Richard Johnson.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Much debate recently about team selection as you might expect when a team is underperforming. I'm of the firm belief that those responsible need to be more accountable for their choices. Rather than regular cozy chats with Fletch where probing questions are definitely off the menu or the occasional open forum where a tight-lipped response is all that is forthcoming most of the time. I think it not unreasonable that our coach and director of cricket should be subjected to a deeper explanation as to why they make the selections and tactical decisions they do, rather than leave us perplexed and without an understanding of what's going on. I understand the need for confidentiality but surely better communication and openness from those in charge would be welcome.

[Sillypoint]

Very well said. However I think things are very cozy and the performance side just careers from crisis to crisis.

I get the feeling the "financial" situation is a lovely excuse....where members are a slight distraction because they ask uncomfortable questions about standards. Openness isn't in they're benefit as it'll bring additional scrutiny. The youtube and Facebook comments are often scathing

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Perhaps an online forum where members and supporters can ask direct questions to the decision-makers.Johhno I'm afraid is particularly reluctant to engage with the public.Past coaches have been far more forthcoming.

[John (Fingers) Fingleton]

Perhaps an online forum where members and supporters can ask direct questions to the decision-makers.Johhno I'm afraid is particularly reluctant to engage with the public.Past coaches have been far more forthcoming.


We are not the public. We pay him. Perhaps he needs direction from above.

[Pindarus]

Like the Education Secretary, he'll just tell us "I'm doing a f****** great job"

[Paul W]

I've forgotten the chaps name now (which makes trying to search for the article difficult) but one of the people who applied to be our new chairperson said he was astonished at the line of questioning- with nothing about how he would like to see and help Middlesex become a successful cricket club, and he was left with the impression that winning things came very low down our list of priorities. It was all about 'relationships' with various members of society and organisations, which is all well and good, but that sends out a signal to the coaches, which in turn sends out a signal to players, that winning isn't everything.

[Sillypoint]

"Ed Warner, who spent a decade as chair of UK Athletics, was one of the candidates interviewed twice for the post.

He described the process in City AM as "at turns fascinating, frustrating, farcical and fun".

"It was clear that questions about equality, diversity and inclusion would be front and centre," he wrote, admitting his surprise at what he considered a "lack of emphasis at interview on sporting success, especially for the men's elite squad".

https://www.cityam.com/ed-warner-cricket-has-a-membership-dilemma

[Sillypoint]

Enough hints made in that article about Midx members needing to be concerned but nothing acted upon. The gist being diversity optics over elite performance but the real rub they wanted someone to manage the landlord relationship over and above all else.....was also that ECB prompted article which weirdly prompted an immediate press release. So obviously something going on under surface.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2023/03/15/ecb-seek-urgent-clarity-middlesex-state-countys-finances/

If you lack vision then substandard directors don't ensure coaches are pulling in same direction... The not me guv approach will end in failure on the pitch.

We've seen it at Arsenal. Wenger allowed standards to slip when the job got too big. Sticking plasters, etc. Arteta needed time to reset culture but it required bravery from those above as results faltered. . I don't think we've got the coach or the board to challenge themselves with such a project....time will tell.

Who knows! DuPloy may be the start of a real push to reset the club

[MIDDLE EXILE]

The next Middlesex forum is on October 2nd, not on a match day at all but when the season is done and our fate is known.Attendance will be understandably limited. Would it not of been preferable to have the forum to coincide with our final match at Lord's giving the opportunity for more to attend?What would have been your preference?

[Sillypoint]

I'd prefer a youtube interview where the coach gets asked easy non questions which skillfully avoid mentioning the absolute bin fire going on.... The white ball review was a great example! More of that please!

I'd ask for a fireside chat with C*rnish but I know what happened to the old site when he got mentioned last time! 😂

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Tuning into the Sussex stream earlier today it was refreshing to hear The Sussex Chairman and head coach answering questions from members and supporters honestly and frankly. Perhaps our acting Chairman, no stranger to the comms. box and even our first eleven coach who has not knowingly ever been near it would be happy to bat away our queries on air next week, cannot do any harm. You can only ask Kevin.

[Sillypoint]

Amen! Kevin Hand won't ask and he won't volunteer. He's fed the party lines to use on air instead

[MIDDLE EXILE]

I know. just a thought and they've far more to worry about at the moment.

[Sillypoint]

Seems so based on the other thread! Fighting on all fronts. What a time!