FORUM CLOSING ON 14th JANUARY

Beefy · Ultimate Poster (Breaks off in decider)

2007 County Trials

8ball · Senior Poster (Nominates their colour)

I did not inform John that I could not go to trials because as far as I knew if you could not make the trials, did not qualify, had to leave early or whatever then as has been said in a previous posting TOUGH!

Why should it make a difference when a call is made, it does seem a bit of a childish way of running things to say that a person phoned 2 hours after the trials had started, after all these trials were held 10 weeks later !

I was not aware that there might be another "mini trials" to add extra players to the squad, isn`t that what there are reserves for. You say you needed 2/3 players, there were 4 reserves, that seems fairly easy to work out.

It does give the impression that there are different rules for some when you have reserves for the squad but then make them trial again when other players come along.

Plus you have the so called "youth developement " players, the idea was for them to "gain experience and make them stronger", seeing other players come into the squad and playing instead of them will be a great experience and really give them a boost of confidence!

lakeattacks · Veteran Poster (Pots the first red)

I'm sure people will be queing up at the Agm in March 2008 if they disagree.

So now let's just get on with supporting the players for the rest of the year.

-- Edited by lakeattacks at 23:45, 2007-06-05

JFK · Senior Poster (Nominates their colour)

8ball wrote:

I did not inform John that I could not go to trials because as far as I knew if you could not make the trials, did not qualify, had to leave early or whatev
er then as has been said in a previous posting TOUGH!

Why should it make a difference when a call is made, it does seem a bit of a childish way of running things to say that a person phoned 2 hours after the trials had started, after all these trials were held 10 weeks later !

Firstly, you were returning a call I made to you. If I hadn't have called, you never would have. Secondly, there is a lot of arguing for arguings sake on here. I don't think you had any intention to trial that day even if you were 'free'.

The reason I rang you and a 'few others' is because I was told you and a 'few others' (appologies for the Milhousisms) were not trialing 'on principle' due to rumours and speculation. Rather than rely on chinese whispers I rang you before the trials to give you the opportunity to hear facts from me IF YOU WANTED to before deciding.

I was not aware that there might be another "mini trials" to add extra players to the squad, isn`t that what there are reserves for. You say you needed 2/3 players, there were 4 reserves, that seems fairly easy to work out.

Do you think we did? The X-Files could get another two season out of you!!! Read other posts for the reasons for the trial - they're perfectly reasonable imho.

It does give the impression that there are different rules for some when you have reserves for the squad but then make them trial again when other players come along.

This isn't under 10's football - it's not everyone should have a go. We have a responsibility to make the squads stronger and progression within the squads as fair as possible. Lowering the bar by simply excepting those four (more than we needed incidentally!) that initially failed (admittedly by 1 shot in some cases) was not going to logically strengthen the squad. Which part of that don't you understand? Taking the best of the rest (ie the next 4 from the trials) and playing them against others who told us before the trial they wanted to trial but couldn't (i.e. shows enthusiasm) is a fair way and also benefits the county. OVER HALF THE SQAUD HAD BEEN PICKED FROM OPEN TRIALS. THERE IS NO CONSPIRACY. ANYONE WHO WANTS TO PLAY FOR OXFORDSHIRE CAN AND IS WELCOME TO.

Plus you have the so called "youth developement " players, the idea was for them to "gain experience and make them stronger", seeing other players come into the squad and playing instead of them will be a great experience and really give them a boost of confidence!

Try speaking to them. They failed at trials. They do not have the same rights as full squad members. They knew the situation. They'd only play every so often, at short notice if required. They could have walked away. They didn't - because they want to play, they want to be involved and learn. Good luck to them. Incidentally, if any of them had been in the next 4 they would have been treated the same.

Oxpac · Regular Poster (Wins the toss)

I do appreciate everything that has been said about the extra trial, dissappointed I could not make it, but thats life. HOWEVER, I'm not sure I understand why Steve Lakeman (who I know well and would count as a friend!) played for the C's. As a reserve I was not asked if I was available for that game and also I was the one who knocked him out in the trials. No offence meant Mr Lakeman!!! I'm sure theres a good reason.

MING · Ultimate Poster (2-0 up in a best of 7)

Oxpac wrote:

I do appreciate everything that has been said about the extra trial, dissappointed I could not make it, but thats life. HOWEVER, I'm not sure I understand why Steve Lakeman (who I know well and would count as a friend!) played for the C's. As a reserve I was not asked if I was available for that game and also I was the one who knocked him out in the trials. No offence meant Mr Lakeman!!! I'm sure theres a good reason.

Having been elected as C Team Manager, Steve automatically gets a place in the overall County squad (all committee members are retained as squad members).

Steve only played, as i understand, because the C's were short, hence the trial.

People need to forget this thing about the C team. Apart for the development players, everyone else can play in any team, A, B or C in any one match.

Your ability/performances will decide for which team you play. Certainly one player from the mini trial, i would expect to be pushing his way into the A team quite soon

lakeattacks · Veteran Poster (Pots the first red)

MING wrote:

EGM

Due to the number of fixtures and the fact that a number of Men's matches will see the teams at different venues, it has been decided to create a 'C' Team Manager/Captain
Responsibilities are:
Picking the side along with existing Mens Managers and Youth team Manager
Contacting squad members about C-Team games.
Ensuring transport to away matches (Liaising with Treasurer regards costs)
Captaining the side on the day (ie paper work, stats, money etc)
Active membership of OCPF committee.
Anyone can be proposed for this position. The position comes with squad membership (not necessarily a guaranteed playing spot) but the position means you will not really be able to play for any other side during qualifying season, and if not selected for a match will still have to carry out the role.

If more than one then there will be a vote at Sundays squad day (12@colours). Anyone (whether squad or not) wanting to vote but cannot make Sunday can vote by emailing or texting me.

This is taken from a different thread ( EGM - county C team Manager / Captain) and explains things.

Paul I hope that answers your question and explain how I can Play the odd game.

Oxpac · Regular Poster (Wins the toss)

I think that explains why you played, but why was it, that one of the reserves (not necessarily me) was not offered the spot before you? I think that would of been fairer. This by no means is a criticism of you Steve, I am sure you are an excellent manager of the C's.

johnny_cider · Veteran Poster (Potting like a demon)

Oxpac wrote:

I think that explains why you played, but why was it, that one of the reserves (not necessarily me) was not offered the spot before you?

Perhaps it was felt on the day that it was for the good of the squad!?

I haven't felt I should comment on this issue until now, but this is getting out of hand!

I know that I was one of the 3 to get in on the day, and only JUST as I'm sure many people will point out... But now all this constant questioning isn't going to do anyone any good.

As I explained to the managers before the main trial, I would have loved to have taken part but it was not going to happen at the time.
And if you read one of my previous posts as to returning from devon, I stated I would still turn up and support anyone who was playing, the more the merrier as it were.

But when I was offered the mini-trial, of course I'm not going to turn it down am I?, unexpected as it was.

To all those who didn't make it in then I'm sorry, I for one certainly didn't mean to put anyones noses out of joint, as I'm sure neither did the managers.

But wouldn't it be better now to lets get behind the county and lets do our best?

Just my point of view obviously...

the apprentice · Veteran Poster (Potting like a demon)

"Having been elected as C Team Manager, Steve automatically gets a place in the overall County squad (all committee members are retained as squad members)."

So does this mean that Tim, the Youth Manager, is technically allowed to play in the men's squad, because he is a comitee member after all.
Is the idea for the 'C' Team not changing after every post? All seems very strange to me.

-- Edited by the apprentice at 13:28, 2007-06-09

Oxpac · Regular Poster (Wins the toss)

johnny_cider wrote:

Oxpac wrote:

I think that explains why you played, but why was it, that one of the reserves (not necessarily me) was not offered the spot before you?

Perhaps it was felt on the day that it was for the good of the squad!?

I haven't felt I should comment on this issue until now, but this is getting out of hand!

I know that I was one of the 3 to get in on the day, and only JUST as I'm sure many people will point out... But now all this constant questioning isn't going to do anyone any good.

As I explained to the managers before the main trial, I would have loved to have taken part but it was not going to happen at the time.
And if you read one of my previous posts as to returning from devon, I stated I would still turn up and support anyone who was playing, the more the merrier as it were.

But when I was offered the mini-trial, of course I'm not going to turn it down am I?, unexpected as it was.

To all those who didn't make it in then I'm sorry, I for one certainly didn't mean to put anyones noses out of joint, as I'm sure neither did the managers.

But wouldn't it be better now to lets get behind the county and lets do our best?

Just my point of view obviously...

Johnny, I have no problems with you playing as I see no issue with the county squad containing the best players available and as I understand it that is why the mini trial took place. The point I was trying to make is, if thats how selection is being made why did a person play who finished below the reserves in the main trial, irrespective of if he is the manager of the team?

Just looking for clarification and don't think my questions do any harm or effect the support to the county. Just my opinion of course!!!

MING · Ultimate Poster (2-0 up in a best of 7)

Oxpac wrote:
The point I was trying to make is, if thats how selection is being made why did a person play who finished below the reserves in the main trial, irrespective of if he is the manager of the team?

I would assume that they may have been short of players. Now whilst it may have been preferable to call on a reserve, unfortunately players let us down at short notice or just don't arrive and it's not easy to arrange cover before setting off to wherever.

Another problem, which lead to the mini trial, is that players who played for the A & B teams against Hampshire cannot play for the C team against Hampshire B.

the apprentice wrote:

So does this mean that Tim, the Youth Manager, is technically allowed to play in the men's squad, because he is a comitee member after all.

Is the idea for the 'C' Team not changing after every post? All seems very strange to me.

Technically yes, Tim could play for the A,B or C teams. However with Youth match being at different venues etc his opportunities are limited.

No! the only people changing the reason for the C team is those who (1) weren't at the AGM and (2) can't read.

lakeattacks · Veteran Poster (Pots the first red)

Paul you have a very good point, No offence as been taken and I hope you do come back to trials next year.

That was a problem about being voted in after the main trials, sadly the fixture list was not known till then, so the decision of Making this position before the trials was not available but is obviously needed. But in the future this will be voted at the AGM like all Manager / Committee so this situation does not arrive again

I have both at the county squad day where I got voted in and at the mini trials, stated I was not doing it so I could play 14 county matches but because I wanted to help bring in new faces in to the county setup. To this note I will always pick every one in the main squad first and myself after.

I have Picked 3 squads so far, I picked a team of 10 at home in the first game not including myself.
I had 3 drop outs for the second game away, during the week of the game, 1 was actually the day before, that was why I made the choice to play. I had also checked the avaliablity of a youth team player who plays for England but he was also away that weekend.

For the 3^rd match away tomorrow. I have again picked 9 not including myself; I have someone on reserve just in case of a drop out, so again I wont play.

The only way Im going to play during the season is if the squad is mighty short or if I have a last minute drop out for a away game, because I hope to use a team of 10 for home games but only 9 for away. Which I have also stated to any one who has spoken to me, I Hope that answers any ones questions on my position during the current Season.

Thanks, Steve Lakeman

-- Edited by lakeattacks at 16:01, 2007-06-09

Oxpac · Regular Poster (Wins the toss)

Best of luck for the rest of the season steve!