Keith Arthur’s views on the news
Our match internationals have so much to thank Peter for
IT’S such a dreadful shame that the rift between Drennan International and the Angling Trust cannot be healed.
Here is a relationship that, during its existence, became almost a dynasty. In 25 years the World Championships count of eight team gold medals, nine individual golds – two of Bob Nudd’s arriving pre-Drennan sponsorship – is almost surreal. Then, of course, there’s a wagonload of silvers, bronzes, Europeans and other events too.
Having reported on quite a few World Champs for Sky Sports and worked on the Holme Pierrepont match in 1994, probably the most incredible part of the liaison was the personal side of it. Peter Drennan attended all the events I worked on and only unavoidable occurrences prevented him from being at them all.
Films from the later years meant that the match could be followed via Drennan’s social media. This kind of sponsorship is about far, far more than providing money. The Drennan investment meant that the team could spend more time preparing at or close to venues and gain an edge before official practice started... even if that only meant having the right length of pole rigs!
The really sad part is how much Peter will miss the team and how much they will miss him.
Both sides had their positions and neither found it possible to compromise, but the show must go on.