Coach casts his doubts over future

Apr 30 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

WATERLOO coach Chris O’Callaghan’s future seems in doubt after he wrote in his programme notes at the weekend that Saturday’s game against Otley would be his last.

O’Callaghan wouldn’t be drawn on his future after the visitors claimed the National Two title with a 37-15 win at Blundellsands, but prior to the game he said: “My parting shot, and possibly sad farewell, to you is unite, rally, strengthen, go forward – onwards and ever upwards.”

Meanwhile, the season may well be over but Waterloo are already gearing up for the next campaign by holding a thorough, nothing ruled out or in survey after a very disappointing season following relegation the previous year.

No fewer than 51 members, shareholders, and supporters have now registered with the online e-mail alerts group set up by Ian Fazey, the leader of the working party that is looking into various alternatives for the future.

All have volunteered to help in the fact-finding process to help decide what to do.

They include experts in marketing, finance, the law, surveying, planning, catering, grant applications, civil and construction engineering, as well as people with rugby knowledge and experience at the highest levels of the game.

The working party met formally for the first time last week after a series of informal discussions among its members and with scores of people throughout the club. Joining Ian Fazey were businessman Paul Morrissey, president Colin Fisher and vice-president Phil Mahon, minis and juniors representative Mark Beckett, past-president Tony Pugh, former Waterloo and Lancashire player Phil Cooper, and board member Simon Robb.

“We shall be continuing our discussions on May 6, but what I can say for now is that all the alternatives we shall eventually put before a general meeting of the club for members to choose between will be driven by rugby,” Fazey stated.

“Waterloo turns out 19 teams a week and although the performance of our first-team has been good in patches but inconsistent, we have outstandingly successful minis and juniors and a thriving women’s section.

“We need to integrate all of these activities and ensure that the club encourages, develops and sustains the talents of more than 300 players who wear the Waterloo colours week by week.”

The working party is aiming to report to members and shareholders before the start of next season. It will be assembling panels of experts from among the 51 volunteers and calling them together soon for open discussions prior to their getting down to detailed work.