HFL Division 2 (Country)

[Goldberg]

For all of you following (for or against) the United Eagles FC (Callington) it's time to quash the rumors and hear from someone that actually knows what is happening.
I say this as a member of the 2011 UEFC Committee.

First & foremost - "it's all over at Cally?" 100% NOT TRUE, The Eagles WILL be back for 2011 Country Division Season with Junior & Senior Sides.

No one will dispute that we have been in a really bad place for the past few years, at it is a long hard road to recovery. However, we have a dedicated team of loyal followers who are working tirelessly to try and rebuild the club.

These few locals that have been bagging us over the last couple of months, and who think they know what they are talking about, truely have no idea. They keep saying the club is still being run by the same group of people who won't take any help and are running the club down. Well they obviously haven't been around for a while.

We do have a new President, new fresh faces on the committee and a new and experienced Club Coach. As well as securing some great new sponsors. Some thought us dropping the "Callington" name late last year was just some sort of effort to "run away" from the name, but the truth is, it's all part of the grand scheme, not running away, but revisiting and embracing who we were when we entered the competition (We actually began in 95 as the United Eagles FC). Along with this, we will be out with a new logo and completely new and different guernsey.

Some have suggested our only option was C Grade, and that we completely ignored them. Again, not true. This option was presented to us, and we put it to the whole club to decide. In the end it was the players themselves that had the biggest voice in saying they didn't want this to happen. The view was simple, every true hearted young footballer wants something to strive for, and that is to play 'A Grade' Football. Except for the oldies that want a relaxing Sunday walk through the park, the concensus was that a move to C Grade was 'looking back' rather than moving forward. While some say the would have returned to the club if we did go to C Grade, the fact is we would have lost more than we gained.

Look, we are not kidding ourselves. We are well aware that a new look is not going to magically solve our problems. It all comes down to the players and the team you can field, and to be honest, in that respect we are still really struggling. It's tough to attract players to a club with our recent history, but we do have a few new faces, and we are all working very hard to improve on this.

Competitiveness is one thing, but I honestly believe that the true origins and spirit of country footy are slowly being lost. Yes, we are rivals on the park, but when it comes down to it we are all a large community with a common interest, the love of the game... and I think some people really need to remember this. Instead of kicking us while we're down, how about a little support. Whats more noble than saying "Hey, these guys are really struggling" and then offering a hand up instead of a kick down?

Despite popular belief, we are not throwing stupid amounts of money at anyone who can hold a ball. However, we are interested to hear from players that hold the true spirit of the game and would like to help us out, even if this is only for a season. Age nd skill are not a huge factor, the only prerequisite being team spirit. While we don't have a huge amount to offer people, we wil certainly look after those that support us. It's a long road back, but with a bit of help to improve in the short term, will help the club imensely in the long run. If we can show atleast some improvement this year, it will make it easier in years to come to attract players back and rebuild the club

Sorry for my long rant, and I by no means emply that my feelings apply to everyone, there is still a portion of the community that supports us and empathizes with our plight. It's just the increasing negativity from those select few that is really doing the damage...

Fantastic to hear from someone who is actually involved in the club, with some very interesting points of view. The one thing I would say tho, is that paying kids who yes are zero pointers, amounts upwards of $200 a game fact might be an answer for your club, but if we truely are Part of a larger community as you stated maybe you should think of the flow on effect that has on neighbouring clubs, whose local produce is being rapped by struggling clubs (not just callington) because they are easy targets

[MLWALKER]

Fantastic to hear from someone who is actually involved in the club, with some very interesting points of view. The one thing I would say tho, is that paying kids who yes are zero pointers, amounts upwards of $200 a game fact might be an answer for your club, but if we truely are Part of a larger community as you stated maybe you should think of the flow on effect that has on neighbouring clubs, whose local produce is being rapped by struggling clubs (not just callington) because they are easy targets

Yes, I completely agree. Honestly we are more focusing on overflow. There are quite a few clubs in the area with simply too many players, leaving players that simply can't get a game. Rather that targeting and poaching young players from our neighbouring clubs, we would much prefer to focus on those players that are struggling to get a game themselves. It that situation, it's a win for all, the player gets to play, and the club gets the help it needs. It doesn't have to be a permenant thing either, in that situation we'd say "come a play for us for a season if your struggling to get a game. If you like the club we'd be happy to keep you on, but your free to return to your normal club at the end of the season"...

As far as the money goes, no matter how bad a position we are in, we are simply not going to throw massive amounts of money at players that are not worth it just to fill a side. Sure, we are happy to pay someone if they are worth it, or help out with travel etc... but we will not be paying people off for the sole purpose of filling a side.

Age, fitness and skills really are not overly important factors to us... this can be work on... it's that team spirit and willingness to play and be a part of the club that is the biggest thing we are looking for.

[Jardarf]

Very well said, I only wish more club officials would post on here more often and tell us the facts instead of leaving it up to rumor and hearsay.
Maybe if the Courier actually did some journalism and covered the football issues people want to talk about, instead of just kick-to-kick descriptions of games they'd sell a lot more papers and cancel out all the stupid rumors.
Thank you for the club's view and insight as to what is happening. Very appreciated.

[Rooster]

Shortman alot of people bag Thommo for his recruiting style but he has to bring in some recruits becuase over the last 5 or 6 years Gum have lost alot of talented local footballers ( Hanna, Soden, Pollock, Kavanagh, Bonnetti, Fuller, Randell,Liddell to name a few) which they could of built a successful team around. I know every clubs lose locals for many reasons but gum dont seam to keep many from what i see looking in from the outside there must be problems internally in the club

Birdwood could make a pretty good team of footballers who have gone elsewhere: Scott Teakle, The brothers Amber, Sam Garfoot, Rio Battams, Jack Kappelle, Terry Rogers, Michael Danielle, Adam Rowett, The brothers Davis (although Liam didn't get to play seniors all agree would have been a champ). I've probably forgotten as many as I've listed.

Lachy Barrett

i think every club in south australia can come up with a long list of players who for one reason or another left the club... many mentioned here didn't play juniors at birdwood ie.rio, terry rogers, danielle, rowett.... or left for legitimate reasons such as moving far away, scott teakle moved to ardrossan, lachy barrett too port augusta.
maybe i'm biased but I think Birdwood have had one of the best junior football programs over many years, and have retained probably as many (or more) players that could be reasonably expected of any club.
I went out to training last night with the boys (not something I get to do a lot of these days!) and I'm pretty pumped about what I think Birdwood are capable of achieving in 2011!!

[flanker]

Very well said, I only wish more club officials would post on here more often and tell us the facts instead of leaving it up to rumor and hearsay.
Maybe if the Courier actually did some journalism and covered the football issues people want to talk about, instead of just kick-to-kick descriptions of games they'd sell a lot more papers and cancel out all the stupid rumors.Thank you for the club's view and insight as to what is happening. Very appreciated.

Just out of curiosity, what issues should be reported? I've always liked the coverage in the paper

[Footy Warrior]

Shortman alot of people bag Thommo for his recruiting style but he has to bring in some recruits becuase over the last 5 or 6 years Gum have lost alot of talented local footballers ( Hanna, Soden, Pollock, Kavanagh, Bonnetti, Fuller, Randell,Liddell to name a few) which they could of built a successful team around. I know every clubs lose locals for many reasons but gum dont seam to keep many from what i see looking in from the outside there must be problems internally in the club

Birdwood could make a pretty good team of footballers who have gone elsewhere: Scott Teakle, The brothers Amber, Sam Garfoot, Rio Battams, Jack Kappelle, Terry Rogers, Michael Danielle, Adam Rowett, The brothers Davis (although Liam didn't get to play seniors all agree would have been a champ). I've probably forgotten as many as I've listed.

Lachy Barrett

i think every club in south australia can come up with a long list of players who for one reason or another left the club... many mentioned here didn't play juniors at birdwood ie.rio, terry rogers, danielle, rowett.... or left for legitimate reasons such as moving far away, scott teakle moved to ardrossan, lachy barrett too port augusta.
maybe i'm biased but I think Birdwood have had one of the best junior football programs over many years, and have retained probably as many (or more) players that could be reasonably expected of any club.
I went out to training last night with the boys (not something I get to do a lot of these days!) and I'm pretty pumped about what I think Birdwood are capable of achieving in 2011!!

Perhaps Gums and Birdwood would have retained more players if they looked after their locals and stopped paying imports?

[Rooster]

[

i think every club in south australia can come up with a long list of players who for one reason or another left the club... many mentioned here didn't play juniors at birdwood ie.rio, terry rogers, danielle, rowett.... or left for legitimate reasons such as moving far away, scott teakle moved to ardrossan, lachy barrett too port augusta.
maybe i'm biased but I think Birdwood have had one of the best junior football programs over many years, and have retained probably as many (or more) players that could be reasonably expected of any club.
I went out to training last night with the boys (not something I get to do a lot of these days!) and I'm pretty pumped about what I think Birdwood are capable of achieving in 2011!!

Perhaps Gums and Birdwood would have retained more players if they looked after their locals and stopped paying imports?[/quote]

perhaps, paying imports doesn't = not looking after locals tho, unless what the locals are looking for is $. i was at the club for a long long time, and birdwood always did as much as it could too look after its locals... i never got paid a cent (outside of best player awards) and always felt valued and respected.

[Half Back]

Perhaps Gums and Birdwood would have retained more players if they looked after their locals and stopped paying imports?[/quote]

Perhaps people should stop expecting money.
You will never please everyone and some people will always think they can do things better. Even the most successful clubs have their faults that no-one everyone agrees with.

[Half Back]

[quote="MLWALKER"]
a new and experienced Club Coach. [quote]

Shayne Mitchell will do nothing to boost callington or united eagles or whatever you want to call yourself. It will be the same story next year.

[The Barron]

Shortman alot of people bag Thommo for his recruiting style but he has to bring in some recruits becuase over the last 5 or 6 years Gum have lost alot of talented local footballers ( Hanna, Soden, Pollock, Kavanagh, Bonnetti, Fuller, Randell,Liddell to name a few) which they could of built a successful team around. I know every clubs lose locals for many reasons but gum dont seam to keep many from what i see looking in from the outside there must be problems internally in the club

Birdwood could make a pretty good team of footballers who have gone elsewhere: Scott Teakle, The brothers Amber, Sam Garfoot, Rio Battams, Jack Kappelle, Terry Rogers, Michael Danielle, Adam Rowett, The brothers Davis (although Liam didn't get to play seniors all agree would have been a champ). I've probably forgotten as many as I've listed.

i think every club in south australia can come up with a long list of players who for one reason or another left the club... many mentioned here didn't play juniors at birdwood ie.rio, terry rogers, danielle, rowett.... or left for legitimate reasons such as moving far away, scott teakle moved to ardrossan, lachy barrett too port augusta.
maybe i'm biased but I think Birdwood have had one of the best junior football programs over many years, and have retained probably as many (or more) players that could be reasonably expected of any club.
I went out to training last night with the boys (not something I get to do a lot of these days!) and I'm pretty pumped about what I think Birdwood are capable of achieving in 2011!!

Perhaps Gums and Birdwood would have retained more players if they looked after their locals and stopped paying imports?

gotta love a comment from some1 who knows exactly what they're talking about. im pretty sure all of the locals gum have lost were from before they started paying imports. maybe its because the club didnt bring in enough experienced players to help along the local gum kids early enough.
imports have a place at every country club. young senoir footballers need to be shown how to play senior football. i think good imports have a role to play in that.
on a side note... is it possible that people winge about clubs that r paying players because they r jealous of the clubs success. there always seems to be some1 on here having a sook about how much another club is paying. i think deep down these players hate getting beaten by the clubs they used to flog. flogging gumeracha by 30 goals a few years ago was an easy task. now they are on the rise and not so easily beaten people cant handle it. so they resort to finding excuses as to y they cant beat them any more. its almost like they have to justify it to other people just to make them selves feel better about the situation.

[Kickittometoo]

Interesting rant MLW re Callington Eagles. Good you are standing up for your club and willing to give information as to where its at right now. But I think it's a bit unfair to blame a 'select few' vocal 'locals' for any criticisms. Callington must have a pretty big population if that's the case. I don't know what your locals do in their spare time but as far as I can see posters on here come from far and wide and many different clubs and leagues. Rather than worrying where criticisms come from, maybe it would be better to take them all on board and accepting that some have to be valid.

As an original Eagles player I wish you good luck as I would hate to see my old club fold. And if you truly want to go back to the spirit of the game, you won't talk about offering money at the same time. Just work towards creating the environment which began the club in the first place and maybe I and many others will come back.

[Jardarf]

Very well said, I only wish more club officials would post on here more often and tell us the facts instead of leaving it up to rumor and hearsay.
Maybe if the Courier actually did some journalism and covered the football issues people want to talk about, instead of just kick-to-kick descriptions of games they'd sell a lot more papers and cancel out all the stupid rumors.Thank you for the club's view and insight as to what is happening. Very appreciated.

Just out of curiosity, what issues should be reported? I've always liked the coverage in the paper

For example, it would've been nice when all the rumors about Callington folding, that someone in reliable media was able to approach the club or president and get the truth from the horses mouth. Hell, even an opinion from Owen Lamshed would've shed more light on the situation than just gossip on a forum (no offence to anyone, I do enjoy this forum).

Another one would've been the whole 'Torrens Valley goes up and who goes down?' conversation that plagued the forums all year. A defined article in the paper would've cleared it all up for everyone and saved us from all the needless gossip.

Those are just a couple off the top of my head, I'm sure as the year unfolds there will be more and more issues in clubs and leagues as there are every year.

Anyway, said my piece on the topic.

[McGovern]

Very well said, I only wish more club officials would post on here more often and tell us the facts instead of leaving it up to rumor and hearsay.
Maybe if the Courier actually did some journalism and covered the football issues people want to talk about, instead of just kick-to-kick descriptions of games they'd sell a lot more papers and cancel out all the stupid rumors.Thank you for the club's view and insight as to what is happening. Very appreciated.

Just out of curiosity, what issues should be reported? I've always liked the coverage in the paper

For example, it would've been nice when all the rumors about Callington folding, that someone in reliable media was able to approach the club or president and get the truth from the horses mouth. Hell, even an opinion from Owen Lamshed would've shed more light on the situation than just gossip on a forum (no offence to anyone, I do enjoy this forum).

Another one would've been the whole 'Torrens Valley goes up and who goes down?' conversation that plagued the forums all year. A defined article in the paper would've cleared it all up for everyone and saved us from all the needless gossip.

Those are just a couple off the top of my head, I'm sure as the year unfolds there will be more and more issues in clubs and leagues as there are every year.

Anyway, said my piece on the topic.

That's half the trouble mate, Owen wouldn't have a clue what's going on - he's making it up as he goes along. He just tells people what they want to hear.

[Justquietly]

On this - wouldn't now be the time (or the first Budget?) to categorically define if anyone goes up or a team comes down from Central at the end of this season? I don't think it's been stated yet has it?

[Bat Pad]

On this - wouldn't now be the time (or the first Budget?) to categorically define if anyone goes up or a team comes down from Central at the end of this season? I don't think it's been stated yet has it?

Not it hasn't and I totally agree.

[MLWALKER]

On this - wouldn't now be the time (or the first Budget?) to categorically define if anyone goes up or a team comes down from Central at the end of this season? I don't think it's been stated yet has it?

I'm not 100% sure on how it works, but it's my understanding that it's the Country Div Premiers (maybe runner up too?) right to apply to transfer up, and then the bottom team in Central gets relegated down to take their place. This is up to the club whether they want to move up or not, so we wouldn't know til after the season if it was going to happen again.

[The Gimp]

On this - wouldn't now be the time (or the first Budget?) to categorically define if anyone goes up or a team comes down from Central at the end of this season? I don't think it's been stated yet has it?

It depends on results on the 2011 season. Country clubs now have the choice of going up to Central the following season if they make the GF in the A grade, with first choice going to the premier. So as it currently stands (which I think is bu11shit), if a country club has a good A grade and makes the GF then they can go up to Central but then the club to relegated is the worst "overall" club which depends on the A's, B's, Snr colts and Jnr colts. I think promotion and relegation should be decided on either just the A grade or the whole club, not a mix.
Not quite fair and even I think and until one of the "big" clubs get in the relegation position, nothing will change.

So, no Central club will know if they are getting relegated until after the Country GF - and will most probably only find out at the AGM when a Country Div side nominates for Central.

[Bat Pad]

In my personal opinion Birdwood will make the GF and will apply so Central clubs can expect the bottom club to be relegated.

[StickyFingers]

If birdwood do apply for Central this year, and make the GF, wouldnt the relegation happen at the end of the 2012 season? i.e. the bottom club in 2012 gets relegated, not the bottom club from 2011?

I am not sure how it all works...

[Bat Pad]

If birdwood do apply for Central this year, and make the GF, wouldnt the relegation happen at the end of the 2012 season? i.e. the bottom club in 2012 gets relegated, not the bottom club from 2011?

I am not sure how it all works...

This is the issue. No one in sure if the one year waiting period applies anymore.