One of our biggest problems this season has been a consistency in performance. Far to often we are in and out of games and it has cost us wins and points. In previous posts we talk about 80 minute performances, but that does not mean consistently dominating our opposition, having multiple visits to their 22 and scoring highly. But what it does mean is being consistent and strong whether in attack or defence. I like to use England 2001-2003 as a great example of this, as no matter what was thrown at them they either kept ahead or in touch, trusting themselves, their game plan and their leadership. It led to consistency in performance and a unity which led them to victory.
I have seen it mentioned that silverware matters less with greater enjoyment taken from individual games/moments in play or memories, and for us fans that can be a primary driver, but for me this thought ends there. To a player -whether amateur like myself or professional like our boys-, club owner, coaches, support staff and everyone associated with a club winning does mean an awful lot. Trophies, titles and medals are tangible rewards for effort, sacrifice and commitment. Of course wages are a motivator, but if silverware was not there or players perceived that there was no way they were going to win anything with us, we would tumble out of sight rapidly. Winning titles is one of the greatest motivators for player and club as it brings financial returns that allow ongoing success. If it were not we would not have the Premiership competition or Heineken cup that we are also desperate to get in and win. We would still be amateur and friendly games with no need to record league positions or win/loss ratios would be the order of the day.
Expectations for this season for me were blunted with the injury count that we had, not only at one stage were 25 players on the physios couch, but they were some of our best performers and leaders. It was also the nature and severity of the injuries with long lay offs requiring extended return to play, and time to get into top level rugby once more that undid our chances of success and tempered expectations in some quarters. I hoped for top 6 this season, but as the first half of the season progressed and we were left parachuting short term signing after short term signing in that became harder to achieve. It is also likely why we could not get to the challenge cup final and also challenge for top 4/6 as injuries prevented consistency in selection and thus development of relationships and understanding, coupled with much needed player rotation to keep standards high and players rested.
It is our coaches though that carry my greatest expectations for the remainder of this season and into next. They must get HC qualification as this has far wider benefits for both players and financially for the club. But next season is the acid test. When you look at our signings and squad next season, on paper it is a top 6 or 4 team in the waiting. There is a blend of experience, youth and leadership that can achieve. But all teams need the guiding hand of the coaches, they need an environment conducive to success. One of which honesty, trust and valuing of each other is paramount. Importantly one which evolves a deep sense of belonging, creating a strong bond with each other and Wasps rugby club in general. Once a Wasp always a Wasp should run in the blood. This gives identity and purpose which motivates to levels of performance and ambition far greater than a team simply there for the pay cheque and occasional great memories.
Lee et al need to be united in this as well, they need clarity of what they want to achieve, not just in results, but in style and performance. Importantly they need to get global buy in from the club and squad. By creating such an environment, you get wider support from the fans, you also provide an ambition for the academy as they have players to look up to, and a club they desperately want to be part of and play for. Long term success for any club is the academy, it is that fertile environment that can provide generation after generation of teams that can be successful, but also go to the well whenever needed to get through tougher periods when they inevitably arrive. Lee and the coaches are one of the core groups to enable and achieve this, and with the academy, current playing squad and facilities available to them now, this is exactly why I stated that next season is a moment that will define them.
One of my greatest expectations though is a personal one. It has been 8 years since our move, and in this time we have welcomed new supporters who may not have joined us had we remained where we were. Purely selfishly of course I would of liked my and my families team to remain close to our home area of London as we are only an hour away in the Surrey Hills. As a lad I can remember Sudbury and us playing in the old courage clubs championship or Pilkington cup. It was hard watching us move, and the reasons why have been talked to death. But now we have our own ground and a home that will still be there long after I am pushing up daisies. As the years pass more and more people both young and old will have their first taste of watching Wasps, just as I did when I first saw us turn out against Saracens many decades ago. The support will grow and the roots we are placing now will flourish. Kids will become adults and introduce their kids to the club and sport we all love and I look forward to seeing that constant growth with great expectation.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
Always a Wasp
