Programme highlights a Rec revolution
THE daffodil season has long gone, but there is one yellow flower blooming in autumn.
THE daffodil season has long gone, but there is one yellow flower blooming in autumn.
It is called the Vale Recreation, which on the front of its superb new match-day programme highlights three words they believe they are about – pride, passion and belief.
The production of unquestionably the single most attractive and readable non-representative local matchday publication I have ever clapped eyes on, will always be of secondary importance to results out on the pitch, but it is a strong indication that it has not taken long for the new chairman's magic wand to have an effect on the club.
The transformation at the Corbet Field is impressive and is not all down to the return of Dave Dorey (pictured) to club administration.
But it is very largely down to him.
In just a few months back in office he has quickly identified the problems and got a football club that for several years was fading fast, back on its feet.
Responsibility is being shared but, most importantly of all, there seems to be a plan afoot and there is nothing better than a good plan – and one bought into by the bulk of the membership.
It stirs the idle and there were plenty of them down there these past few seasons.
It is already evident that Vale Rec are once again doing things properly and in a dignified, organised manner.
Creating a successful first-team won't happen overnight, but they have turned the corner, of that I am certain.
Three of their players caught my eye in the 2-0 win over Athletics this week.
One was a young right-back who clearly has a bright future in the game – Adam Dunn – and the other two who had served the club well in the distant past and who have come back – Jason Sarahs and Craig Tyrell.
Dunn, who was making his first senior start, looks a good prospect and has much of what you want in a defender – pace, strength, tackling ability and, always important, heart.
Phil Corbet will be able to offer him the best advice on how to develop.
Jason Sarahs was always an interesting character before he headed off to the social leagues.
Seldom do you see such a tall right-footed left-back. But he is solid and Vale Rec need such an approach in a transition period.
Up front, it is questionable Tyrell will regain the form he showed in emerging from youth football and playing two successive Under-21 Murattis before persistent ankle problems set in, but he seems to have rediscovered some zest for the game, is fit and strong and will be a handful for most defenders.
A WORD or few on the big island-wide spending debate and the findings of the lot called Tribal.
I see that Beau Sejour is one of the services in the spotlight for possible savings and the consultancy firm is advocating a rapid review of the centre's operations in order, one would presume, to lessen the burden of the taxpayers' £750k per annum subsidy.
Beau Sejour Centre is something to be hugely proud of and, if a substantial subsidy is required to guarantee its long-term survival as a well-maintained and attractive complex, then this taxpayer is more than happy to contribute.
The value of Beau Sejour to the community is immense as it offers so much to so many.
Treat it well and it will treat us well in return.
