   |
|
Home 2003 Season 2002 Season News Photo Gallery Club Directory Umpires SPCL Umpire Appointments Rules/ Accreditation Officials SEC Cup Awards Statistics Links |
|
|
Parents in to save colts dilemma at Portsmouth
Neil Allen (The News, Portsmouth) - 10 June 2002
Portsmouth look to have secured their premier division status after parents agreed to take control of their troubled colts section.
But cricket development manager Les Randall has refused to be part of it and quit the club.
Randall had earlier been asked to leave the club by officials in a dispute which had left the colts without both training and matches for the past three weeks.
The disagreement threatened Portsmouth's place in premier division one with league rules stating a club must have a functioning colts section to earn accreditation.
But fears of demotion to the Hampshire League have been allayed after parents voted to form a committee.
In a meeting at Drayton Park on Friday night, proposals were accepted to create a committee containing seven parents and a manager from each of the four age groups to oversee the running of the colts.
The decision will see coaching sessions and matches start up once again from today.
But Randall has declined to be part of it.
A parent said: 'We were keen for Les to agree to the proposals and run the colts section again.
'We hope he will reconsider his decision but, whatever happens, we thank him for his incredible work to date in establishing such a strong colts section.
'In the meantime, what we need now is to get the colts back playing cricket as soon as possible.'
As part of the new regime, two senior players will be on hand to offer help and advice at every coaching session.
A general meeting has also been scheduled for July 1 to adopt a formal constitution.
In the meantime, coaching will take place at Drayton Park from 6-7.30pm on Mondays (under-11s), Tuesdays (under-13s) and Wednesdays (under-9s). Under-15s will meet at St Helens on Fridays from 6.15pm.
Randall said: 'I have parted company with the club and would like to thank the parents and colts for the support they have given me at all times. It has been greatly appreciated.
'It is true I was invited to take a role in the running of the new section but turned it down.'
Colts enquiries can be e-mailed to pcccolts@hotmail.com
© The News / Neil Allen
| Tournaments | Southern Electric Premier League |
| Season | English Domestic Season |