POOLER COACH CHATS TO THE FANS

Firstly I would like to give you an update on the position and progress of our injured players and their likely return;

Neil Giles               Jan 09
Matthew Dwyer       2 weeks
Nicky Blake           Feb 09
Jack Lyddiate         Apr 09
Gavin Donaldson   Feb09
Matthew Thomas   2 weeks
Geraint O'Driscoll   Feb 09
Dan Robinson        unknown

The loss of these players would hinder most clubs but in fairness to the rest of the squad they have pulled together and they are committed to playing to the top of their game.

Whilst other clubs may be targeting their home games we have made a conscious effort to target all games! It is difficult against some of the more established and financially supported clubs but that is the nature of the game that we are in.

This is a new squad of players who have shown glimpses of what they are capable of but who are also aware of their limitations and we are all working extremely hard to improve in those areas. I am conscious that whilst we cannot do everything, we can do something and we have asked the players to improve on certain facets of the game each week, the scrum being a case in point. We also need to make longer, those passages of play that cause the opposition problems, whilst also maintaining concentration throughout the game. When we think that the vast majority of the squad were in Division One last year, in one team or another, I firmly believe that they have all made massive progress.

We know, more than most, the responsibility that we have to maintain a position in what is an extremely difficult and testing Premier Division. We are not sitting still and are in constant dialogue with not only our own players but others out there who may relish the challenge of the playing for us in this division. We have to manage the squad whilst playing the 15/22 that we think are best suited for the forthcoming fixture. Some players have had to wait their turn and have grabbed the opportunity with both hands whilst others have had to remain patient.

I would like to thank those of you who provide us with fantastic support and who can see that we are aiming for sustainability for the future with this new squad. A big thank you must also go to the army of volunteers who share the same ambition and desire as us for your dedication each week.

Gareth Lintern