Words
From Dicky 16th April 2009 As we near
the end of this season there is increasing speculation as to the future coaching
and playing strength of the Pirates with views being expressed that until such
time as plans become clearer people are reticent to support the fund raising efforts
in progress.  Primarily
though I think it’s important to say that at this time the reaction and financial
support we have received for our future progress has been phenomenal following
the St John’s Hall presentation in January.
Despite the recession
our supporters have stepped up to the plate at all levels from the top level support
for First XV membership through to the level of Crew to the tune of more than
£100,000 for next season. This is incredible and I am indebted to
all of you who have met the challenge. It has given me an insight into how much
our efforts are being appreciated by the real people in our community. Work
on the new website has been to say the least frustrating as delays have occurred
as we seek funding for the design and arrange advisors but it is underway and
I expect the final product to be available in June. We are currently in
discussion with the RFU as members of First Division Rugby as to the format and
participation in the new Championship which looks as though it is a certainty
to proceed but there are issues as to the role of the Clubs involved in having
a say in what transpires. Another FDR meeting is scheduled for next week
on these issues which I will attend. This follows on from a presentation by the
RFU at Twickenham recently. The affairs are confidential at present but rest assured
the interests of the Cornish Pirates will be paramount as far as we are concerned. Consequently
out with the playing affairs then the Club is looking at a very bright future-we
will be in a position to be at the second “top table” to be introduced
in English rugby following on from the first “top table” when National
1 and then the Premiership was introduced. At that time of the new National
1 when leagues were introduced in 1987/88 we were in the Cornwall & Devon
League and when National 1 became the Premiership in 1997/8 we had made it to
SW1. Turning to playing and coaching issues we have not been idle. Our
recruitment process for coaches resulted in over 40 suitably qualified applications
for the two posts advertised Shortlists and subsequent consultations
with the coaching gurus at the RFU followed by interviews has resulted in us getting
the two people we targeted to form part of a new coaching setup for the Pirates
led by Chris Stirling as High Performance Manager. We don’t
intend to divulge names at this point as we wish to respect the current positions
of these two people but suffice to say they are qualified for the roles with excellent
references and fit the template of young professional people with class and ability.
Chris has been involved throughout the process from New Zealand. One
of the new coaches will be down on the ground at the beginning of May with Chris
Stirling arriving a week later. The other coach starts at the end of May. On
the subject of coaches we wish Brett Davey all the very best in his new coaching
role at his new Club which will no doubt also become public at season end. Brett
has introduced a great deal of innovation to our training techniques witnessed
by some excellent performances. We would also like to say that his professionalism
and that of the squad since the affairs that transpired in February is very much
appreciated. Considering next seasons squad at this stage again
we do not intend to divulge names but we are looking at a squad that will include
more than half of the current squad who are confirmed as in place and we have
been recruiting well bringing an appropriate blend of youth and experience. We
are still talking to members of the current squad. We will lose one or two special
players to stronger clubs as we cannot agree on contractual terms and Darren Dawiduik
will be going to Gloucester where we wish him the very best and we trust he gets
game time. Having taken him through the system it’s galling to lose players
of his calibre just when they are making a mark. We have an excellent replacement
lined up however. Simon Raynes has also agreed a new contract which
is very good news as he brings humour, humility and no small effort to his fitness
role. Of interest is the fact we have managed to sign an excellent
8 to strengthen the back row and negotiations on other high calibre players for
key positions are ongoing. We will release squad details in the
week following the last game of the season as a number of our existing players
are involved in this process and new signings are with their current employers
and we wouldn’t want to embarrass either party. Chris Stirling
has been involved on each and every decision throughout the last eight weeks and
the new coaches are both now heavily involved in recommendations and recruitment
with Chris and Rod Coward, the latter being responsible for the contractual affairs. On
the downside there are more agents than ever before and its quite clear that many
of them are only interested in what they can get in financial terms come hell
or high water. The well being of the player is not a top priority it seems.
So
as we near the end of a very frustrating season I feel we are in good hands both
on and off the field to take the Cornish Pirates forward hopefully to new heights
based on sound financial and management practices supporting a professional coaching
team and talented playing squad. | 
