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County play down player exodus fears
Blight today moves to allay growing fears of a player exodus at Spytty Park.
Yesterday the Argus reported that several players were opening negotiations with other clubs after Blight did not attend a meeting scheduled for Thursday evening.
However, today the chairman clarified his position and once again urged his players to be patient.
He explained: "I am very unhappy with the way in which the meeting was reported in the Argus.
"Due to my commitments with the local election I was not able to attend, but director Stewart Williams was there.
"There are lots of reasons why I couldn't attend but I have already spoken to quite a few of the players.
"It is not correct for things to be stoked up in the manner they have, Scott Young was at the meeting and he didn't think it necessary for the board to speak with every player.
"I would hate for this level of criticism to destroy the enthusiasm of the directors, there are ten members of the board, not just me.
"I can't give players assurances until we sort out the situation with the manager.
"But we supported the players for 38 weeks in the season and hopefully they will now support us for a few weeks."
Director Williams, who did meet with the players, admits he was surprised to hear of the growing level of discontent among the players.
"There was no whinging or whining at the meeting, the players seemed to be fine considering their disappointment at Peter Beadle leaving," he said.
"Of course there is a risk of us losing players, but even if Peter Beadle was at the club that would still be the case.
"In no way was it our intention for the players to feel like the chairman was snubbing them, I personally spoke with Steve Jenkins and Damon Searle and our message to the players is to be patient.
"Hopefully in ten days or so we'll be closer to an appointment and will be clearer on next season."
12:48pm Saturday 3rd May 2008
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CommentPosted by: tidy yet, deepest port on 3:23pm Sat 3 May 08
why worry, lets be honest, except for literally 5-6 players, they have not been good enough, the sooner some are gone the better.
why worry, lets be honest, except for literally 5-6 players, they have not been good enough, the sooner some are gone the better.
Posted by: babyface yid, newport gwent on 4:50pm Sat 3 May 08
they only want to keep the players who want confrence football i beleive have half the old heads donnt want it they just want the wages w=======
they only want to keep the players who want confrence football i beleive have half the old heads donnt want it they just want the wages w=======
Posted by: Gwenty, bed on 6:35pm Sat 3 May 08
JUST HAD THIS FROM THE CLU
Dear Paul
Please find the latest club news below:
WITH THE RECENT COMMENTS IN THE PRESS THE CLUB FEEL IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE FANS ARE GIVEN THE SAME COMMUNICATION AS THE PLAYERS REGARDING OUR CURRENT POSITION.
NEWSPAPERS AND WEBSITES WILL SPECULATE AND GIVE FALSE INFORMATION AND WE NEED YOU ALL TO KNOW THAT OUR RE-BUILDING PROCESS IS STRONG AND WELL PLANNED.
THE ATTACHED LETTER WAS SENT TO ALL PLAYERS AND BACK-ROOM STAFF YESTERDAY. IT GIVES THE ACCURATE AND CORRECT POSITION OF WHERE WE ARE AND HOW THE NEXT 10 - 14 DAYS WILL UNFOLD.
WE HAVE OVER 30 APPLICANTS ALREADY AND THE ADVERTISEMENT GOES IN ON SUNDAY.
THIS LETTER STATES THE ''FORMAL'' POSITION, BUT OBVIOUSLY THE CLUB ARE IN INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS AND CONTACT WITH OUR PLAYERS AND EVEN HAVE NEW PLAYERS COMMITTED TO PRE-SEASON TRAINING WHO WILL RAISE THE QUALITY. HOWEVER, IT WILL BE UNPROFESSIONAL AND UNFAIR TO COMMIT DEALS / CONTRACTS TO LARGE GROUPS OF PLAYERS, WHEN THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS FOR A NEW MANAGER IS TAKING PLACE.
AS ALWAYS WE WILL CONTINUE TO INFORM YOU OF DEVELOPMENTS THROUGH E-NEWS AND THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A NEW MANAGER WILL BE MADE THROUGH E-NEWS FIRST.
SEE THE ATTACHED LETTER.............
Firstly, let me formally thank you for all your efforts this season. It has been a season of extreme 'highs' and 'lows' for Staff, Players and obviously Fans.
I truly believe we witnessed 100% from players, however in the end we fell short and we must now plan for next year.
Our decision to release Peter was incredibly difficult, however we are in a 'results' industry and wrongly or rightly the Board felt that a new Manager, new approach and new ideas was perhaps needed.
We also feel it was probably the right time for Peter to have a change and gain new experience elsewhere as he looks to build his own managerial career.
Please understand that we desperately wanted Peter and this squad to succeed and be playing in the Conference next year, we feel the Club is now ready.
The difficult position we are now faced with over these few weeks was unavoidable. We obviously couldn't approach or discuss the Managers position with ANYONE before the end of the season, particularly as we were hoping that in Season 08/09 Peter would be our Manager in the tier above us.
We have nobody ''lined up'' as people have intimated and it was imperative that the Club stayed professional and confidential through the last week of the season. The hunt for a new Manager started on Monday morning and has created the current scenario.
We are as uncomfortable with that ''scenario'' as you are, however the plain fact is that we will need a period of 10 to 14 days minimum to conduct a professional exercise to attract candidates, arrange interviews and arrive at agreement on a decision to employ a new Manager that will take this Club to the Conference and hopefully beyond.
Comments in the Argus and other mediums obviously hurt myself and other Directors because we know the effort and resources we put into this season. It was for this reason I wanted to put ' pen to paper ' and help you understand the logistics of the current situation and the fact that we have NOT put the club in jeopardy and although we want continuity through the playing staff, it is impossible to promise or commit new contracts or deals with players when we are only a matter of days from appointing a new Manager.
That Manager will carry his own views and we need him to not only be part of that process but to be in control of it.
You have witnessed our ambitions this season and in particular over the last few months. The playing staff are aware of the financial commitment the board wanted to make to try and motivate the players for promotion. That ambition will carry on next season, and beyond. We will appoint an ambitious Manager with a budget to match.
Once again we would ask you to be patient and understand our predicament. We are not naive enough to think our playing squad is not attractive to many other Managers and are already aware that certain players have been approached or even made decisions for next season.
Advertisements are placed in the Non-League paper this weekend, which is the earliest date we could advertise. First interviews will be held next week, second interviews the following week and hopefully an appointment made by Friday 16th May.
We propose to arrange a meeting immediately after that appointment to introduce players and staff, and afterwards Volunteers and Academy personnel. We need to be thorough and professional about the process and make sure we investigate every applicant correctly.
To date we have already had around THIRTY applications of various ages and levels of experience. (We obviously will not interview everybody!)
The Club is in great shape, a strong Board of Directors, a fantastic (and growing) fan-base, incredible team of Volunteers, an Academy that punches above its weight and a stadium capable of hosting football and crowds comfortably at the next level.
We are ready, and with the correct appointment can build on the work and achievements of the last two years and really create a buzz around the City.
Thanks again for all your efforts in 07 /08 and we will inform you of any developments as soon as is appropriate.
Yours sincerely
Chris Blight
Chairman
JUST HAD THIS FROM THE CLU
Dear Paul
Please find the latest club news below:
WITH THE RECENT COMMENTS IN THE PRESS THE CLUB FEEL IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE FANS ARE GIVEN THE SAME COMMUNICATION AS THE PLAYERS REGARDING OUR CURRENT POSITION.
NEWSPAPERS AND WEBSITES WILL SPECULATE AND GIVE FALSE INFORMATION AND WE NEED YOU ALL TO KNOW THAT OUR RE-BUILDING PROCESS IS STRONG AND WELL PLANNED.
THE ATTACHED LETTER WAS SENT TO ALL PLAYERS AND BACK-ROOM STAFF YESTERDAY. IT GIVES THE ACCURATE AND CORRECT POSITION OF WHERE WE ARE AND HOW THE NEXT 10 - 14 DAYS WILL UNFOLD.
WE HAVE OVER 30 APPLICANTS ALREADY AND THE ADVERTISEMENT GOES IN ON SUNDAY.
THIS LETTER STATES THE ''FORMAL'' POSITION, BUT OBVIOUSLY THE CLUB ARE IN INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS AND CONTACT WITH OUR PLAYERS AND EVEN HAVE NEW PLAYERS COMMITTED TO PRE-SEASON TRAINING WHO WILL RAISE THE QUALITY. HOWEVER, IT WILL BE UNPROFESSIONAL AND UNFAIR TO COMMIT DEALS / CONTRACTS TO LARGE GROUPS OF PLAYERS, WHEN THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS FOR A NEW MANAGER IS TAKING PLACE.
AS ALWAYS WE WILL CONTINUE TO INFORM YOU OF DEVELOPMENTS THROUGH E-NEWS AND THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A NEW MANAGER WILL BE MADE THROUGH E-NEWS FIRST.
SEE THE ATTACHED LETTER.............
Firstly, let me formally thank you for all your efforts this season. It has been a season of extreme 'highs' and 'lows' for Staff, Players and obviously Fans.
I truly believe we witnessed 100% from players, however in the end we fell short and we must now plan for next year.
Our decision to release Peter was incredibly difficult, however we are in a 'results' industry and wrongly or rightly the Board felt that a new Manager, new approach and new ideas was perhaps needed.
We also feel it was probably the right time for Peter to have a change and gain new experience elsewhere as he looks to build his own managerial career.
Please understand that we desperately wanted Peter and this squad to succeed and be playing in the Conference next year, we feel the Club is now ready.
The difficult position we are now faced with over these few weeks was unavoidable. We obviously couldn't approach or discuss the Managers position with ANYONE before the end of the season, particularly as we were hoping that in Season 08/09 Peter would be our Manager in the tier above us.
We have nobody ''lined up'' as people have intimated and it was imperative that the Club stayed professional and confidential through the last week of the season. The hunt for a new Manager started on Monday morning and has created the current scenario.
We are as uncomfortable with that ''scenario'' as you are, however the plain fact is that we will need a period of 10 to 14 days minimum to conduct a professional exercise to attract candidates, arrange interviews and arrive at agreement on a decision to employ a new Manager that will take this Club to the Conference and hopefully beyond.
Comments in the Argus and other mediums obviously hurt myself and other Directors because we know the effort and resources we put into this season. It was for this reason I wanted to put ' pen to paper ' and help you understand the logistics of the current situation and the fact that we have NOT put the club in jeopardy and although we want continuity through the playing staff, it is impossible to promise or commit new contracts or deals with players when we are only a matter of days from appointing a new Manager.
That Manager will carry his own views and we need him to not only be part of that process but to be in control of it.
You have witnessed our ambitions this season and in particular over the last few months. The playing staff are aware of the financial commitment the board wanted to make to try and motivate the players for promotion. That ambition will carry on next season, and beyond. We will appoint an ambitious Manager with a budget to match.
Once again we would ask you to be patient and understand our predicament. We are not naive enough to think our playing squad is not attractive to many other Managers and are already aware that certain players have been approached or even made decisions for next season.
Advertisements are placed in the Non-League paper this weekend, which is the earliest date we could advertise. First interviews will be held next week, second interviews the following week and hopefully an appointment made by Friday 16th May.
We propose to arrange a meeting immediately after that appointment to introduce players and staff, and afterwards Volunteers and Academy personnel. We need to be thorough and professional about the process and make sure we investigate every applicant correctly.
To date we have already had around THIRTY applications of various ages and levels of experience. (We obviously will not interview everybody!)
The Club is in great shape, a strong Board of Directors, a fantastic (and growing) fan-base, incredible team of Volunteers, an Academy that punches above its weight and a stadium capable of hosting football and crowds comfortably at the next level.
We are ready, and with the correct appointment can build on the work and achievements of the last two years and really create a buzz around the City.
Thanks again for all your efforts in 07 /08 and we will inform you of any developments as soon as is appropriate.
Yours sincerely
Chris Blight
Chairman
Posted by: daftas, Newport on 9:50pm Sat 3 May 08
Hang your head in shame michael pearlman,that was apiss poor rag story made up for a **** poor rag,no wonder i stopped buying,top marks to Chris Blight and the board and i can say that ever true County fan is behind you all
Hang your head in shame michael pearlman,that was apiss poor rag story made up for a **** poor rag,no wonder i stopped buying,top marks to Chris Blight and the board and i can say that ever true County fan is behind you all
Posted by: paulwanderer, chepstow on 10:37pm Sat 3 May 08
I think the chairman was put under pressure to deliver something for the fans to grasp. 30 odd apps already? They're gonna be busy, unless they ignore 29 of them, and send a courier to Relish's home with his new club tie.
I think the chairman was put under pressure to deliver something for the fans to grasp. 30 odd apps already? They're gonna be busy, unless they ignore 29 of them, and send a courier to Relish's home with his new club tie.
Posted by: D Taylor, Newport on 12:17am Sun 4 May 08
If only ? I wish.
Posted by: slider, Abertillery on 2:55am Sun 4 May 08
For all involved with the club, fans as well, this continuing speculation is not good. I firmly believe that all th eclub needs is a manager that is 100% committed to the club and is full of ambition to get this team to a new level as soon as is practicable (that means a new dynamic guy that is not scared to off load slower - older players)
For all involved with the club, fans as well, this continuing speculation is not good. I firmly believe that all th eclub needs is a manager that is 100% committed to the club and is full of ambition to get this team to a new level as soon as is practicable (that means a new dynamic guy that is not scared to off load slower - older players)
Posted by: Malpas-boy, Newport on 8:00am Sun 4 May 08
Any County player who is actively seeking a new club this soon is obviously not commited to the club, so good ridence to them.
Also the new manager will need to have a blend of experience and youth in the squad. Beedle did a good job and turned us into a mid-table side we need the man who knows he has the ability to take us to the next stage and in that Blight is right to set the bar at promotion, giving any manager two seasons in which to achieve this is reasonable, but ideally all County fans want it next season.
The team as it stood lacked pace, leadership and at times tactics. For example, playing a high back four relying on offside against pacey opposition forwards was asking for trouble, but Beadle was not the manager to spot this and get instructions onto the pitch to change the defensive tactic, that's what the next manager needs to be able to do.
Any County player who is actively seeking a new club this soon is obviously not commited to the club, so good ridence to them.
Also the new manager will need to have a blend of experience and youth in the squad. Beedle did a good job and turned us into a mid-table side we need the man who knows he has the ability to take us to the next stage and in that Blight is right to set the bar at promotion, giving any manager two seasons in which to achieve this is reasonable, but ideally all County fans want it next season.
The team as it stood lacked pace, leadership and at times tactics. For example, playing a high back four relying on offside against pacey opposition forwards was asking for trouble, but Beadle was not the manager to spot this and get instructions onto the pitch to change the defensive tactic, that's what the next manager needs to be able to do.
Posted by: countyboy, Newport on 8:53am Sun 4 May 08
It’s been a sad week for football here in Newport this week! The problem with Newport County was not the manager or the players but in fact the board. Quote by a member of the board 2006. “ Some members of the board don’t want this club to go up! See what we got to deal with” it’s the board that should go. We need leadership at the top, not pretenders. Wake up county fans. County wouldn’t get promotion even if they put Sir Alex ferguson in charge.
It’s been a sad week for football here in Newport this week! The problem with Newport County was not the manager or the players but in fact the board. Quote by a member of the board 2006. “ Some members of the board don’t want this club to go up! See what we got to deal with” it’s the board that should go. We need leadership at the top, not pretenders. Wake up county fans. County wouldn’t get promotion even if they put Sir Alex ferguson in charge.
Posted by: Gwenty, bed on 8:56am Sun 4 May 08
[quote][bold]countyboy[/bold] wrote:
It’s been a sad week for football here in Newport this week! The problem with Newport County was not the manager or the players but in fact the board. Quote by a member of the board 2006. “ Some members of the board don’t want this club to go up! See what we got to deal with” it’s the board that should go. We need leadership at the top, not pretenders. Wake up county fans. County wouldn’t get promotion even if they put Sir Alex ferguson in charge.[/quote] who said that in 2006?
countyboy wrote:
It’s been a sad week for football here in Newport this week! The problem with Newport County was not the manager or the players but in fact the board. Quote by a member of the board 2006. “ Some members of the board don’t want this club to go up! See what we got to deal with” it’s the board that should go. We need leadership at the top, not pretenders. Wake up county fans. County wouldn’t get promotion even if they put Sir Alex ferguson in charge.
who said that in 2006?
Posted by: zorro, Gwent on 9:59am Sun 4 May 08
'Any County player who is actively seeking a new club this soon is obviously not commited to the club, so good ridence to them.'
That's unfair to the players. Fans can afford to wait and see what develops, but players are not fans, they're workers who've got families to provide for, bills to pay. They're not under contract, so if they're sensible they will do the best for their families and try to sort something out as soon as possible. Who's to say that in a few weeks time the new manager will say they are not wanted. Perhaps the offers they have received so far from other clubs will be withdrawn by then. What would you do if your own personal future was at stake and the chairman said if you don't like it you can clear off?
'Any County player who is actively seeking a new club this soon is obviously not commited to the club, so good ridence to them.'
That's unfair to the players. Fans can afford to wait and see what develops, but players are not fans, they're workers who've got families to provide for, bills to pay. They're not under contract, so if they're sensible they will do the best for their families and try to sort something out as soon as possible. Who's to say that in a few weeks time the new manager will say they are not wanted. Perhaps the offers they have received so far from other clubs will be withdrawn by then. What would you do if your own personal future was at stake and the chairman said if you don't like it you can clear off?
Posted by: zorro, Gwent on 10:00am Sun 4 May 08
'Any County player who is actively seeking a new club this soon is obviously not commited to the club, so good ridence to them.'
That's unfair to the players. Fans can afford to wait and see what develops, but players are not fans, they're workers who've got families to provide for, bills to pay. They're not under contract, so if they're sensible they will do the best for their families and try to sort something out as soon as possible. Who's to say that in a few weeks time the new manager will say they are not wanted. Perhaps the offers they have received so far from other clubs will be withdrawn by then. What would you do if your own personal future was at stake and the chairman said if you don't like it you can clear off?
'Any County player who is actively seeking a new club this soon is obviously not commited to the club, so good ridence to them.'
That's unfair to the players. Fans can afford to wait and see what develops, but players are not fans, they're workers who've got families to provide for, bills to pay. They're not under contract, so if they're sensible they will do the best for their families and try to sort something out as soon as possible. Who's to say that in a few weeks time the new manager will say they are not wanted. Perhaps the offers they have received so far from other clubs will be withdrawn by then. What would you do if your own personal future was at stake and the chairman said if you don't like it you can clear off?
Posted by: D Taylor, Newport on 10:52am Sun 4 May 08
The club have no choice but to ask them to wait. The chairman can't say to the new manager "Welcome to Newport County Mr X, and here is the list of players the board have committed you to in order to achieve the essential aim of promtion."
They are unlikely to have to wait long. Not much longer than the end of their holiday in Spain that the directors have paid for.
The club have no choice but to ask them to wait. The chairman can't say to the new manager "Welcome to Newport County Mr X, and here is the list of players the board have committed you to in order to achieve the essential aim of promtion."
They are unlikely to have to wait long. Not much longer than the end of their holiday in Spain that the directors have paid for.
Posted by: Gwenty, bed on 12:51pm Sun 4 May 08
double standards from the argus , slag the clubof for theway pete left then use hedlines like"bye bye beadle" "i will get my coat" papers a joke its even printed in glouster these days.
double standards from the argus , slag the clubof for theway pete left then use hedlines like"bye bye beadle" "i will get my coat" papers a joke its even printed in glouster these days.
Posted by: Phil Tanner, Berkshire on 1:00pm Sun 4 May 08
Exactly. This would potentially deter the best applicants - one of the things which puts the club in a great position to attract the best possible manager is being able to offer a clean slate as far as the playing staff is concerned.
The players know this. The board knows this. The supporters know this.
The Argus knows it too, but pretends not to because it doesn't suit its agenda.
Exactly. This would potentially deter the best applicants - one of the things which puts the club in a great position to attract the best possible manager is being able to offer a clean slate as far as the playing staff is concerned.
The players know this. The board knows this. The supporters know this.
The Argus knows it too, but pretends not to because it doesn't suit its agenda.
Posted by: paulwanderer, chepstow on 1:30pm Sun 4 May 08
[quote][bold]D Taylor[/bold] wrote:
The club have no choice but to ask them to wait. The chairman can't say to the new manager "Welcome to Newport County Mr X, and here is the list of players the board have committed you to in order to achieve the essential aim of promtion." They are unlikely to have to wait long. Not much longer than the end of their holiday in Spain that the directors have paid for.[/quote] The players that want to stay are going to be patient and wait for the arrival of the new manager...probably 2 or 3 others will walk in the meantime. I saw one of the players in Barry over the weekend, perhaps the club had witheld his wages.
D Taylor wrote:
The club have no choice but to ask them to wait. The chairman can't say to the new manager "Welcome to Newport County Mr X, and here is the list of players the board have committed you to in order to achieve the essential aim of promtion." They are unlikely to have to wait long. Not much longer than the end of their holiday in Spain that the directors have paid for.
The players that want to stay are going to be patient and wait for the arrival of the new manager...probably 2 or 3 others will walk in the meantime. I saw one of the players in Barry over the weekend, perhaps the club had witheld his wages.
Posted by: paulwanderer, chepstow on 2:55pm Sun 4 May 08
I notice that we are being joined in the B SQ'STH by AFC Wimbledon next season....some bumper gates coming up then.
I notice that we are being joined in the B SQ'STH by AFC Wimbledon next season....some bumper gates coming up then.
Posted by: paulwanderer, chepstow on 4:03pm Sun 4 May 08
Well done Tony pulis...Stoke into the premiership. Leicester relegated (11 managers in 2 seasons)
Well done Tony pulis...Stoke into the premiership. Leicester relegated (11 managers in 2 seasons)
Posted by: CTID, Port on 5:53pm Sun 4 May 08
Can you stop all this talk about appointing relish??!!
he has failed this season with bath with a massive budget.sound familiar?not really a step in the right direction!dont forget that relish resigned from the county after failing to get promotion from the midland division.
what club ever reappoints an unsuccessful manager that they have had in the past?
Can you stop all this talk about appointing relish??!!
he has failed this season with bath with a massive budget.sound familiar?not really a step in the right direction!dont forget that relish resigned from the county after failing to get promotion from the midland division.
what club ever reappoints an unsuccessful manager that they have had in the past?
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