder allow for them to continue to go forward in future seasons, as it would be such a shame to loose out on all the progress made. You’ve had a great season boys and there is certainly something there to build on. Well done!

Re: under 23s : Wed Aug 31, 2011 10:17 pm  

I would like to echo these words re` the Under 23s and Martin Gonzales I was really proud of the lads tonight I thought they were slightly the better team . They got pipped at the very last minute but tried hard all night, Martin is superb with them and drives them on with his enthusiasm . A mention must go to volunteers again here who support this team all season Hilda, Malcom , Sean and anyone else who turns out to take care of them.
It is a shame not more turn out but a fan base has to grow with time and inconsistencies can soon put people off. At the begining of the season they had to play at other grounds , then the nights alter as to whoever they are playing plus this is their first year . In the old Thrum Hall days there would be as many watching the second team as there are watching the first team matches now.
But then they were always Fri night 7-30pm Thrum Hall if the Club intend to keep the Under 23s going then a fan base will grow with them , one that has not been able to take shape because their has been no consistency with our youth teams over the last few years, it has been stop and start.

Re: under 23s : Wed Aug 31, 2011 10:22 pm  

It was a good game that could easily have gone either way , enjoyed it and was impressed with some of the play displayed by the Fax youngsters

Well done , both sets of players

Re: under 23s : Wed Aug 31, 2011 10:26 pm  

johnny freeman fan club wrote:

It is a shame not more turn out but a fan base has to grow with time and inconsistencies can soon put people off. At the begining of the season they had to play at other grounds , then the nights alter as to whoever they are playing plus this is their first year . In the old Thrum Hall days there would be as many watching the second team as there are watching the first team matches now.
But then they were always Fri night 7-30pm Thrum Hall if the Club intend to keep the Under 23s going then a fan base will grow with them , one that has not been able to take shape because their has been no consistency with our youth teams over the last few years, it has been stop and start.

I agree, with what you’re saying - Rome wasn't built in a day etc.

However, tonight was the last night off a superb season, yet to have (as far as I could make out) less than 10 supporters there must be nothing other than disheartening for anyone involved.