A message from an Ex Norseman in Canada.

Hello Nigel ,

After what must have been a frustrating first term as President of our great Club, I wanted to drop you a message of support & to wish Osman Ibrahim all the very best (as new 1st team Captain) in the task of turning Norsemen fortunes around. I have included a few observations from afar, which I trust will be taken in the spirit with which they are intended.
From reading & enjoying your "Presidents Patter", it sounds as though the first matter to address is that of commitment to the team, something I was familiar with in my second stint as Captain which began with relegation to Div. 2 in 1979/80. I spent half that season injured & having to watch the team struggle (including a horrendous AFA Senior Cup exit to Glyn O.B.). My resolution for 1980/81 was to demand commitment & as a consequence we instituted a training policy (i.e. you don't train, you don't play). Several 'star players' fell foul of the new policy, however the players who came in (including John Bayer & Jon Baldwin who had been in the 3rd team), became stalwarts; we gained immediate promotion & the new policy was vindicated. From there we went from strength to strength, Duncan Elder came in, Blanch joined & youngsters like Gareth Shaw, Paul Smart, Dave Morrison & Rickey Frost came through, culminating in our memorable 1982/3 season.
I know times are little different now & I don't want to sound like an 'old sweat' with a 'not like it was in my days' attitude; nonetheless spirit & commitment to the cause on the field are key components of a successful team - not to be under estimated! Perhaps there are one or two players who can move up & maybe there might be some jewels in the Norsemen Youth program who will come through & bolster the ranks........spurring a revival in Club fortunes.
Anyway, despite being far away, I follow Norsemen results every week & I hope to get back for the Old Boys day, having missed the past 2 years. This year might be a stretch as Haydn is getting married in August & I have a possible new work commitment starting in September. Also, I should let you know that Kiera just had a baby boy yesterday - so happy days here in Canada!

My best wishes to you & Pat & I hope this finds you both keeping well.

I look forward to the Blue Giants "walking tall" again, so keep the faith Nigel!

Brian (Morty)