The second leg of the Blue Diamond Autumn Roadshow rolled into The Quarters last week, and joint managers Mo Bell and Tony Mills opted for a much-changed lineup to give some of their fringe players an opportunity to show off their skills.
There were very few from the first leg who survived the cull, though your correspondent was one of them. His wallet was considerably lighter following a hefty fine for cleaning his boots in the showers back at base, but, nevertheless, he seemed up for this time.
This slightly younger squad appeared to have fewer nerves as they waited in the car park beforehand. Indeed, two of them had been so keen to make their first appearance of the season that they turned up more than three hours before kick-off; that’s what I call keen!
Our managers had probably taken their eyes off the ball for this one, as instead of lining up two speakers, they managed just the one, and their excuses for this were barely plausible.
Director of Football Ricky Martin was said to be off on a scouting mission to strengthen the squad ahead of the January transfer window, leading one or two players in the room to be distinctly uneasy as they feared their place in the team was under threat.
As for Community Trust CEO Adam Tutton, allegedly missing due to a mysterious hamstring injury, his absence was duly noted. Perhaps the Director of Football is considering more changes than we thought!
Kick off this time around was put back to 2.30pm, and the players made their way down the tunnel to the dining area just before the appointed hour.
Manager Mills once again set the scene for the afternoon, apologising for the absence of Martin and Tutton, but introducing their replacement from the bench, one Ritchie Bates, the Football Club’s Director of Commercial and Revenue (Try getting that lot on the back of a shirt!)
What followed was a repeat of the first leg; superstition kicked in, I guess, as we were served a soup starter, a roast main course (manager Mills was well happy with this, as you can see – he began tucking in before the plate had touched the table!). This was followed by the calorie-laden dessert known (I think) as sticky toffee pudding. All washed down with a glass or three of red or white wine.
Some of us athletes stuck to water or fruit juice and then took advantage of a decent cup of tea or coffee before taking out our wallets to purchase raffle tickets. We managed to raise £335, which will be added to the £275 raised from the first leg and handed over to Mr Tutton to go towards the purchase of a new projector for his Extra Time Club.
Once everyone had claimed their raffle prizes (yours truly being one of them; chocolates, in case you’re wondering), it was time for Ritchie to give us the pep talk before the behind-the-scenes tour.
He passed the test with flying colours, was self-deprecating at times, and his talk went down well. As Martin had done in the first leg, he was genuinely open about wanting fans to be part of this Football Club and threw us an open invitation to return to The Quarters again next year.
With the catering staff thanked for the magnificent lunch, it was time for the tour, which, once again, began in the dressing room, and that’s where the nerves kicked in as members sat in their allotted area or paced up and down waiting for kick off.
Some ventured into the shower area and commented on the amount of shower gel/shampoo on display.
From the changing room to the lounge where, when not watching replays of games already played or of the next opponents, players are able to relax before heading, as we did, to the gym.
On the way, we passed the designer shed that houses two plunge pools, one that is filled with warm water, and the other with the freezing cold version of the same liquid. Alternate dips in each pool aid recovery from injury, apparently, though there were no volunteers to try it out in spite of the fact that one or two squad members were carrying noticeable injuries such as dodgy knees and tight ‘hammys’.
On, then, to the gym, where one or two squad members stood next to the imposing equipment that is used by the proper players. I think they were simply trying to impress the management team!
As we headed out of the gym, into the deepening gloom of late afternoon, we warmed down beside one of the immaculately manicured pitches, heard a final few words from Ritchie, and then it was time to head off, ready to prepare for the next tie we face, on Thursday 18 December, back in Bristol at The County Ground. Best dig out the latest copy of Wisden and learn a few more cricketing terms!
Thanks to all for an enjoyable and informative afternoon; here’s to the next time!
Words and pictures by Keith Brookman
