Neil Graham wrote:May I respectfully suggest that the (mostly) three-way conversation about the situation in Manchester be carried out on a separate thread? It has nothing to do with the 2016 draw/results.
In respect of Manchester competing in any Union competition whether NCCU or MCCU - this will not happen until you have people in place that are both able and capable of running county teams at whatever level. What happened in 1975 or indeed any year since or who held what post when is immaterial if you cannot find anyone to take responsibility in 2016/2017.
You might well be right Neil..
This came about partly because Mike Truran commentated about the challenges of the current counties competitions, (particularly the Open, Minor, and U180 events), and asked for views.
We`ve probably said enough now, and hopefully Urmston, the MCF, MCCU, and NCCU/Lancs can come to mutually acceptable terms to take matters forward.
I certainly hope so.
My latest comments were intended as a brief summary of what points I thought needed to be addressed. Others will have there own views and input to put to various meetings.
I know the MCCU AGM will take place tomorrow, so maybe some points will be raised there by the delegates...
One pertinent question for the MCCU is whether they can muster more teams for the Open section, perhaps. Certainly, the combined Open/Minor Qualification competition seems to work ok...but it would be good if the MCCU could command a greater presence in the Open National Stages...