It's been another busy
week up north for me, with a couple of engagements at cricket dinners thrown in, so there was no opportunity to comment at the
time on the news that Chief Executive Simon Storey is leaving
the club, after six and a half years, to take up a similar role at
Kent.
It is always difficult
to comment on the departure of a key off-field figure, because the reality is that none
of us are really sure what they do. Will Taylor, club secretary for
51 years in a similar role to that held by Storey, was respected for
his loyalty to the club, liked for his at times quirky personality
and humour, yet disliked for his parsimony and at times brusque
manner.
In positions of
authority it is always so and I recall being asked at interview for a
senior role a few years back whether I would sooner be liked or
feared as a manager.
Neither, was my reply.
I would sooner be respected. In any role you cannot have everyone
like you, because the nature of your decisions will always impact on some
individuals to their detriment. But if they can see the rationale
behind a decision and it is handled the right way, they can at least accept it a little better.
So it is that social
media this week has seen comments of support for our departing chief
executive, but others of a disparaging nature that suggest that he
hadn't enjoyed the backing of the club's followers.
I have come to know him
over the past six years and found him respectful of what
I do, usually, though not always, supportive. From many sources, in
and around the club, I hear of a man of considerable business acumen,
as one might expect with his background, and one who undeniably has
made the club more professional in its off field dealings than
before. The amount of money generated by events in the
marquee, by high profile concerts, the Women's World Cup and by the likes of recent
Diwali and fireworks celebrations are testament to a man who has,
with the support of a good staff, increased the club's revenue
streams beyond the imagination of Will Taylor all those years ago.
Then, a banner on the
County Ground advertising the local cinema was ground-breaking, even
if it was the idea of Walter Goodyear. The legendary groundsman even
introduced partnership working to the club, by means of a
complimentary pass to the ground for the manager of the local cinema,
in return for free cinema access for Walter and his family...
But I digress. Compare the ground at Derby with that six
years ago and you get a true reflection of the worth of
Simon Storey. It looks like a cricket ground now and the marquee,
revamped pavilion, media centre and general improvements are there for some time
to come in recognition of his hard work.
Conversely, and I have
mentioned this before, the off-field spend has increased and, in
comparative terms, that on cricket has decreased. That is my major
gripe about his tenure, one he could, of course defend and has done to me. Not to the point where I was convinced, because the major spend on a sports club MUST be on the sport. When it drops, pro rata, as it has done, there must be questions asked.
I feel that
whoever takes over the role has to look at an off-field structure
that has become management-heavy and, for me and I know others, is
taking too much money from the side of the business that is their
raison d'etre. While
commercial activity is essential for the club's future, so too is
sufficient money to build on the playing foundations of last season.
While
I have confidence that Dave Houghton and his team will do a good job,
they can only do so if there is the financial support to bring in
players better than those we have. Only Simon Storey and his interim successor, Ryan Duckett, will know if that is the case, but the club board needs to look
closely at the role and the off-field management structure and decide
if both are fit for purpose.
Rumours
of senior off field salaries and bonuses have gone around the ground twice in the
season just past and the board has to ensure that, while we are paying
a fair rate to attract a candidate of suitable talents, we are not
paying more than a club of our limited resources can afford, or justify.
The
role is a key one and for me, ideally needs to be filled by someone
of a sporting background. Wasim Khan is a fine example at
Leicestershire, Rob Andrew at Sussex doing a similar job. It's not
essential though, and Duckett, an approachable and pleasant man, could be a strong candidate. Yet there is now
an opportunity to look at the role and underlying structures, save
some money and plough it into the side of the club that most needs
it.
This
is not an assertion made from naivety. I was once part of a
management team of five, which became three, which became two over
the course of time. It was not a reflection on poor work by
predecessors, rather an acceptance that things must change, be
rationalised and be even more productive as a consequence.
I
wish Simon Storey well. His true legacy will doubtless become
apparent in the months and seasons ahead.
The
work starts now to find the right way forward for the club.
It is crucial that we get the role, the appointment, the salary and the underlying structure correct.
Clearly developments made off the pitch boosting revenue streams
ReplyDeleteOn occasions felt the Organisational mix seemed imbalanced and on occasions the cricket leadership looked far too lean ( see club web page) Durham away Billy looked a lonely figure !,
Let’s hope the new Leadership Group get the right balance ;
A number of open issues at the moment
Impact of 3a on commercial matters
Overseas recruitment ( will show intent / budget constraints)
Whether Mr Storey is replaced or existing structure is reorganised
Strengthening of squad in general
Radio Derby report with D Houghton indicated bowling all rounder as overseas