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Post by Wicked Cricket on Jul 22, 2016 15:09:09 GMT
'A Week is a Long Time in Cricket'
________________________________________________ County cricket has now reached the zenith of the 2016 season with matches from all formats coming hither and thither and the Sussex hierarchy have decided - quite sensibly - to communicate with their disgruntled supporters as high expectations in April have transformed into growing disappointments by July. The trigger for this club media activity was the T20 game against Hampshire last Friday at Hove when a humiliated Sussex clutched failure from the jaws of victory leading to an outburst of anger from supporters not witnessed for many seasons. First out of the hutch is Chairman, Jim May - a man under pressure as he lies at the centre of the club’s decision-making who admitted to me a few weeks ago that “It is a frustrating, stop-start season.” May appoints the club’s CEO and has a large say in the appointment of the Coach and more recently the new position of the Director of Sussex Cricket. Credit to May that he talks to supporters and doesn’t shy away when things are going awry. The interviewer, BBC Radio Sussex Adrian Harms, doesn’t shy away from the tough questions either. www.sussexcricket.co.uk/news-1/chairman-in-depth-interview-with-jim-mayMay has been chairman since August 2008 after taking over from aircraft entrepreneur David Green. Green suffered ill-health and immediately had to step down. Under his six year auspice Sussex experienced their greatest period of success in the club’s history. May filled the breach after being the club’s treasurer. Given it is a voluntary position, choosing to be a Chairman requires club loyalty and dedication where ones popularity relies heavily on the team’s exploits on the field. His response to Harms questions are as expected and reminds one of a George Osborne former Chancellor speech as he defies the challenging present by predicting a rosie future. Legacy is the 21st century buzzword and May’s two ideals are “The Sussex Family” and “The Community”. The former accounts for the recent appointments and the latter is the primary legacy he, perhaps, wishes to be remembered for. Unfortunately, Sussex CCC must be playing well on the field for the off-field acitivities to be embraced. If not, this only adds to supporter rancour. I like May. He is a genuine Sussex fan and one of the leading lights in the 1997 Members Revolt. It takes gall in such a fickle specialist field to be a County Chairman but there are many upsides too, where apart from hobnobbing with the top cricketing brass, the position can lead to various other local Chairmanship and non-exec Directorship appointments, the pinnacle, perhaps, being his appointment to Deputy Lieutenant of East Sussex in 2013. One potential problem May faces is the karmic wheel if things go pete tong which can sneak up when least expected. One only hopes the recent club appointments and his view that “The Sussex prospects are very strong medium term” come to fruition. Next up is Keith Greenfield who is interviewed by Tom Rose. It is easy to criticise good ol’ Grubby. Critics might ask is he sufficiently inspiring, dynamic and thrusting enough to take on such an important role, but his appointment epitomises May’s “Sussex Family” ethos. Greenfield is nervous and appears awkward throughout the 8.5 minute interview, using a lot of PC words and phrases like “pillars of strategy”, “enhancing the pathway”, and his favourite “upskill”. We learn six coaching modules have been created and come into existence this October. The plan is to improve cricket coaching skills all around the county. Also, Sussex CCC are working closely with the ‘Aldridge Cricket Academy’ to improve both boys and girls abilities as well as devising a series of cricket hubs in strategic areas of Sussex. The overall aim is to create “a very strong Sussex cricket spine.” In theory, this all sounds wonderful but pioneering work is fraught with difficulty and nobody knows how it may turn out, where entrepreneurial zeal is an essential ingredient for success. Greenfield also states he helps out ‘Davo‘ with some of the coaching periphery and admits like May, it has been frustrating on the field. Meanwhile, he’s been very busy driving around the county and meeting lots of people. www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrQz3HCzJZUWhat becomes obvious is that Sussex now require something successful on the field to keep supporters onside. When offering people a vision that may not even bear fruit for another three years, a short-term fix is essential. Yet, the problem has only been exacerbated by a series of underwhelming performances on the pitch and when coupled with the club humiliation over the non-appearance of Mr Fizz, finally, his inaugural scintillating performance last night of 4-23 was a huge welcome relief. www.sussexcricket.co.uk/news-1/exclusive-interview-with-mustafizur-rahmanPerhaps, this is where Sussex can prosper. Beat Surrey tonight and the club are back in the T20 tournament with a seamer in the ranks now deemed the best in the world. A QF place will at least keep the critics at bay.** Conclusion
Sussex CCC are in a vulnerable place right now. On-field the team struggle as youngsters are blooded; a new Captain and Coach attempt to find their stride; where to all and asunder the team are in terminal decline. Off-field, supporters are faced with club visions, where it can appear the community ideal is deemed more important than success on the field. Presently, Sussex CCC reside in a no-man’s land until such seeds sown, in both camps, hopefully blossom. Therefore, is this a case of ‘believe in the dream’ and trust in those appointed to carry the club into a new successful era on and off the field? In theory, the club offer supporters a noble and exciting vision of the future. In practice, only time will tell if those behind it are capable of manifesting such grandiose schemes. Time is a golden commodity but for now offering support is, perhaps, the fairest and best way forward while reducing expectations to a minimum. ** Optimism has now left the building!
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Sept 27, 2016 11:24:06 GMT
Dfl,
I doff my cap. You are correct. Bad journalism as I merely presumed it was the 'Santander' sponsored educational office. For, I had googled
the name alongside the Sussex CCC County ground but nothing came up except for that 'No Boundaries' office next to the club shop. So, I
phoned the number this morning given in the feature and spoke to the delightful founder of the training classes Mi Elfverson.
Yes, the company New Work Training is renting one of the offices in the North-East corner. Mi moved in around 7 weeks ago. And she has kindly
asked me to come along on Thursday to review the vlogging class.
So apologies to Sussex CCC for me teasing them about their creative phrases. That Keith Greenfield interview with Tom Rose must have influenced me.
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Oct 2, 2016 13:38:06 GMT
While attending a new communications course at the New Work Training Office in the North-East corner of the County Ground last week who should be participating but a recent employee of the Sussex CCC media department. Matt Neocleous is on a 12 month internship. He is attending a four-year ‘Sports Management Course' at Bournemouth University. During the third year each attendee is sent out into the real world to gain practical experience. Matt is interested in pursuing sports marketing and favoured Sussex CCC as one of his choices. He was accepted as part of the club’s drive to encourage internships.  Matt joined Sussex CCC in June and is really enjoying himself. “We are a closely knit group,” he said. “I am becoming more and more involved with the Sussex Cricket Foundation (SCF), helping out with their marketing and promotion. It is very fulfilling and I am learning a lot.” Adding, “It is a special thrill when you work alongside a well-known Sussex player like Chris Jordan.” One aspect is writing up the SCFs news on their website. sussexcricketfoundation.co.uk/author/mattneocleous/Matt is under the tutelage of Adam Matthews and Tom Rose. In fact, Tom also attended a similar course at Bournemouth University and initially was an intern at the club before he joined full-time. Matt will remain at the County ground until next June. |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Oct 13, 2016 14:20:13 GMT
'Another One Bites the Cycle Trail'
_______________________________________________ It’s all charity, charity, charity at Sussex CCC as another member of the club staff plans to raise money for the Sussex Cricket Foundation. Business Development Executive, Mark Judges, is the latest to follow the lead from Tom Rose and others and his choice of benevolence? A cycle ride.  www.sussexcricket.co.uk/blog-article/staff-blog-mark-judgesTalk about the deep end as after deciding to cycle 320 miles from Land’s End to Hove in just 4 days, he still hasn’t got a bike. The planned ride is next March where he’ll be joined by a group of friends including Sussex CCC Business Relations Manager, Tony Cottey. Mark says, “I can honestly say this is quite simply the biggest physical and mental challenge I have ever taken on.” You can offer him encouragement by donating to his Just Giving page. www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lands-end-to-hove-charity-bike-ride
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Dec 1, 2016 15:16:55 GMT
Public Forum on Membership Costs: December 1st: 11am-12.15pm: Jim Parks Bar
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Around 50 people attended the Public Forum this morning on the 2017 Membership costs - an event held in the Jim Parks bar.
After a humorous introduction from Zac Toumazi who came up with such one-liners as: "Sorry for not wearing a tie but I've just
been fired.." and: "A pity the new CEO doesn't have such a big profile as me..." the meeting's hapless baton was passed over
to club marketing manager, Tom Rose, who led proceedings with a slick presentation that attempted to appease Members with
the recent price hikes followed by the club's reasons behind them.
The exact pricing details can be accrued elsewhere but after all the ins and outs, justifications, complaints from the floor, and general
gripes, a full Membership cost of around £270 to cover every potential day and hour of three different formats of home cricket is, in
my book, still good value for money, if you regularly attend. And while the club are pushing every sinew of loyalty from supporters,
their default view and always will be, is that all the extra revenues charged will be ploughed back into the club.
While listening to Tom Rose one felt some sympathy. How can anyone sell the 50 over tournament to a public that has little interest in
it and where Sussex have been awarded the wooden spoon two years running. Flogging a dead horse comes to mind. The Championship
is little different except for a dying band of traditionalists who see it as their right to watch this format as a cheap privilege.
So Sussex, like many other clubs, are trying to increase their coffers from three different formats where only one is proven to be a money-
spinner; And why the T20 match costs have increased and why an allocated seat is now viewed as a revenue asset to squeeze.
Then, in an attempt to appease Members because research shows, "They don't feel loved enough by the Club," more and more "add-ons"
come into play. New stakeholders have joined including 'Boundless' who have 250,000 members worldwide and are known as "The largest
club people have not heard of." Join them and discounts galore come into play.
Future "Add-ons" to Membership may include a loyalty points scheme, live-streaming of matches, further local discounts, more Membership
social events, and online classes via the Sussex Cricket Foundation Learning Centre.
The expected but necessary grumpy questions came from the floor where one stood out. A gentleman asked, "I retired last year and am on a
tight fixed budget. Why can't I pay my Membership in monthly instalments as I do for The Amex?" The answer was a little surprising. "Because
we are a small operation and don't have the structure to carry this out." Really?!? Although, if this 'one-hit' is carried out via direct debit, at
least, there is a small discount.
Ground capacity was briefly discussed. It has now increased to 5,800 from the 5,750 figure mentioned by Ian Waring in the Summer; and the
digital era at Hove will continue to thrive. When an elderly man said he didn't have a computer and how could he find out the club news away
from the website or email, his query sounded all rather nostalgic.
Afterwards, I had brief chats with Zac Toumazi... yet another final farewell, where he has already been allocated a 'legacy' dining room seat
at the Eastbourne Saffrons RLC match on May 14th; followed by Richard Barrow, who is still alive and not been attacked by a marauding cricket
bat from "Sir Ian", after his derogatory comments about the former Durham CCC management in the present edition of The Cricketer Magazine.
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Post by hhsussex on Jan 6, 2017 14:49:00 GMT
Pleased to say I got a quick response from Tom Rose on reporting the absence of the mail and now awaiting the solution!
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Mar 10, 2017 14:27:29 GMT
Another shock strikes Sussex CCC as their off-field personnel are leaving in their droves. The Recent ListZac Toumazi (CEO) Jim May (Chairman) David Bowden (President of SxCCC and Sx Cricket Foundation) Tim Shutt (MD of Sx Cricket Foundation) New Caterers: Centerplate And now to my great surprise Tom Rose is leaving his position as Club Marketing Manager. Sussex CCC tweets:  Farewell and good luck to our Marketing Manager @tom_Rose1 who is leaving Sussex Cricket today after
5 years at Hove! Tom responds: My last day at @sussexccc... Couldn't possibly fit how I'm feeling into 140 characters! Will miss the place...
GOOD OLD SUSSEX BY THE SEA
This Forum tweeted him: UnofficialSxCCCforum @sxcforum 2h2 hours agoVery best wishes for the future Tom from us here at unofficialsussexccc.freeforums.net/ and thanks for
all your help.
Tom is leaving to become Marketing Manager at Lingfield Park Resort. He is an avid reader of this Forum. Tom will be missed. Although, I hope he continues reading our posts. It looks like Tom's new job is all encompassing and extremely challenging but then he enjoys being out of his comfort zone.  www.lingfieldpark.co.uk |
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Post by hhsussex on May 8, 2017 6:07:11 GMT
All change off the field continues apace with the news that Club Media Officer, Adam Matthews, is departing for a job, it is rumoured, at the MCC. Sussex CCC began advertising for the available position yesterday. An opportunity to send your CV closes on May 18th. I hope to speak with Adam this week to gain further information. Unfortunately, he is not at the ground today. Yes, I noticed the advert and it seems to confirm that Tom Rose will not be replaced as Marketing Manager since the Job Description implies direct responsibility for a variety of duties and to "Work closely with the Chief Executive, Director of Cricket and the Commercial Department to manage key channels of communication to Sussex Cricket stakeholders." Otherwise it contains all the things you'd expect to see there and it should be a very busy job, supported only by the inevitable intern. www.sussexcricket.co.uk/LiteratureRetrieve.aspx?ID=143305With the job losses that have followed the hiving off of catering to Centerplate, and the departures of Rose and Matthews there have been quite a few changes and it seems that the public face of the club is wearing quite a different look. Too early to say whether this wind of change will blow through the coaching and playing functions as well, but it must be a possibility and it suggests that Rob Andrew and Bob Warren are not being complacent about the club's much-vaunted freedom from debt. |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on May 8, 2017 16:37:21 GMT
Hhs,
"...it should be a very busy job, supported only by the inevitable intern."
You make a good point. As the club's off-field projects expand, so the line between being a media officer for Sussex CCC and
Sussex Cricket Ltd becomes blurred. Where is that line?
Other County media officers only have their CCC to cover whereas at Sussex this role has been greatly expanded to take on the
Sussex Cricket Foundation and all other cricketing and Community developments.
At present, the intern from Bournemouth Uni, Matt Neocleous, has taken on that off-field media role but he's leaving next month;
and with the loss of Tom Rose who was helping out with the workload for both Adam and Matt, to expect the new person to take on
all the different roles will not only be very demanding during the cricket season but may put applicants off from applying, once they
become aware of this high workload.
Rob Andrew needs to resolve this discrepancy. Personally, I believe there should be two professional media officers working at the club
- one for on-field activities and the other for off-field but when money is tight can Sussex CCC afford both? For how long do you take on
inexperienced interns where the only outlay for the club are travelling expenses, just to keep the media budget to a bare minimum. That
is not a professional outlook.
Whoever does take on the job they need to be full of vigour, where unsociable and long hours during the summer are not a problem. ie.
someone not with a young family.
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Jul 3, 2017 11:53:27 GMT
pr,
I appreciate the impact Matt has had on social media. Although, when is his web vlogging going to occur? That's where I first met
him. On the Hove Vlog course last October run by a certain Mi Elverson.
In fact, I am told, Sussex are so impressed that Matt may be returning to the club on a full-time basis after his Bournemouth Uni
days are over. Which reminds me of the previous media intern Sussex took on, Tom Rose, who also did an excellent job when fully
employed.
Perhaps, taking on media interns is the way forward for Sussex CCC?
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Post by ssmith27 on Jul 3, 2017 14:54:47 GMT
pr, I appreciate the impact Matt has had on social media. Although, when is his web vlogging going to occur? That's where I first met him. On the Hove Vlog course last October run by a certain Mi Elverson. In fact, I am told, Sussex are so impressed that Matt may be returning to the club on a full-time basis after his Bournemouth Uni days are over. Which reminds me of the previous media intern Sussex took on, Tom Rose, who also did an excellent job when fully employed. Perhaps, taking on media interns is the way forward for Sussex CCC? Looks as though that could be a smart move. As you say, the social media seems to have improved massively. |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Jul 11, 2017 11:54:14 GMT
I am not clear whether this is a prank front page feature or whether it's for real. But "if" real many congrats Tom Rose for your early success as the Marketing Manager at Lingfield Park Racecourse.  |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Nov 14, 2017 12:42:02 GMT
What a time for Sussex CCC bowling coach, Jon Lewis. Over the next five months his career is set to soar.  He's flown off today to Australia where he will join the England Lions after taking over the bowling position from Chris Silverwood. Jon will gain experience from helping out the likes of Mark Wood and Tom Helm. The 42-year-old, who played one Test and 13 ODIs for his country, will then remain in Australia to join the backroom staff of the BBL team, Perth Scorchers, before reconnecting later with the Lions during their West Indies tour in January. "I am extremely excited about the prospect of coaching the England Lions on tour in Australia and the Caribbean," he said. "Whilst, the Perth Scorchers play in one of the highest profile T20 tournaments in the world." But that isn't all. The man whom Mark Robinson once described as "a proper bloke" has been tipped as a strong candidate for taking over the Head Coach role at Sussex from Mark Davis. The relationship he has built with Jofra Archer is typical of the man's qualities. Jon and his family not only took Jofra into their own family home early this year but treated him like one of their own. This special relationship has been paramount in helping Archer achieve a stunning first class debut season. All in all, at present, life's a bed of roses for the former Gloucestershire cricketer. www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/national/article/Sussex-assistant-Jon-Lewis-to-work-with-England-Lions-this-winter-ab7b669b-c630-4ba2-8ae0-2a33a1fb39ca-ds |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Nov 8, 2018 16:16:17 GMT
"What does Keith Greenfield actually do for Sussex CCC?" is a regular question supporters ask. The HistoryThe position of Sussex CCC Director of Cricket was created at the behest of former CEO, Zac Toumazi, after pressure was placed on the Club to oust Mark Robinson as Coach after the county suffered relegation to Division 2. The view being it would be difficult to sack Robbo after his previous gold-plated success, spear-heading Sussex to winning two Championship trophies, a Friends Provident trophy, two Pro-40s and, to round it off, a T20 Cup in 2009. Keith Greenfield When I interviewed Zac a few months before his ‘early retirement’, he explained that Mark and himself had gone to the Cotswolds for a weekend break, soon after the end of the 2015 season, where they stayed at a plush hotel, to discuss the future of the Club’s most successful ever Coach. Zac already had up his sleeve the newly created Director position to offer him which he duly did. Whilst pondering this role, Robinson was lured to the ECB for a job interview as the England Women’s Coach and was duly appointed, pipping Chris Adams to the post. Obviously, a tracksuit remained more preferable to him than a suit. Suddenly, a gaping Directorship hole appeared at Hove. Keith Greenfield was an obvious candidate. Loyal to the last, 'Grubby' epitomised the family values at Sussex, where adherence and not upsetting the apple-cart was deemed more important than fresh new ideas and energetic ambition and drive. What didn't help Greenfield's situation was an interview carried out by former media officer, Tom Rose, six months after his appointment, where Greenfield came over as anxious and nervous with little to say except that “He drove around Sussex a lot meeting people.” Understandably, this caused bemusement amongst Club fans and the video quickly disappeared in to the Hove vaults rarely to be viewed again. Since Rob Andrew was appointed CEO, Greenfield occasionally is quoted within Club press releases, but again, supporters keep asking, “What does Keith Greenfield actually do?” In fact, this has become such a sensitive subject within the Club hierarchy that last year one Board member accused me of showing an ‘arrogance’ in daring to ask. “He doesn’t have your education,” was one comment after I queried the Rose interview. This season, for example, Greenfield was seen on video handing over the various ‘Player Awards’ trophies to the Club Chairman on the Spen Cama balcony at the end of the Summer and a week later was viewed putting out chairs at the Duke of Richmond charity cricketing event at Priory Park, Chichester. So, a google search was carried out for 2018. A player Greenfield is keeping an eagle eye on The primary information gained is this. In January, he gave a talk to the Sussex Cricket Society and in May news appeared that Greenfield had been chosen by the ECB to be part of a ‘Working Group’ under the auspice of Leicestershire’s CEO Wasim Khan, to give fresh thought to the men’s county cricket playing programme from 2020. sussexcricket.co.uk/news/mens-county-cricket-working-group-meets-first-timeAnother piece of information found is that Greenfield’s title appears to have changed to ‘Performance Manager’ which, perhaps, is a far better suited role for him. For someone who has been at the Club over 30 years, his historical knowledge of Sussex CCC and the closeness to the present team makes him an ideal liaison officer between the players, coaching staff and CEO Rob Andrew. Meanwhile, his role as a member of the ECB ‘Working Group’ has led to a recent radio interview with BBC Sports commentator Adrian Harms that includes his view on their decision to have three counties promoted to Division 1 next season. Grubby sounds far more confident and self-assured than during the one he participated in with Tom Rose. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p06qz2yjInteresting snippets
Sussex CCC supported Rob Andrew over his Conference idea: Greenfield says from 2020, the T20 Blast will be played primarily on Friday evenings between May and July, where the top cricketers can play in both this tournament and the following ‘100 Ball’: He mentions the Championship format remains crucial: And there is now a fairer financial reward for Clubs where after helping and supporting youngsters through their system, the players are then snatched away by a bigger county.
One wishes the best of luck to Greenfield in the future where as Performance Manager he is able to offer Rob Andrew and Jason Gillespie another and important perspective on the developing youngsters and their working relationship with the Club staff and Coaches. Also, Greenfield is well-liked and respected by the squad. |
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Post by burgesshill on Nov 10, 2018 8:26:52 GMT
"What does Keith Greenfield actually do for Sussex CCC?" is a regular question supporters ask. The HistoryThe position of Sussex CCC Director of Cricket was created at the behest of former CEO, Zac Toumazi, after pressure was placed on the Club to oust Mark Robinson as Coach after the county suffered relegation to Division 2. The view being it would be difficult to sack Robbo after his previous gold-plated success, spear-heading Sussex to winning two Championship trophies, a Friends Provident trophy, two Pro-40s and, to round it off, a T20 Cup in 2009. Keith GreenfieldWhen I interviewed Zac a few months before his ‘early retirement’, he explained that Mark and himself had gone to the Cotswolds for a weekend break, soon after the end of the 2015 season, where they stayed at a plush hotel, to discuss the future of the Club’s most successful ever Coach. Zac already had up his sleeve the newly created Director position to offer him which he duly did. Whilst pondering this role, Robinson was lured to the ECB for a job interview as the England Women’s Coach and was duly appointed, pipping Chris Adams to the post. Obviously, a tracksuit remained more preferable to him than a suit. Suddenly, a gaping Directorship hole appeared at Hove. Keith Greenfield was an obvious candidate. Loyal to the last, 'Grubby' epitomised the family values at Sussex, where adherence and not upsetting the apple-cart was deemed more important than fresh new ideas and energetic ambition and drive. What didn't help Greenfield's situation was an interview carried out by former media officer, Tom Rose, six months after his appointment, where Greenfield came over as anxious and nervous with little to say except that “He drove around Sussex a lot meeting people.” Understandably, this caused bemusement amongst Club fans and the video quickly disappeared in to the Hove vaults rarely to be viewed again. Since Rob Andrew was appointed CEO, Greenfield occasionally is quoted within Club press releases, but again, supporters keep asking, “What does Keith Greenfield actually do?” In fact, this has become such a sensitive subject within the Club hierarchy that last year one Board member accused me of showing an ‘arrogance’ in daring to ask. “He doesn’t have your education,” was one comment after I queried the Rose interview. This season, for example, Greenfield was seen on video handing over the various ‘Player Awards’ trophies to the Club Chairman on the Spen Cama balcony at the end of the Summer and a week later was viewed putting out chairs at the Duke of Richmond charity cricketing event at Priory Park, Chichester. So, a google search was carried out for 2018. The role of Director of Cricket is interpreted differently by different counties. Sometimes the role is very 'hands on' with the DOC effectively being the head coach, or sometimes he goes around head hunting new signings with someone else as Head coach. In that notorious interview, Greenfield seemed to think the DOC role involved driving around the county, talking to schools and 'spreading the word'. Quite frankly, a female primary school teacher, with no first class cricket experience, could perform that role, at a third of the cost. |
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