Fans committee meeting minutes : Thu Jan 21, 2016 12:38 pm
Fans Panel Meeting Wednesday 20th January 2016
John Scarrow welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for attending.
31 days to the iPRO Sports Cup but Sunday against Oxford will be a good test for the Team.
The programme, which was produced to cover all 3 pre-season friendly games, is excellent and credit must go to Mark Hughesman and Jordan Owens of Club Doncaster Media department.
Gary Thornton gave his account of the friendly against Hull. Overall it had gone really, really well. It was an important game and Hull has a stronger squad than last year. They have a lot of youngsters who are training with the 1st Team. They have a competitive squad and our partnership with them will benefit from this. The boys did well but RL is a tough sport and injuries will be picked up.
Local boys, Zac Braham and Kieran Cross both did really well and it is important to the Club to sign recruits from the local area. Zac is close to signing but we need him to play against Oxford and show his desire to play. We were competitive in the 2nd half with a score of 16-12. Hull are the best defensive side in SL: - so we did well.
Training has been going really well with 3 sessions a week at Cantley Park. We are geared up for the 21st February. Fitness training has been going really well, taken by Accelerate, who have a Military background, players fitness levels, both mentally and physically, have improved.
Players Injuries: Several players have had corrective surgery out of season: Mark Castle, Makali Aizue and Mike Kelly will be ready for the start of the season – we will not rush them back just for the friendlies.
Makali Aizue – had plate removed from his hand on 10th December, now got all clear.
Mason Tonks – minor setback but will be available for 21st February.
Matt Nicholson – knee
Joe Picketts – available in March
Mike Kelly – ready for end February/early March
Mark Castle – ready for end February/early March.
It will be a long season and we will not risk anyone coming back from injury and rehabilitation. All will be back by March or 21st February – Cup game.
The new Physio is doing a great job with the guys’ re-hab.
Questions:
Are we still going into partnership with Sheffield Eagles?
GT: There was talk but this is not happening. It will be of no benefit to us.
We have obviously a good half-back pairing but what happens if they get injured, have we got replacement?
GT: Yes, Kieran Cross can play scrum-half and so can Kyle Kesik. Also Louis Sheriff has played in this position. Daniel Hirst can also play half plus Hull D/R
I understand that Jason Tali has visa problems – where do we stand?
CH: The deadline for the decision is 5th February, then we should know where we stand.
Congratulations on the team you have put together Gary. They look good quality and can come in any time. Also the set up here is very good.
GT: That’s the idea. They have to impress in a competitive environment. Also most players were attracted by the training facilities and the Stadium.
On Sunday I was impressed by the attitude of the Team?
GT: Yes, after half time we came out with a good attitude. There is a lot of competition for places and this helps with attitude, which was evident on Sunday. It’s very important we have the best 25.
Have the players bonded as a team?
GT: Yes, the Scarborough to Whitby walk was very tough but we achieved what we set out to do. Also after our midweek training sessions we get together and Pete Bell is amazing and buys food for all players – this really helps.
The Team looked a bit lost towards the end of last season?
GT: Yes, after losing 18 games it is very hard to get rid of the losing culture but we have moved on and built a new culture.
Carl, query re baseball caps, when will they be here?
CH: They have arrived and a message will be going out this week, caps will be issued at the weekend. What is left will be for sale at £7 each.
Trip to Toulouse. Is the Club organising anything?
CH: The Commercial Manager is talking to Travel Leeds, who are organising the Teams travel. Details should be put out soon. We are looking at organising a private function for all those who have flown over for the game.
The speed of the play of ball on Sunday – it was felt it was too slow?
GT: We were against a full time SL team and dominated by this bigger/stronger team, spending the first 20 minutes defending. Oxford will give us a better indication of where we are.
Kick Offs went to same place every time?
GT: This was changed in the second half.
If Jason Tali doesn’t come to the Club - do we replace him?
CH: We have Plan B and C. Jason wants to come the Club, and he is contact with us nearly every day. We will do everything in our power to get him here. He has signed his contract but the problem is with the Border Agency.
What is the situation with the sign at Tattersfield?
CH: A temporary bracket was put up and a new clip ordered. The new fitting will keep the board up in adverse weather. It is not Rovers, it is Club Doncaster’s sign and will advertise both Rovers and Dons games. There will also be new branding put up at the Stadium, which will happen in the next month or so.
Are the Belles part of Club Doncaster?
GB: We have a partnership agreement with the Belles but they have separate owners but we need them to feel part of being here at the Stadium.
Why do they Players not have their names on the shirts?
CH: In this League we use positions 1 – 17 not squad numbers and names. This is not the option of the Club but RL rules.
Can we have Team Sheets as we come through the gates as there was no tannoy either?
CH: The tannoy wasn’t working for the Rovers game either on Saturday – due to the power cut that happened.
Team Sheets cannot be produced for fans as the information is only given out 1 hour before KO. Player photographs are on the website and the programme. We are aware of this situation and are trying to make things better.
Where will we be playing whilst the pitch has renovation work done on it?
CH: The 2 games will be played on Pitch 2 here at the Keepmoat.
A Carvery will be served in the Restaurant on Match days from 1.00pm – cost £8.95 per head Adults and £6.50 Kids.
Also other events via the Foundation will be organised on match day to help push the Club forward.
John Scarrow finished the meeting by reminding everyone of the Dons4Life scheme. It is a vehicle for strengthening the Squad so please pass the word.
Also there are a few players left for sponsorship – so if you know of anyone interested, please let us know.
The next meeting will be organised for w/c 4th April.
