Friday 21st May 2010
Dear Supporter,
There has been a lot of activity on the new stadium project since the appointment of the architects, Ramsdens and Partners Ltd.
They have brought new impetus to the project with their energy and enthusiasm and are handling the task of designing the stadium in an extremely professional manner.
The first design workshop with the architects took place immediately, following their appointment.
It is vital that an understanding of the Club’s needs is established before detailed designs are made.
With these details in place, we then had a subsequent meeting with Ramsdens which included Waystone. Here we focused on the contours of the site, ground conditions, road layout, levels, and all of the other geographical factors an architect needs to consider before producing a design.
Another outcome of this meeting was the setting of boundaries for the stadium site and establishing where each part of the development will be situated within the overall Glasshoughton site. This included facilitating the needs of Surfworld who are working hard on delivering their own project.
As you would expect they were very lengthy meetings, as every single detail required a great deal of planning and scrutiny.
Ramsdens now have the information they need from the Club and Waystone. They are meeting other parties who need to be consulted at an early stage, including the planning department at Wakefield Council and Sky TV.
Alongside the work of the architects we have also identified the extra services and consultants needed to complete the detailed planning application process such as quantity surveyors and structural engineers.
We had a stadium group meeting yesterday and agreed the lists of companies who would be invited to tender for the work.
All in all, the project is progressing well and the plan for consulting the fans and public on the designs is on track.
Training Facility
Since the last blog we have had two meetings about the development of new training facilities.
We are working on an exciting opportunity which would provide quality facilities for the players at all grades as well as for delivery of our community programmes.
This is at an early stage but we want to move forward as quickly as possible.
Junior Development
The development of ‘home grown’ players was an important factor in the last round of licence applications and the feeling is that it will have an even bigger bearing for 2012.
This is an area I feel we are very strong, which bodes well for the future.
The last two weekends have seen victories for our under 15’s, 16’s and 18’s in each of their games. Whilst the under 20’s, with many young guys aged 17 and 18 ‘playing up’ at the higher level, have made great strides under Gary Thornton and were unlucky to lose narrowly against a very strong Hull FC outfit last night on goal kicks.
It is fantastic to see some real quality players coming through the system. I'm delighted that Daryl Clark has signed an improved, full time deal. He’s a player with phenomenal talent and he undoubtedly has the ability to play at the highest level of the game.
There has been a significant investment into youth development and this will continue. We recognise the importance of this area of the organisation and will be looking to sign more top young performers in due course.
Board of Directors
We are looking to introduce fresh ideas to the Club and make new appointments to the Board.
We recognise the need for additional expertise and investment.
In the last two years we have been approached by some quality people who have appreciated the challenges we face and have offered to help.
They are now assisting us in various aspects of the club and will play a big part in helping the club meet the challenges of delivering the stadium and attaining a new Super League licence.
Some of these new roles need to be formalised and we will be making announcements to this effect in the near future.
Respect Campaign
Allegations of obscene chanting from the crowd towards Gareth Thomas in March, has brought the club to the attention of the media in a negative way.
We will be attending a hearing with the RFL regarding the incidents next week. Obscene and disrespectful chanting during match days is something we certainly do not condone.
The club is working extremely hard to adhere to the sport’s RESPECT policy and the club’s code of conduct to maintain an inclusive family friendly environment.
Next month we will be launching a pioneering programme in the community called ‘One Big Family’.
The programme will involve assemblies in local schools educating young people about equality and diversity. The programme will focus on the seven strands of equality. These are gender, race, disability, faith, age, sexual orientation and socio-economics.
The only way we are going to grow and develop is for a no tolerance approach towards the small number of individuals who spoil it for everyone else.
I think most Tigers fans want us to take a strong line on this issue.
Brent Sherwin and Kyle Wood
I’d like to thank Brent Sherwin for his efforts whilst with the club. Brent has been the ultimate professional in his time with us and I’d like to wish him all the very best for the future.
Possibly taking Brent’s place in the squad on Sunday is Kyle Wood who is an exciting young player who joins us on loan from Huddersfield.
Kyle is a former Castleford Lock Lane player who is desperate for an opportunity to play Super League. He is only young but we have seen some of our own young players rise to the occasion this year so we wish him well if he lines up against Hull FC.
Michael Moffat
You will have seen the appointment of Michael, who has been brought in to assist in our recruitment
His appointment recognises our need to have someone totally focused on this vital role, specifically for the first team squad.
We need quality players who give value for money and are totally committed to the Tigers. This is his remit.
We have identified the positions we need and he is researching the options available. We are talking to agents and are making progress.
Market Research
Also, I would just like to keep the fans up-to-date with market research developments. This is to be circulated shortly to a number of focus groups and will then be rolled out to the wider public through the official web site.
Finally…
I’d like to thank you for your support of the Club.
We are having a tough time at the moment but we will come through this period and will be stronger.
I realise that so far, this season has had its disappointments, but with our long term situation improving, a play-off place is still within our sights.
Sunday is a big opportunity for the boys to close in on this target. Hull always brings a strong following to The Jungle and the boys will need your support more than ever.
Best Regards.
