Well lots has happened in the world of Salford City Reds since my last blog both good and bad.
Brian Noble has settled into his new job but lost the services of assistant coach Sean Long to Wigan Warriors, Long who was given credit for some of our attacking displays since taking up his role and nurturing talents such as Theo Fagas and Mark Sneyd will in my opinion be a big loss.
Time and people move on so I would like to welcome Andy Hay and Stuart Donlan to Salford. Both were solid professionals on the field and im sure they have taken a lot from coaches they have played for during their careers and with Brian Noble at the head of our coaching Pyramid its somthing to build on.
The Devil wears prada...and a salford shirt
Dr Koukash decision to rename our club Salford Red Devils is a wonderful decision, as we are the original Red Devils because of our exploits in france in the 1930s it can be seen as a hat tip to our history and heritage.
I never really bought into the "city reds" tag line we had no identity for the outside world to buy into. (what is a city red??)
With our new identity The Red Devils v the Giants or Wolves gives the match a bit of sparkle and hopefully allow our marketing department to reach out to the people of salford and surrounding areas and promote and start building our fanbase.
Another great decision made by the good Dr was promoting the Bradford game with students in the area and going into schools and giving away free tickets to the children and free parking on a matchday.
Even tho im not a big fan of free tickets as they usually end up in the hands of Reds who are looking for a "free week" this time it seemed to have worked with a big crowd of 5500.
Even tho the match ended up being a bit of a stodge fest and salford lost I saw and heard enough from families attending that they enjoyed the experience and would come again.
The trick for the Doctor is not to fall into the trap the previous management did and give away tickets to anyone who wants one. If I was in control (it would be a mad mad world of I was) I'd be back to the schools with tickets for a fiver and be building a relationships with these schools sending Players/Neville, the Dr again and even our Marketing department to see if we could tap into what the youth want and make salford a club the children can buy into.
Children who are supporters are so important if you get enough bitten by the bug of following salford they will be a supporter all their lives which will be great for the future.
12....13...14....oh bugger...
Brian Nobles 1st win as Salford coach was overshaddowed by the news we fielded a extra man at a crucial time of the game against Castleford. Even tho the extra man was only on for less than a minute the RFL seemed fit to fine Salford £10, 000.
Personally I think its an outrageous decision but I do feel that because the Dr is our new owner and he hasnt held back in his views on what needs to change in the game. Its more of a attempt to put him back in his box by the RFL.
I think the way the Doctor goes about his business is brilliant roughing up feathers where ever he can and basically promoting salford and the sport.
I say more power to your elbow Marwan dont take a backward step.
As for form we have lost heavy to both wigan and Warrington in the last few weeks and lost to Bradford but ive read Nobbys book and in there he does state that teams who are going through change often go backwards 1st before going forward so im not too concerned.
Fact remains Brian Noble has a big job on and can't really be judged until he gets his hands on his players next season.
In the mean time lets hope the current set of players who have this golden opportunity to stake a claim for a contract and shirt continue to give 100%, pick up a few more wins and move off the bottom of the table.
