Fisher: Future won’t be sacrificed for promotion

Oct 31 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

IF Waterloo were ever expecting to bounce straight back after relegation from National One at the end of last season the opening weeks of the present campaign has afforded them a reality check on their ambitions.

Although they have maintained their 100% home record following a tremendous win over second place Blackheath last week, they have yet to win away and in sixth place are still seven points adrift of last weekend’s opponents, who are fifth.

Despite justified euphoria at the weekend this is still not championship-winning rugby and begs the question as to whether the Blundellsands club could cope with another run in National One so soon.

Wiser heads at the club have never subscribed to a return to a league now dominated by full-time clubs where they would be involved in another relegation battle almost before the season commenced. Waterloo just do not have the financial backing to support such a venture.

“Money is tight and we need to count every penny, said president and director of rugby Colin Fisher. “But we believe we have put together a competitive squad and although we are ambitious we are not prepared to sacrifice the well being of the club simply to chase promotion.”

As to the future, Fisher is adamant that consolidation is the target for this season and to ensure that when the league structure comes up for review at the end of 2008-09 Waterloo will be poised to take good advantage.

“We have a five-year business plan which we aim to fulfil which will see us playing at the highest level we can safely afford,” he explained. “However, there is also a burden of responsibility on us all to maintain a club with such a proud history at a level in keeping with such a standing.”

Waterloo celebrate their 125th anniversary with a dinner at the Crown Plaza on Friday. No doubt they will reflect on past glories, and also a bludgeoning junior section and vibrant women’s team.