Wed Feb 02, 2011 6:37 pm
THE FOLLOWING ARE NOTES TAKEN BY MY MATE MEL rICHARDS AT THE OPEN MEETING ON mONDAY AT THE GOL CENTRE
Jonathon Ford the CEO at the FAW and Gary Speed the new Welsh manager attended to answer any of the questions the fans wanted answered...there will be more of these forums throughout Wa;es to give all fans equal chance of putting their opinions in.
Brief update from JF:
A new mascot will be launched before the England game.
Main objective is to modernise the FAW – wants kids to choose football over rugby. This is main reason of updating the logo etc.
Questions to JF:
Is the 25% kick back scheme for schools etc a one off or will it be a regular thing?
- Its a Very successful initiative and would like to continue with it. Can’t confirm at present.
Which stadium would you prefer to play the games in?
- From a marketing point it is good to travel around the country but would prefer to use one stadium. Millennium is preferred IF full.
Can you confirm that the FA are NOT in favour of a team GB?
- Yes, can confirm. Bale is currently being used as a pawn by the Olympic committee however the FAW, Scottish and NI are opposed to a GB team based on the possibility of losing independent status. The Olympics are said to contain the “best of the best” – ie sportsmen and women who are the best in their field. Can’t say that about football as there are age limitations etc. The World cup is our equivalent.
Will you support the “yes” campaign Welsh Assembly gov.. – what is the FAs position on this?
- The FA believes that government should not interfere with football and vice versa. They are unaware if the WRU have received “favours” as they have given their support however the FA are not interested.
Are the FA doing anything about internet touts etc for the Wales v England game?
- The FA are physically phoning the obvious sights, plus they have put various things in place, ie kick back scheme, no general sale of tickets. Hopefully this will ensure that no other internet sales will take place.
Will there be a change of kit in Sept?
- Yes
Questions to GS & comments:
- Darcy and Nyatanga not in squad as they haven’t played on a regular basis for teams. They are on stand by however.
- Bale & Bellamy will be going to meet with the squad yet are out of the team.
- Gabbidon is delighted to be back in the squad.
- Simon Davies did think about playing however has decided to focus on career with Fulham.
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- Savage did text GS – no role confirmed for him though.
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- GS did contact Ryan Shawcross (Stoke) – he is keeping his options open.
- Undecided on a captain as yet – lots of experience in the squad (Ledley, Gabbs, Collins, Williams) – need to confirm who is definitely playing first.
- Giggs has no official role in the squad as his priority is with Man Utd. He will however be on hand to before games to lend his experience and motivate the team by showing his face etc.
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- On the club v country issue, GS is hopeful that we won’t have major problems. He intends to visit every players club with a commitment to returning them back healthy. He wants to reassure managers that the players will be looked after and adapt training etc to each player individually, (ie Ramsey will require a different training regime to Bale). He thinks that 3 days on the Training ground in a place like La Manga would be more beneficial to the team than a friendly. There are room for friendlies as long as they are productive. Something like the home nations etc would give players something to play for, ie pride.
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- He thinks that even though we have English born players they will still play with professionalism and is they are not passionate on the pitch then they won’t play next time.
- GS wants a pass and move game where the players up their tempo and get in the opponents faces, he wants the players to learn the national anthem!
- He is currently talking to Cardiff & Swansea etc with a view to ensuring the youngsters come through the academies. He wants a structure in place that will ensure a smooth transition between the U16s, 19s, 21s etc.