Always a Wasp
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1
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Worcester - Atlas have until 2nd May to complete purchase
« on: May 09, 2023, 11:49:20 AM »
I don't disagree with their statement even if some strong language.
however, it feels like the Trust haven't considered the financial and economic challenges of running such a stadium and facilities incl. staffing them for game days.
Saw stats saying that in 2020 it cost Swansea/Ospreys ?2.7m to keep Liberty Stadium running (21k capacity) and this is before the increased living costs of playing staff, non playing staff and services plus energy costs increase.
Now 6ways in 11k so lets say half, thats still 1.85m roughly plus additional costs mentioned.
I can't believe that this can be generated by those clubs whilst paying staff/non-staff included.
Moreover, there seems to be a belief that Dimes will now swoop in and save WW with a shining light but that just feels so unlikely. He has his new role in Edinburgh plus yes he's a very kind and open bloke but hes also a canny businessman who no doubt will have to plan something to protect against all the challenges the phoenix club face.
I just don't see how WWST feel that just the phoenix club, the womens team and raiders is financially viable (even with events etc)
however, it feels like the Trust haven't considered the financial and economic challenges of running such a stadium and facilities incl. staffing them for game days.
Saw stats saying that in 2020 it cost Swansea/Ospreys ?2.7m to keep Liberty Stadium running (21k capacity) and this is before the increased living costs of playing staff, non playing staff and services plus energy costs increase.
Now 6ways in 11k so lets say half, thats still 1.85m roughly plus additional costs mentioned.
I can't believe that this can be generated by those clubs whilst paying staff/non-staff included.
Moreover, there seems to be a belief that Dimes will now swoop in and save WW with a shining light but that just feels so unlikely. He has his new role in Edinburgh plus yes he's a very kind and open bloke but hes also a canny businessman who no doubt will have to plan something to protect against all the challenges the phoenix club face.
I just don't see how WWST feel that just the phoenix club, the womens team and raiders is financially viable (even with events etc)
2
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Ex Wasps signing for new clubs
« on: May 07, 2023, 11:37:34 AM »
Was doing some googling this morning (mid early morning, early wake up due to hangover!) and was having a think about what Wasps as a new entity could look at in terms of pulling a team together quickly.
I started to review the players currently on the market/leaving prem teams as we speak. Considering that we are most likely going to spend mid/top end of champ and Ealing averaged ?1.3m per year on squad with a top end players earning ?75k.
So I will make an assumption that we will spend somewhere around 850-900K ish? Assuming we have no large sponsor and assuming we have a 30 man squad (plus some loan players) doesn't give a huge wiggle room on who we can sign etc and would mean a 30k average per player.
So looking through who has been released, my assumption is our squad will be built of mainly youngsters and loanees, with a few older heads.
Players i'd be interested in include:
Darren Atkins, Max Green, Tom Doughty, Gabriel Hammer-Webb, Will Spencer, Frankie Read, Jordan Venter (Bath)
Sam Lewis, Henry Purdy, John Hawkins, Sam Jefferies, Peter Carter, Jac Lloyd, Tom Wilstead, Aaron Thompson (Bristol)
Jack Maunder (Exeter)
Rhys Litterick, Conor Oresanya (Quins)
Riley Williams, Horsea Saumaki, Kini Murimurivalu, Chester Owen, George Loose (Leicester)
Charlie Smith, James Blackett, Chidera Obanna, Ewan Greenlaw, Jeremy Civil (Newcastle)
Frankie Sleightholme, Archie Kean, Ethan Grayson, Josh Weru, Joseph Gaffan, Callum Burns (Saints)
Ben Carlisle, Sam Hill, Elliot Gourlay, Kieran Wilkinson (Sale)
Louie Kirkham, Oran Murphy, Oliver Stirling, Isaac Miller, Hugo O'Sullivan, Isaac Curtis-Harris (Irish)
Then i was also considering that 3 out 4 welsh regions have announced up to 50 players leaving already. List attached here: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/full-list-almost-50-players-26807120
The likes of Ben Fry or James Ratti would make interesting options.
Realistically we will rely on loan players until finances are resolved, however with the quality of training facilities we have, i'd hope clubs would like the idea of their players coming to play for us. Especially the players who haven't quite broken through yet like Ma'asi White/Opoku-Fordjour (Sale), Alfie Bell (Exeter), Will Glister (Saints) and a few more.
Obviously we won't get all and will have to be select due to finances but at least there's a good start to go off. Hopefully we may get a few from other teams that might be interested too but will be interesting to see how we get on.
I started to review the players currently on the market/leaving prem teams as we speak. Considering that we are most likely going to spend mid/top end of champ and Ealing averaged ?1.3m per year on squad with a top end players earning ?75k.
So I will make an assumption that we will spend somewhere around 850-900K ish? Assuming we have no large sponsor and assuming we have a 30 man squad (plus some loan players) doesn't give a huge wiggle room on who we can sign etc and would mean a 30k average per player.
So looking through who has been released, my assumption is our squad will be built of mainly youngsters and loanees, with a few older heads.
Players i'd be interested in include:
Darren Atkins, Max Green, Tom Doughty, Gabriel Hammer-Webb, Will Spencer, Frankie Read, Jordan Venter (Bath)
Sam Lewis, Henry Purdy, John Hawkins, Sam Jefferies, Peter Carter, Jac Lloyd, Tom Wilstead, Aaron Thompson (Bristol)
Jack Maunder (Exeter)
Rhys Litterick, Conor Oresanya (Quins)
Riley Williams, Horsea Saumaki, Kini Murimurivalu, Chester Owen, George Loose (Leicester)
Charlie Smith, James Blackett, Chidera Obanna, Ewan Greenlaw, Jeremy Civil (Newcastle)
Frankie Sleightholme, Archie Kean, Ethan Grayson, Josh Weru, Joseph Gaffan, Callum Burns (Saints)
Ben Carlisle, Sam Hill, Elliot Gourlay, Kieran Wilkinson (Sale)
Louie Kirkham, Oran Murphy, Oliver Stirling, Isaac Miller, Hugo O'Sullivan, Isaac Curtis-Harris (Irish)
Then i was also considering that 3 out 4 welsh regions have announced up to 50 players leaving already. List attached here: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/full-list-almost-50-players-26807120
The likes of Ben Fry or James Ratti would make interesting options.
Realistically we will rely on loan players until finances are resolved, however with the quality of training facilities we have, i'd hope clubs would like the idea of their players coming to play for us. Especially the players who haven't quite broken through yet like Ma'asi White/Opoku-Fordjour (Sale), Alfie Bell (Exeter), Will Glister (Saints) and a few more.
Obviously we won't get all and will have to be select due to finances but at least there's a good start to go off. Hopefully we may get a few from other teams that might be interested too but will be interesting to see how we get on.
3
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Worcester - Atlas have until 2nd May to complete purchase
« on: May 04, 2023, 02:13:51 PM »I don't like the feel of this one little bit.
Me neither, already felt like a cuckoo in 6ways but this feels like a very clever business decision but morally wrong.
I am assuming that Hollands gone upfront cash for O'Toole and Atlas to make the purchase and either agreed a reduced rent/larger % of revenue from the stadium which increases funding at Wasps, therefore funding new stadium he has spoken of.
However, if Holland funds Atlas, with their major asset the stadium and surrounding facilities, if Atlas default or miss consecutive payments, in theory Holland can repossess the stadium?
This again feels very uncomfortable for me
4
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: A Good Wrapping Up of Current Situation
« on: April 03, 2023, 09:45:34 AM »
TBH its hard not to get frustrated with the silence as it is deafening. The worrying thing is that the most communication we get about where we are is Pudsey or twitter.
Doesn't start the relationship between the board and fans on the best of terms. Even if it was a monthly tweet just to say where we are, fans would feel included.
Doesn't start the relationship between the board and fans on the best of terms. Even if it was a monthly tweet just to say where we are, fans would feel included.
5
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: A Good Wrapping Up of Current Situation
« on: March 31, 2023, 01:02:44 PM »Everything will be released tomorrow to big fanfare.
@Neils, is this speculation of expected?
6
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Ex Wasps signing for new clubs
« on: January 11, 2023, 09:42:28 AM »
Sadly we have to remember that its his job and there aren't many other prem clubs looking for a starting 8.
Bath - Barbeary
Bristol - Bradbury
Exeter - Simmonds
Gloucester - Mercer
Quins - Dombrandt
Tigers - Wiese
Irish - Pearson/Fa'aso'o
Falcons - Fearns/Welch/Chick
Saints - Augustus/Ludlham
Sharks - Du Preez/Curry
Saracens - Billy V/Earl
So realistically most clubs are well stocked... same issue for Jack. Realistically, i'd say maybe 3/4 of those clubs might need an 8 after world cup.
Exeter - to replace Simmonds in the long run
Tigers - In case Wiese leaves
Irish - Build up stock/in case Fa'aso'o doesn't work out
Saracens - When Billy Leaves post WC
I'd imagine that Falcons couldn't afford Tom or Jack.
So realistically Tom to Sarries makes a lot of sense. Irish would have been my preferred but said the same of Hartley but nothing we can do. A backrow of McFarland, Earl and T Willis for me is a pretty perfect backrow, especially with Itoje and Isiekwe adding weight in the row. Combine that with George, Ricconi and whoever they replace Mako with? pretty strong.
Tom reminds me very much of the skillset of Morgan (Glaws), always carries well, good hands, bit of gas and clever rugby player.
Bath - Barbeary
Bristol - Bradbury
Exeter - Simmonds
Gloucester - Mercer
Quins - Dombrandt
Tigers - Wiese
Irish - Pearson/Fa'aso'o
Falcons - Fearns/Welch/Chick
Saints - Augustus/Ludlham
Sharks - Du Preez/Curry
Saracens - Billy V/Earl
So realistically most clubs are well stocked... same issue for Jack. Realistically, i'd say maybe 3/4 of those clubs might need an 8 after world cup.
Exeter - to replace Simmonds in the long run
Tigers - In case Wiese leaves
Irish - Build up stock/in case Fa'aso'o doesn't work out
Saracens - When Billy Leaves post WC
I'd imagine that Falcons couldn't afford Tom or Jack.
So realistically Tom to Sarries makes a lot of sense. Irish would have been my preferred but said the same of Hartley but nothing we can do. A backrow of McFarland, Earl and T Willis for me is a pretty perfect backrow, especially with Itoje and Isiekwe adding weight in the row. Combine that with George, Ricconi and whoever they replace Mako with? pretty strong.
Tom reminds me very much of the skillset of Morgan (Glaws), always carries well, good hands, bit of gas and clever rugby player.
7
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Dame Inga Beale
« on: January 04, 2023, 07:50:09 AM »
Who knows maybe we will be sponsored by Apple and Amazon before they year is out? 
But in all seriousness, seems people who know & love the club but also know how to run a business are getting involved and with strong connections to help us resolve some of the challenges we face.
All have helped define and drive businesses and can't be upset with that. Would just be nice to know a little more about what's going on! realise its a big ask but who doesn't want to know!
But in all seriousness, seems people who know & love the club but also know how to run a business are getting involved and with strong connections to help us resolve some of the challenges we face.
All have helped define and drive businesses and can't be upset with that. Would just be nice to know a little more about what's going on! realise its a big ask but who doesn't want to know!
8
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: News incoming?
« on: December 18, 2022, 11:36:54 AM »
One question now that we are confirmed as instated. What happens to the left over debt? as in to creditors such as local businesses?
Seen a lot of angry coventry based are unhappy that we seem to have got away with it and local businesses won't get repaid. I understand the bond was a risk but for local business it was supposed to be guaranteed.
Wondering if anyone new as want to make sure i have a rounded answer when asked on twitter/other rugby forums etc.
Seen a lot of angry coventry based are unhappy that we seem to have got away with it and local businesses won't get repaid. I understand the bond was a risk but for local business it was supposed to be guaranteed.
Wondering if anyone new as want to make sure i have a rounded answer when asked on twitter/other rugby forums etc.
9
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Wasps Statement - from Offy
« on: December 16, 2022, 02:39:05 PM »Where ever we will be playing in the Championship, if it is down to me, I would be doing my best to provide an efficient live stream (pay per view) for all 'home' games. Presumably very few, if any, Championship games will be on TV.
https://www.championshiprugby.co.uk/live-streams
Seems some are streamed on rugby Championship
10
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: News incoming?
« on: December 16, 2022, 11:55:38 AM »
https://twitter.com/chrisjonespress/status/1603718577252696066
Breaking News! Wasps consortium approved by RFU and for Championship Rugby next year.
Breaking News! Wasps consortium approved by RFU and for Championship Rugby next year.
11
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: News incoming?
« on: December 15, 2022, 02:32:05 PM »
If anyone was wondering what James does.
Works for a Alexander & Co Solicitors whose main services property, disputes, landlord and tenant and licensing.
Works for a Alexander & Co Solicitors whose main services property, disputes, landlord and tenant and licensing.
12
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Wasps signage and logos removed from CBS Arena
« on: November 30, 2022, 07:59:29 AM »
What about the Alexander Stadium?
18K Capacity roughly, 45 mins roughly from Henley on Arden and top spec outfit. If we could rent for a bit it would be a great option. Whether we could purchase long term would be up in the air but it would be a good one in my opinion.
Won't isolate our current fanbase in Cov and makes it potentially easier for London fans to.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/rugby/premiership-giants-wasps-contemplating-potential-7727237
18K Capacity roughly, 45 mins roughly from Henley on Arden and top spec outfit. If we could rent for a bit it would be a great option. Whether we could purchase long term would be up in the air but it would be a good one in my opinion.
Won't isolate our current fanbase in Cov and makes it potentially easier for London fans to.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/rugby/premiership-giants-wasps-contemplating-potential-7727237
13
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Hope?
« on: October 31, 2022, 07:47:41 AM »
I think we look to keep both Everard and Blackett on. Use their knowledge of the academy and the champ to get things right.
We would hopefully keep the academy players and maybe one or two seniors.
If the likes of Fislau, Ma'asi White, Bacon, Kuecka, Hartley, maybe WHW, Vukasinovic, Cardall, Bell, Hardwick, McArthur, Monye, Eckersley, Tunney, Brown etc would be willing to hang about we could form a pretty handy squad.
We also have to remember, how many of these players would be keen to get a nailed down starting spot with a club that has intentions of getting back to Prem. Not many would get that chance. I'd also loan like mad, players like Illione, Lewis Chessum etc to help fill some gaps for us.
We would hopefully keep the academy players and maybe one or two seniors.
If the likes of Fislau, Ma'asi White, Bacon, Kuecka, Hartley, maybe WHW, Vukasinovic, Cardall, Bell, Hardwick, McArthur, Monye, Eckersley, Tunney, Brown etc would be willing to hang about we could form a pretty handy squad.
We also have to remember, how many of these players would be keen to get a nailed down starting spot with a club that has intentions of getting back to Prem. Not many would get that chance. I'd also loan like mad, players like Illione, Lewis Chessum etc to help fill some gaps for us.
14
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Who might stay?
« on: October 21, 2022, 10:11:32 AM »
I think when you look at the squad, it really depends on whose likely to secure a role elsewhere and who isn't.
Out (Confirmed): Bassett, Alo
Probably Out: Oghre, Hislop, Koch, Martinez, Launchbury, McDonald, Barbeary, Carr, Shields, J Willis, T Willis, Atkinson, Odendaal, Hougaard, Minozzi, Crossdale, Odogwu, Stooke,
Maybe Out: Kibirige, WHW, Umaga, Robson, Porter, West, Ryan, Frost, Fisilau, Feyi-Waboso, Brown
Might Stay: Cruse, Harris, Millar-Mills, Cardall, Dodson, Vukasinovic, Curran, Morris, Wolstenholme, Hartley, Mills, Simmonds, Spink, McArthur, Pleasants, Hardwick, Bell, Cripps, Ma'asi White, Williams, Bacon, Dawkins, Monye, Eckersley, Kucera.
If we can hold onto most of the might stay group and maybe hold the likes of Frost, Cardall, Porter, Fislau, Brown maybe Umaga/WHW i'd be fairly content plus maybe add one or two warhorses from the prem i'd feel like we will be ok. Still need investment though
Out (Confirmed): Bassett, Alo
Probably Out: Oghre, Hislop, Koch, Martinez, Launchbury, McDonald, Barbeary, Carr, Shields, J Willis, T Willis, Atkinson, Odendaal, Hougaard, Minozzi, Crossdale, Odogwu, Stooke,
Maybe Out: Kibirige, WHW, Umaga, Robson, Porter, West, Ryan, Frost, Fisilau, Feyi-Waboso, Brown
Might Stay: Cruse, Harris, Millar-Mills, Cardall, Dodson, Vukasinovic, Curran, Morris, Wolstenholme, Hartley, Mills, Simmonds, Spink, McArthur, Pleasants, Hardwick, Bell, Cripps, Ma'asi White, Williams, Bacon, Dawkins, Monye, Eckersley, Kucera.
If we can hold onto most of the might stay group and maybe hold the likes of Frost, Cardall, Porter, Fislau, Brown maybe Umaga/WHW i'd be fairly content plus maybe add one or two warhorses from the prem i'd feel like we will be ok. Still need investment though