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New Kit Launch With Question & Answer Session
By YOG July 15 2008
Yogs Report on the Kit Launch at Camborne Clubhouse -03/07/08. The ne whome & away kit was shown, followed by a question and answer session with Rod Coward, Mark Hewitt & Brett Davey. Graham hart then did a medley of some of his well known songs to round off the evening,

First the bad news.
Rod Coward confirmed the previously stated position that if the stadium project at Threemilestone went ahead, we would only be leasing the facility, which would be wholly developed by Truro City/Kevin Heany.

The stadium project is moving very slowly (if at all). The biggest problem being a massive downturn in the building industry, which has likely put a strain on Truro City’s owner.

Rod also confirmed that if we were to win the league next season, then we would likely not be able to accept promotion due to the RFU increasing the entry requirement (not just the seated capacity, but also the infrastructure facilities and other requirements).

Unfortunately there is not another facility in Cornwall that comes remotely close to fulfilling these requirements. Financially there is practically no chance of help from European funding, Central Government or Local Government.

The aim is still to try and win the league, but then take the reported £700k for winning it, and investing it so that we would be in a position to accept it the next time.

Then the good news.
Once the league is reduced to twelve teams, the proposal is for the top teams at the end of the following seasons to compete in a playoff for promotion.

Most people were against this, but the sweetener was that the top four teams in the league would play in an Anglo-Welsh cup with the twelve Premiership teams plus the top four regional teams in Wales. This was stated as being the top priority for the Pirates, as it would massively increase national exposure for the club with a commensurate increase in sponsorship. Not to mention the enjoyment of playing Premiership teams to a full house in Camborne.

Whilst I was disappointed to hear that Joe Beardshaw needs another operation (we sorely missed him at the end of last season), the good news is that it should be a quick turn around and he should be ready to start at the beginning of the season, if not soon after. All other players are reported to be in top condition, or will be by the start of the season.

The coaches are well aware of the new law changes for next season, and are adapting the style of play accordingly. Generally the coaching staff appeared to be very up-beat.

Whilst admitting there was a falling off of performance at the end of last season, there was some plain talking on why it had likely happened and a resolve not to let it happen again. Personally I was impressed with the coaches realistic approach, and this section of the Q&A did most to make me excited for the coming season.

For those that were worried about lack of pre-season matches against a top team, it was announced that there was to be a behind closed doors training session with Bristol. It would be behind closed doors because it would be half practice, half stop-start semi paced game.

Apparently the club had been approached by a few other Premiership clubs (including Sale) wanting to play pre-season games, but these all wanted the Pirates to travel to them.

Story Continues >>>>

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