Sitting in Albion’s hot seat I can readily identify with the words of Garry Ryan Blair, an illustrious American author and motivational guru, who famously said; “You cannot afford to wait for perfect conditions. Goal setting is often a matter of balancing timing against available resources. Opportunities are easily lost while waiting for perfect conditions.”
Well now; waiting is something that has been forced on us all, by the COVID 19 Lockdown. Conditions are indeed a long way short of perfect, but that has not stopped us setting goals and positioning Plymouth Albion to take advantage of the opportunities as and when they arise.
Sacrificing over £100,000 in our budgeted end of season income, however, presented something of a challenge balancing our timing and resources with moving progress on our goals.
The generous support of over £32K income from our Albi 2020 Heroes fund came as a real lifesaver. It enabled us to retrench, consolidate and navigate our ship through very choppy waters.
With football returning, albeit behind closed doors, the light is beginning to appear at the end of this very long tunnel. In our Brickfields stronghold, we have been working hard to advance our plans and strategies. In this, my 11th ‘Max Musings’ report. I confirm the signing of Phil Jones is yet another step on the road to Make Albion Great Again.
The Principalities has long been a hotbed for developing young rugby talent. Indeed, I am told that in the 1970s Halcyon Days of the ‘Great Welsh Teams’, our neighbours on the other side of the Severn Bridge boasted, that they could field three totally different international XVs of which ALL THREE would beat England. The record book suggests they may have had a point.
Phil is an outstanding young talent, a versatile and gifted runner able to play multiple positions in the back-line. Emerging from the Ospreys Academy that he joined in 2016, Phil graduated to win selection to the Welsh U20 squad in 2017 further confirming the developing talent of our young Fly Half. Adding still further to his growing reputation, Phil represented Wales on the World 7’s Circuit where he played at centre. Our young Welsh star has talent, a set of wheels and is a great guy into the bargain. Like me, I feel sure you too are excited and cannot wait to see him make his debut in Albion colours.
I am also minded that our aptly named coach, Damian Welsh, also played the bulk of his career in the Principality. There can be little doubt that Damian’s knowledge, experience and reputation in the Welsh game paid dividends in recruiting Phil. Damian’s experience is proving to be an Ace Card in our growing armoury. Just maybe there could be still other quality Welsh stars joining Albi’s ranks. If this proves to be the case, we might need CityBus to set up a supporter’s coach to transport fans from ‘The Valleys’ to join us for Brickfield home games.
SALE – SALE – SALE
Last week I announced that we have completed a new kit sponsorship partnership with VX3 Sportswear. Details of the design and your opportunity to get your hands on the new look livery will be announced in due course. Meanwhile, we have a limited stock of Albion’s current kit and supporters’ goodies. So……! I am pleased to announce a STOCK CLEARANCE SALE.
All stock must go and is reduced to a special LOW SALES PRICE! Click to link with the Albi online shop and grab some bargains for the summer. For those fans who want to stand out in the crowds, as long-standing Albi supporters next season and long into the future, this is your chance for a bargain wardrobe of Albi goodies.
Quality Polo shirts can be secured for just £10, so can hats and caps. We also have a limited supply of Albi Hoodies from just a ‘Tenner’. Don’t delay order online today see http://www.plymouthalbion.com/product-category/merchandise/
Commercial Manager, Chris, tells me he’s actively engaged in numerous positive negotiations with our sponsors, old and new. We await with bated breath, Government announcements of further COVID 19 restrictions to be progressively lifted. Once in place, we will be in a position to confirm and implement plans and intentions currently on the table. We are simply waiting for the green light to signal the dawning of a ‘New Normal.’
Whatever the outcome, we here at Plymouth Albion will be prepared and ready for the challenge of Making Albion Great Again.
