No. That may seem harsh, but, in reality we can’t. There’s no more money. Our signings, apart from Fearns and, Possibly, Val Rapava-Ruskin (who starts the season finishing off a ban for pushing an official) are nothing that exceptional. We’ve mostly replaced like for like.
Woodward will be cover for a far more experienced and exceptional Marshall (hands up anyone willing to see Marshall on the bench in favour of Woodward?). Even Fearns himself will need to work hard to ensure he keeps Rowan on the bench at 7. Though I confess to being a little too eager to see Fearns & Moriarty working together. Our back row is still sparse though as Morgan is still not the man he once was prior to that injury. He is still not worrying Jones on England selection
We are still a mighty long way from worrying the salary cap also.
An interesting article in the local rag recently quoted StQ as saying “…the playing budget for next season will be increased from £7.5m to £8.7m….” Note “playing budget” NOT “salary cap”.
CEO Stephen Vaughan recently said “……….due to the increase in the salary cap with Gloucester spending close to the limit…..” in a recent interview.
The salary cap for 17/18 is £7m with 2 marquees who would be looking to earn between £300 and £500k, taking total salary to around £7.6 or £8m. That leaves £700k for other “playing budget” expenses which would include other wages, transport, nutrition and god alone knows what else.
Are they still going to try and convince us we are spending anywhere close to what Barff, Sarries & Wasps are spending on salary? Of course we’re not.
I have no doubts StQ came to Gloucester with the single intention of making money. Invest, buy the club and then attract an “Altrad” to actually spend money and develop the brand. Result? StQ’s investment grows with limited personal spend. (breaks into nice little Jewish dance…If I were a rich man!)
StQ is a canny businessman and, I have heard, tough & ruthless. Do not under any circumstances be fooled into thinking he is here because he loves Gloucester Rugby and wants what is best for Gloucester Rugby. StQ want’s what is best for himself. No less.
I do not rate DH as a DoR. One of his first acts was to lie. I know he did it and so does he. That resulted in the appointment of Jonny Bell as Defence Coach. That is quite simply nepotism. Our TA record last season was 44 in 22 Prem games. This season it’s 64. Any decent coach would fall on his sword. By any measurement his performance is 50% worse than last season. JB has no great record as a Defence Coach; even before he joined us. No-one else was after him. DH as DoR appointed him. He didn’t go elsewhere. He didn’t try and find the best Defence Coach in the world. Or even the best defence Coach in this country. He appointed his mate. That should be all you need to know about him.
Woodman is a legend at Gloucester. A 2003 RWC winner no less. As a prop from 15 years ago I bow and kneel and plead “I’m not worthy”. But he ain’t no coach. Our set piece has been diabolical for most of the season. TW was working at Cheltenham Ladies College when Boy Walkinshaw came calling. I have no doubts Trev thought all his birthdays & Christmases had come at once to be offered another coaching role when no-one else was asking…..there’s a reason no-one else was asking.
Even Tim Taylor, probably the coach I rate the most highly out of the current incumbents, was not at risk of being poached by another Premiership outfit.
So, we move into a new season. No new money. No high ranking international signings. Mostly the same old, same old in the way of coaches….except, of course, Ackerman. Highly rated…..But so was Fisher, and so IS Fisher. I know he was called up by Eddie Jones to visit Pennyhill just this week. Eddie Jones, the saviour of England Rugby calls up Gloucester’s ex-head coach. Eddie Jones, the man that led Japan to beat the Boks. Eddie Jones, possibly one of the canniest brains in world rugby. He didn’t call Humphreys. he didn’t call Bell or Woodman. He didn’t call any other Head Coach from the premiership.
He Called Fisher.
Now, just saying, if I were to have breakfast with Fisher one bright and sunny morning…you know, if I knew the guy and he’d agree to take time out from a busy schedule to talk to someone like me, and I said to him…….
……If I was Head Coach and I could see no new money coming in. If I saw a DoR signing his mate as a coach. If I saw signings that wouldn’t make the Championship let alone the Premiership in any other side. If I saw a Forwards Coach who couldn’t coach the local under 13s. If I saw an owner who had no ambition other than to make money regardless of the success of the team. If my reputation was at stake on the basis of all of these things. What would I do?
I wonder what he’d say? Just saying. Just putting it out there.
Trust me when I say, if you cut me in two you will see Cherry & White running through me. I am a passionate Shed Head. It is the single most wonderful place to stand and watch a game of rugby.
But it’s time for honesty. Let us look at recent guys we have let go. Nick Woods. A wonderful man and servant of the club. Retired. No-one else wanted him. Rob Cook, Nuneaton. Yann Thomas joins Rouen, 3rd tier French rugby. P D-J back to Wasps as 5th or 6th choice prop. these guys were our bench!! The likes of Sarries, Barff & Wasps are bringing on internationals from their bench. We were, and are, bringing on 3rd tier guys.
The reason I write the above is that Gloucester are being sold short. We are worth more than this. We, the fans, are Gloucester. Not StQ. Not DH or TW. None of these have stood in The Shed. I know Fisher has (at least twice). I know Fisher will stand and argue rugby with you all day long. And I know this. When Fisher talks about Gloucester rugby he uses the word “we”. Does StQ? Does DH, JB or TW?
Fisher is Gloucester until he dies (but, chuckle, he’s also Munster until he dies, such is the mark of the man). When they have failed us DH, JB & TW, they will move on, untouched by Gloucester. Ackerman may or may not be able to make a difference. But I tell you this. Fisher came as a saviour and walked away with his head held high. I sincerely hope Ackerman knows what he has signed up for.
winnyssite 