to judgement on 1 ‘failure’.

TV money flows into the food chain where players with no alternative job ‘earn’ £1m+, hangers–on & overseas qualifiers have priority over grassroots.

Is performance improved?

Cricket & controversy seem to go hand-in-hand en route to being compatible if argumentative bedfellows.

We have secured the services of a qualified controversialist to act as devil’s advocate on a range of controversies. As you will see you get what you pay for & our ‘expert’ came free.…...

Tony Greig was not the first controversial cricketer but he is a great example. He matched his words (e.g. vilified comment about the Windies team above) with his actions (‘unfair’ run out & Kerry Packer breakaway)

Today Tony is a little more measured which is a pity given his job-for-life platform with Packer’s Channel 9. We have to make do with new change

agents like Sir Allen Stanford who brings a Texan billionaire’s quality to the game & his dealings with the WAGs.

Several types of raging controversy need to be dealt with head-on. First is the way the media manipulates the game. Second is money of course, who provides it & who gets it. Third is performance, what drives it & how it can be better.

What happens when a professional cricketer retires to a media job? All the terminology & playing anecdotes are intact but the learning goes out of the window. So knowing that the game is a lottery at which the most capable still normally prevail the pundit rushes

The MCCC hold its AGM (with buffet) on Thursday 6 January 8.00pm at Halesowen CC. This date has changed so please spread the word.

Our Annual Dinner (see www.mccc.co.uk) will be a cracking do at Tally-Ho, Edgabston Friday 6 March. Top comedian Paul Levent & cricket wit Mike Hendrick (England & Derbyshire). Book now (& buy a new MCCC tie too)!

Our 2009 Yearbook will be published in the Spring & we urgently request that Members submit their reports to the Editor, Andrew Jackson andrew@amjackson.co.uk

The indispensable Club Directory is a vital to the Yearbook. Accuracy is vital - email  changes to secretary@mccc.co.uk

To play for MCCC teams against the likes of MCC,

Oxford & Cambridge contact Alan Neal s.alanneal@hotmail.com or 0121 744 6656.

To play a midweek celebration game v MCCC contact Howard Clay cricketclay@aol.com 0121 477 3686. Wythall 100th, Hagley 175th, Barnards Green 75th & Kibworth 150th are planned.

Controversial Issue

Special points of interest:

· MCCC Dinner March 6 will be a cracker

· ECB Overseas Player policy—Back Page

· Fixture Bureau - use it now for 2009

· New style MCCC ties  available now—only £10

AGM, Dinner, Yearbook, Games

Midlands Club Cricket Conference

Winter Newsletter 2008/9–Happy New Year!

December 2008        No.47

Mo Sheikh—MCCC Cricketer of the Year Walsall CC star all rounder & evergreen coaching contributor