Team Manager Report

A G M September 2007

First and Foremost my apologies for not being able to attend the AGM today or indeed this whole weekend.  As much as I love competing at the 4 Nations and meeting up with a lot of friendly faces I unfortunately found myself with a tricky decision to make.  Weekend in Bangor or 3 week honeymoon in Kenya!  Needless to say that after only 1 week of marriage the boss, Gillian, won and while you are sitting at the meeting I am on safari somewhere thinking about you all. 
 
It was at last years AGM that I took on the position of UK Team Manager and I think I am right in saying that it was to be reviewed after 12 months.  So here we are, 1 year on, unbeaten, although we've had a couple of very close games and a Team Manager that is more than happy to continue in the role.
 
I admit that there was a few teething problems especially with selection and I would like to think that these have been ironed out.  I do have to say that it isn't easy trying to come up with a way of picking the team as each country has a different method of wanting their players to be considered.  One country nominates people who they think are good enough, one country gives names of people who are available another country leaves it up to the Team Manager and so on.
 
However, not trying to drag this out for any longer than is necessary.  I do feel that the team is starting to strengthen and we are starting to not only compete but find ourselves on the winning side on a more regular basis.
 
I have to say that as Team Manager I have been very disappointed in the standard of opposition from the British Civil Service as I am under the impression that we have twice played a touring team who are in no way linked to a so called selected UK Team.  However hopefully this will not be the case in the future if a tri-team competition can be organised.
 
Well it's over to you now, Rab as Team Manager, Deal or no Deal?
 
Deal, I will endeavour to continue the progress and better results that we have started to achieve or
 
No Deal, I'm back available for selection with someone else hopefully picking me in their UK Team.
 
Wishing everyone all the very best for this weekend, the up coming indoor season and looking forward to seeing you all soon
 
yours in sport
 
Robert Donaldson