Whilst parties from some Super League and even NL clubs are over in Australia scouting talent from the World Cup, Ged Stokes has singled out Serbian prop forward Soni Radovanovic for a trial with Haven.
Stokes coached the Serbs against Lebanon last month and the big prop stood out enough for him to want to add him to the Haven roster. With David Fatialofa retiring and Howard Hill's playing career still uncertain, we could certainly do with some extra firepower up front. I'm sure we will all be keen to see how he goes in his pre season trial game.
With a surname like Radovanovic, I'm sure Billy Rudd will have some fun putting that on the back of shirts if the Serb can impress and cement himself as a fan favourite. ;)
Monday, 17 November 2008
Will he stay or will he go?
Of course the player in question here is none other than young Gregg McNally. After bursting onto the scene with a hat trick debut against Salford, the young maestro went on to put in several excellent performances as well as an incredible hat trick at the Shay against Halifax in the play-offs.
Where next though for the sixth from student? Plenty of Super League clubs have been sniffing around with Huddersfield and Hull KR rumoured to be leading the way. However it seems that Gregg wants to continue his studies here in Whitehaven so any deal is likely to involve a loan move back to Haven for the 2009 season.
I think as fans we are all resigned to losing such a bright talent, however it is important as a club that we get the best possible deal from whoever comes in. As he is under 21, the club will be entitled to compensation and this could be as much as a substantial 5 figure sum.
If his Facebook status is anything to go by, then it could be that he already has his short term future sorted out! I'm sure it will all come clear over the coming weeks but I for one am looking forward to seeing McNally and new signing Daniel Russell playing in the same team.
Where next though for the sixth from student? Plenty of Super League clubs have been sniffing around with Huddersfield and Hull KR rumoured to be leading the way. However it seems that Gregg wants to continue his studies here in Whitehaven so any deal is likely to involve a loan move back to Haven for the 2009 season.
I think as fans we are all resigned to losing such a bright talent, however it is important as a club that we get the best possible deal from whoever comes in. As he is under 21, the club will be entitled to compensation and this could be as much as a substantial 5 figure sum.
If his Facebook status is anything to go by, then it could be that he already has his short term future sorted out! I'm sure it will all come clear over the coming weeks but I for one am looking forward to seeing McNally and new signing Daniel Russell playing in the same team.
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Mid November Thoughts
Despite almost 3 months until the proper season starts, there are still plenty of talking points. Firstly it certainly was great to hear that Leroy Joe has extended his Whitehaven career for another season, despite it taking his 7 year old daughter to make him see sense! The Kiwi veteran proved infuential last season and I personally feel that he still has another good season in him. There have been occasions over the past 12 months where people have suggested the 34 year old was past it, however in my view he is a vital asset simply because of his versitility.
Another veteran who has committed for a further 12 months is none other than Tane Manihera or 'Tan Man' as some call him. When Ged brought in the former Town man, there was outrage in some quarters, especially on the HavenFans.co.uk forum. I vividly remember one member in a personal conversation with me vowing that if we signed Tane then they would no longer be attending. Guess what? They are still at the games. A similar attitude was shown by some people when we announced Ged Stokes as our new coach. I have to say that I was a little sceptical after the carryings on that happened at Workington. However I, like the majority, accepted the fact that he was probably the best option we had. Fast forward a few months and it seems nothing short of an inspired move to bring him in. Inspiration or desperation? I will leave you to make up your own mind on that. Oh and don't be surprised to see another Town man in Haven colours next season...
After meeting up with a couple of key people at the club today during one of my few visits to God's country, it was clear that their opinions on Ged Stokes were clear. Both were extremely impressed with the his approach to the job and the professionalism that he operated with. In fact, one quote was that he is actually too good for a club like us. Again, read into that what you will. My main concern is whether the kind of professionalism brought to us on the field by Ged is occuring in the off field activities.
This leads me to another hot talking point which is season tickets. £145 for a ground adult ticket which includes 13 matches and entry to academy games makes me wonder if it is worth it. It doesn't affect me as an exile, however there does seem to be a distinct lack of incentive when compared to clubs not just in NL1, but of those in NL2 as well. Another thing which is concerning is the time it has taken for the season tickets to be rolled out. Widnes have sold in excess of 1,800 season tickets before ours were even made available. Surely we are missing a trick here? One of many if you ask me. My stance on the club's marketing techniques...well it isn't really fit to go into this first entry. However, these are hard times for all businesses so I guess by increasing ticket and season ticket prices the club are trying to cover the costs. I'm unsure if this is the best way to go about it though.
One point that is positive is the merchandise on offer for next season. After catching a glimpse of what is on offer, it is very impressive. Whilst the new home top certainly is different from the last few season's, it certainly isn't Workington Town's kit! The new kit is due to go on sale on the first Sunday in December and this is the first time in a few years when both the home and away shirts are launched at the same time. Padded raincoats and ladies hoodies are just some of the merchandise that is already available down at Unique Sports.
Again on a positive note, there will be a new website for the 2009 season, but it isn't going to be directly run by the club or even at the club. Dave Farrell and myself are behind the new project which does however have the club's backing. We are looking for people to assist with the daily runnings of the website and to join the editorial team. If you feel that you can spare some time, no matter how small it may be, then please email webmaster@whitehavenrl.co.uk. More details will be revealed shortly.
As a final note, being a fan who lives 180 miles away, I'm simply trying to do what I can to improve the profile of the club I have become so attached to and share my experiences. Be sure to check out the blog for regular updates throughout the close season and beyond! Oh, and remember to comment :)
Another veteran who has committed for a further 12 months is none other than Tane Manihera or 'Tan Man' as some call him. When Ged brought in the former Town man, there was outrage in some quarters, especially on the HavenFans.co.uk forum. I vividly remember one member in a personal conversation with me vowing that if we signed Tane then they would no longer be attending. Guess what? They are still at the games. A similar attitude was shown by some people when we announced Ged Stokes as our new coach. I have to say that I was a little sceptical after the carryings on that happened at Workington. However I, like the majority, accepted the fact that he was probably the best option we had. Fast forward a few months and it seems nothing short of an inspired move to bring him in. Inspiration or desperation? I will leave you to make up your own mind on that. Oh and don't be surprised to see another Town man in Haven colours next season...
After meeting up with a couple of key people at the club today during one of my few visits to God's country, it was clear that their opinions on Ged Stokes were clear. Both were extremely impressed with the his approach to the job and the professionalism that he operated with. In fact, one quote was that he is actually too good for a club like us. Again, read into that what you will. My main concern is whether the kind of professionalism brought to us on the field by Ged is occuring in the off field activities.
This leads me to another hot talking point which is season tickets. £145 for a ground adult ticket which includes 13 matches and entry to academy games makes me wonder if it is worth it. It doesn't affect me as an exile, however there does seem to be a distinct lack of incentive when compared to clubs not just in NL1, but of those in NL2 as well. Another thing which is concerning is the time it has taken for the season tickets to be rolled out. Widnes have sold in excess of 1,800 season tickets before ours were even made available. Surely we are missing a trick here? One of many if you ask me. My stance on the club's marketing techniques...well it isn't really fit to go into this first entry. However, these are hard times for all businesses so I guess by increasing ticket and season ticket prices the club are trying to cover the costs. I'm unsure if this is the best way to go about it though.
One point that is positive is the merchandise on offer for next season. After catching a glimpse of what is on offer, it is very impressive. Whilst the new home top certainly is different from the last few season's, it certainly isn't Workington Town's kit! The new kit is due to go on sale on the first Sunday in December and this is the first time in a few years when both the home and away shirts are launched at the same time. Padded raincoats and ladies hoodies are just some of the merchandise that is already available down at Unique Sports.
Again on a positive note, there will be a new website for the 2009 season, but it isn't going to be directly run by the club or even at the club. Dave Farrell and myself are behind the new project which does however have the club's backing. We are looking for people to assist with the daily runnings of the website and to join the editorial team. If you feel that you can spare some time, no matter how small it may be, then please email webmaster@whitehavenrl.co.uk. More details will be revealed shortly.
As a final note, being a fan who lives 180 miles away, I'm simply trying to do what I can to improve the profile of the club I have become so attached to and share my experiences. Be sure to check out the blog for regular updates throughout the close season and beyond! Oh, and remember to comment :)
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