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The Interview-Dr Richard Beeching

Former nemesis of Britain's 'unprofitable' rural railway lines, Dr Richard Beeching, 94, is - literally -back from the dead, and the new head honcho of Newcastle University Sport.

SE: Many people had major business problems in the late 80s and early 90s which threatened their careers, but you experienced something much worse...
RB: Yes, I actually died.
SE: There's a school of thought that that would be terminal to a career.
RB: Yes, that's true, but I would say that the best business people are the resilient ones.
SE: Yes, indeed. So, Dr Beeching, broadly, what are your plans for university sport?
RB: It's basically got to prove it's cost effective. Every sport will be given a chance, but at the end of the day if a sport, say CRICKET, isn't performing, well, it'll have to go.
SE: Sounds worrying.
RB: Business is a ruthless past time.
SE: You mentioned cricket...
RB: For cricket we've decided to make some changes. We've allowed Close House to be closed down and turned it into a car park without telling anyone; we've not replaced the Cochrane Park groundsman, so one groundsman will be responsible for that ground and Heaton; and we're going to escalate our access charges for teams to play and reduce the opportunity for getting discounts. Basically in the short term we see cricket as subsidising other sports which require little pitch maintenance, and our new gym.
SE: Isn't that penalising the many people who want to play cricket?
RB: Yeeeees, but we don't want to penalise the golfers or the football players do we now! Golfers in particular are a wonderful cash cow because golf is less about recreation and more about business!
SE: So, in the longer term, is the university trying to phase out cricket?
RB: No comment. But, yes.

AGM News...

At a recent well attended meeting of friends old and new at the Bridge Hotel in Newcastle, the following were agreed by those present:

Capt: Mr Simon Edwards
V.Capt: Mr Simon Woodman
Treasurer: Mr Roger French
Secretary: Mr Cliff Spencer
Social Sec: Prof. Alan (Boysie) Boyes
Club Doctor: Dr. Paul Bennett
Third Umpire: Sir Derek Marshall of Wallsend.

* To retain Tuesdays as the playing night
* Heaton to be retained as Home ground
* Fees are to be capped at 2004 levels - 3 quid (Roger)
* Sunday games to be retained (All to find opposition)
* Kit in need of immediate audit (Cliff)
* 20 year anniversary game @ Jesmond (Cliff)
* Tour of the low counties proposed (Simon W)
* Team cap to be a reality (Matt)
* Outdoor practice in April (Cliff)
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cs Feb 05

CCC Stars Face Wage Cap

CURRENT SPENDING UNSUSTAINABLE

CCC's promotion stars could be fighting an uphill struggle from the start of the new season with a wage cap likely to be introduced, it has been revealed.

Two items have been included on the agenda for tonight's AGM which could spell the end of the exorbitant signing on fees and salaries which many of the players have been commanding. And presumably this will mean an end to the lavish lifestyles that go with such salaries, including:

+Matt Planchant's allotment
+Cliff Spencer's customised bike
+Tim Hall's bling
+Amit's gold-plated practice wall

No official statement has been released as yet, but this reporter believes that the new policy will be set in stone following tonight's meeting.

The item 'Proposed CCC cap'has been hurriedly added towards the end of the agenda, to follow a report from Club Accountant Roger French on 'Match fees for 2005'.

Ominous times for the big spenders.

FULL REPORT TOMORROW.

League Table Reveals Good Start for CCC

GENETICS STRUGGLE

CCC have made a solid start to their first ever League 2 season, currently lying in third spot. However, it's been a mixed season so far for the other promoted clubs, with rival new boys Genetics struggling to adapt to the higher standards of their new environments. The 'Mutants' currently reside in an uncomfortable looking position just one place above the trap door.

CCC stalwart Tim Hall was upbeat about CCC's excellent start: "we've had an impressive pre-season in nets, and the lads have taken that form with them into the new season," he says.

Hall proceeded to fire a warning to rivals Genetics: "It's been a tough start for them. They'll be asking themselves just what this new league is all about, and wondering whether the fact that they were promoted by default rather than on merit means that it isn't a step too far for them."

Nets continue...

Pre-season nets are now under way at South North Cricket club situated behind Gosforth High Street. Nets begin at 8pm and all are welcome to these fabulous facilities.
cs.