Howdy Sportsfans!
It's your Uncle Cliff here. Sick of five days of cricket with no winner already? Over the lack of gumption shown by the divers in the soccer? Sick of the Wallabies kicking 14 penalty goals in their latest 21 point loss? Well good old Uncle Cliff is here to help you. This week I had the opportunity to go head to head with the Bellingen - Dorrigo Magpies Head Coach Mr Josh White. Here is the following interview in whole - much to Coach White's disgust.
CC: So Josh, I'm sure the question all those Magpie fans out there want to know is; "Are you and Cath having another baby?"
JW: We are in training with no result. Could we have a footy question please.
CC: Sorry mate, how are you shaping up for next season?
JW: We have been very active in retaining the services of the majority of players from last year. Many players have promised to look after themselves this off season so I am sure fitness won't be as big an issue.
CC: Are you concerned with any residual hangover from last year? I mean, to finish third was a massive effort and many thought (not me) you had over achieved. Is this a concern going into the pre season?
JW: No, I don't believe so. I think it has made us much hungrier to go that extra step next year.
CC: You had two Under 18s step up and play great footy for you last year in Louie Taylor and Vaughan Babbini. What are your plans for them this year?
JW: Hopefully to hold their position in first grade for the entire season and play with consistency, something which many young players find difficult week to week.
CC: I understand you are keen for all senior players to sign a contract. What’s the idea behind this and can you comment on any other players you have signed for next year?
JW: The idea is to make the club more professional and to give the players ownership in the club. We have signed Matt Cheeseman, a prop from Orara, Troy Hill from Nambucca, Jamie Meares from Dorrigo Rangers and Blayze Parter from Woolgoolga.
CC: What about crowd favourites Matt Bush City Limits and Josh "Still Looks" Young. How has their off season been?
JW: From all reports Josh and Bushy have been training hard although these reports have come from Diggers Tavern and Federal Hotel staff.
CC: Do you think Ian Boutell and Craig Millan will be allowed out weekends from Bellorana to play footy again this season?
JW: Scotchy has led Ian astray of late and I will be very surprised if he is allowed out anywhere in 2010.
CC: What is the make up of your coaching and support staff for next season?
JW: Tony Abbotts returns to the club along with the regulars in Stuart Kelly, Peter Denham, Greg Darby, Claude Babbini and Ray Nolan.
CC: I'm glad Greg Darby and Peter Denham are there again next year - lovely blokes who know their stuff. Stuart Kelly, wasn't he the winger who wore headgear from the Broncos?
JW: There is a vicious rumour going around that Stuart did actually play centre at Parramatta and the Broncos although no-one I know has a BETA video player to confirm this.
CC: I hear the club is having its AGM next Thursday night (tomorrow) 7pm at the tavern, could you tell us about that.
JW: Any person who would like to be involved in any capacity is invited along to this meeting tomorrow night to discuss all aspects of next year.
CC: Is the army game a goer for next year?
JW: It sure is. February 27th is the date with NBN sponsoring along with a host of other companies sponsoring. A one off playing strip will be auctioned that night with all monies going to charity. It will be a blast.
CC: When does pre season training start mate and what can the players expect?
JW: We had our first run last Saturday with good numbers. Our next session will be next Saturday 4pm at Connell Park followed by an informal tactics session at the Diggers Tavern
CC: There has been a lot of talk re: the viability of some of the other clubs in the group - especially Kempsey, what have you heard?
JW: All I know is Dunghutti is out however who knows. All we can worry about is us.
CC: A lot of people read about the coffee club most weeks in Sports Shorts. Personally I believe you blokes are a little bit light in the loafers meeting for coffee and real men meet to discuss things in pubs however, could you please enlighten an old dinosaur like me, what is it all about?
JW: It is all about the Bellingen wise men sitting in the window of the Tuckshop and making stories up and discussing the rumors they have heard from the previous day. Since my time living in Bello it is a non stop rumor mill. We have a new President in the Great Pud Lee and he keeps us in line. Any new members welcome as Brett Weick has been suspended indefinitely.
CC: Last question, where will we finish in season 2010?
JW: Our goal is to bring a Premiership back to Bellingen and put this famous club back to the top of the Group 2 competition.
CC: Any last words?
JW: Don't sweat the small stuff.
Thank you Josh. Well there you have it Sports fans. The Bellingen Dorrigo Magpies sure look to be heading in the right direction for next year. I wish coach White and his merry men all the best for next season. Merry Christmas to you all and don't forget to spoil the "hugs and kisses" this Chrissy as she really deserves it. I've lashed out this year and shouted my lovely a season pass to every Magpie home game at the Graveyard in 2010. She'll be wrapped! Anyone else interested in this lovely Christmas idea contact Oz at the Tavern.
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you all.
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