A Lancashire League Question

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ŽižkovClaret
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A Lancashire League Question

Post by ŽižkovClaret » Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:27 pm

I just saw that Colne have recruited a pro for next year.

My question is, why? Is there an argument for the 2nd tier of the Lancs League to not be obligated to pay a pro?

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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by Local cricketer » Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:47 pm

I think if that was the case it would widen the gap even more and become a true closed shop
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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by ŽižkovClaret » Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:53 pm

Local cricketer wrote:
Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:47 pm
I think if that was the case it would widen the gap even more and become a true closed shop
Would it though?

You would have less money to pay out, another slot for a player to be developed, and then if/when promoted you then employ a pro

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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by Quickenthetempo » Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:54 pm

Eaat Lancs never had a pro last year, but if you don't have a professional I don't see why Spectators should pay to watch.

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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by ŽižkovClaret » Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:55 pm

Quickenthetempo wrote:
Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:54 pm
Eaat Lancs never had a pro last year, but if you don't have a professional I don't see why Spectators should pay to watch.
I guess that is one key question, do fans go to watch the pro or their side?

A pro or circa 5/6k on new youth facilities?

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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by ClaretTony » Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:56 pm

ŽižkovClaret wrote:
Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:27 pm
I just saw that Colne have recruited a pro for next year.

My question is, why? Is there an argument for the 2nd tier of the Lancs League to not be obligated to pay a pro?
They aren’t obligated to pay a pro
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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by ŽižkovClaret » Fri Oct 15, 2021 8:00 pm

ClaretTony wrote:
Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:56 pm
They aren’t obligated to pay a pro
I did not know that, cheers. Makes it all the more puzzling for me then.

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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by Andreshotboots » Fri Oct 15, 2021 8:03 pm

ClaretTony wrote:
Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:56 pm
They aren’t obligated to pay a pro
Exactly right Tony, we at Rawtenstall had an Aussie over seas amateur as our "pro" a few years ago. Think he was accommodated, and helped him find work but he had no contractual salary..

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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by ClaretTony » Fri Oct 15, 2021 8:05 pm

Andreshotboots wrote:
Fri Oct 15, 2021 8:03 pm
Exactly right Tony, we at Rawtenstall had an Aussie over seas amateur as our "pro" a few years ago. Think he was accommodated, and helped him find work but he had no contractual salary..
I think Rawtenstall were the first to do it when the rules changed but are clubs even required to have an overseas amateur now?

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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by jdrobbo » Fri Oct 15, 2021 8:14 pm

I’m just amazed that Steve Smith has agreed to join us.

UpTheColne!

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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by Steve-Harpers-perm » Fri Oct 15, 2021 8:17 pm

As above the gap between the two divisions would be even wider without a pro.

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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by ŽižkovClaret » Fri Oct 15, 2021 8:24 pm

Steve-Harpers-perm wrote:
Fri Oct 15, 2021 8:17 pm
As above the gap between the two divisions would be even wider without a pro.
Cup games aside though, does that matter? As long as the leagues themselves are a level playing field...?

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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by Local cricketer » Fri Oct 15, 2021 8:40 pm

ŽižkovClaret wrote:
Fri Oct 15, 2021 8:24 pm
Cup games aside though, does that matter? As long as the leagues themselves are a level playing field...?
The two teams that come up are 95 percent to be the teams that get relegated. Greenmount have a chance to buck the trend next season but I can see haslingden been next years Colne. At the moment to me It looks like it’s going to be the top 5 that fight it out for the league every year with Tod, Middleton and Lowerhouse (jokes before bopper starts) happy to survive every year because they know the two teams coming up will be extremely weak and occupy the bottom spots

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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by RammyClaret61 » Fri Oct 15, 2021 9:54 pm

Like ŽižkovClaret says, in division two I don’t think a pro is required. It’s very much a level playing field. In fact, most times it’s the pro that un-levels it. How many times do you see a team score 140 all out, with the pro getting 80 or 90, then taking 5+ wickets. Smit at Rammy has done so on many occasions.
I think 11 amateurs in the second division is the way to go. There would be no need to charge at the gate because you make the saving by not paying a pro. I also believe gate takings are minimal these days.
Once promoted to div one. Then yes, I think a pro should be acquired, For all teams.

The big change in the Lancashire League that Ive never liked, I’d the continual movement of players from club to club. Where your club ends up with several players from across the county, just looking to be in a side of “superstars”. This to the detriment of the local juniors. Something that’s happened a lot a Rammy over the last 20 years.
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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by Quickenthetempo » Fri Oct 15, 2021 10:30 pm

I don't know of any league's in the area that don't have pro's/overseas amateurs or paid amateurs.
The 2nd division would quickly become the weakest league around here.
Or go the other way and even more amateurs getting paid out of the pro's wage saving?

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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by Steve-Harpers-perm » Fri Oct 15, 2021 10:47 pm

RammyClaret61 wrote:
Fri Oct 15, 2021 9:54 pm
Like ŽižkovClaret says, in division two I don’t think a pro is required. It’s very much a level playing field. In fact, most times it’s the pro that un-levels it. How many times do you see a team score 140 all out, with the pro getting 80 or 90, then taking 5+ wickets. Smit at Rammy has done so on many occasions.
I think 11 amateurs in the second division is the way to go. There would be no need to charge at the gate because you make the saving by not paying a pro. I also believe gate takings are minimal these days.
Once promoted to div one. Then yes, I think a pro should be acquired, For all teams.

The big change in the Lancashire League that Ive never liked, I’d the continual movement of players from club to club. Where your club ends up with several players from across the county, just looking to be in a side of “superstars”. This to the detriment of the local juniors. Something that’s happened a lot a Rammy over the last 20 years.
I don’t think a 2nd division side full of amateurs getting promoted then suddenly having a pro in the top league would make any difference as the last few seasons have shown.

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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by RammyClaret61 » Sat Oct 16, 2021 12:55 am

Steve-Harpers-perm wrote:
Fri Oct 15, 2021 10:47 pm
I don’t think a 2nd division side full of amateurs getting promoted then suddenly having a pro in the top league would make any difference as the last few seasons have shown.
So why would it make a difference having a pro in division two when you win promotion? Because there’s no guarantee it’s going to be the same one the following season, but will be, more than likely the same 10 amateurs.

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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by Bordeauxclaret » Sat Oct 16, 2021 7:29 am

Clubs might not take much on the gate on Sundays but they’ll take enough behind the bar and on memberships.
They’ll see that dry up as well if it’s just 11, mainly average to poor, amateurs every game.

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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by Burnley1989 » Sat Oct 16, 2021 8:04 am

It’s obvious who doesn’t t actually watch cricket

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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by Steve-Harpers-perm » Sat Oct 16, 2021 8:24 am

Bordeauxclaret wrote:
Sat Oct 16, 2021 7:29 am
Clubs might not take much on the gate on Sundays but they’ll take enough behind the bar and on memberships.
They’ll see that dry up as well if it’s just 11, mainly average to poor, amateurs every game.
Exactly the standard in division 2 will just get worse and the gap between the clubs in the top division will just get bigger and bigger. Sounds depressingly familiar!

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Re: A Lancashire League Question

Post by Foulthrow » Sat Oct 16, 2021 8:47 am

I thoroughly enjoyed watching our pro at GHCC last year. He was absolutely brilliant on the field, and off it as well, helping out with the juniors for example. I’ll remember that knock against Bacup for a very long time and would hate to be denied such opportunities because we are in division two. It adds interest to the game, a massive wicket when they are dismissed, seeing off the pro when they are bowling, and helps younger players improve playing with and against pros.
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