Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Top four is target next term, says CEO Lance
GLOUCESTER Rugby chief executive Lance Bradley says the club is now “sure of its survival” after receiving a Sports Winter Survival Package loan from the UK Government.
In a wide-ranging update for the club’s supporters, Bradley admitted the past year had been “incredibly financially challenging” for the club and he thanked the sponsors and business partners who have stood by the Cherry & Whites.
But he also admitted that, despite the loan, it does not mean that the club’s financial challenges are over.
“I must give a mention to our local MP, Richard Graham, who worked tirelessly on our behalf to get the SWSP through Parliament, for which we are very grateful,” he said.
“The SWSP support is in the form of a loan, and we will have to repay that loan over the coming years.”
Bradley said that Gloucester hope to welcome 4,000 fans back into Kingsholm for the home games against London Irish and Bath in May and June, adding: “We expect a return to normal crowds for the start of next season.”
On the playing side of things, the Gloucester CEO said the aim is to challenge for the top-four next term.
“We’re building an exciting squad at our club, featuring a mix of experience and an increasing number of players coming through our Academy,” he said. “Our aim is to challenge for a top four place. Once we’re there, let’s see what’s next.”
Bradley said the appointment of Carl Hogg as director of academy and development, is “a significant investment and a clear statement of our intent in this area of the organisation.”
He added: “Carl will not only be overseeing the Academy and other player development, but will also become part of our management team, ensuring we continue to have a completely joined-up approach across every part of the club.
“George Skivington has been selecting more players from the Academy as part of his Premiership and Champions Cup squads.
“This is now starting to produce dividends in terms of contributing to our improving results this season, but we’re all very excited about what having youngsters with this kind of experience is going to mean over the next couple of seasons.
“With a combination of players coming through the Academy, the senior players we already have, and those we have recruited, we are looking forward to an exciting future.
“We do believe, however, that there are still one or two positions where we can strengthen our squad, and we are focusing our recruitment activity on those positions.”
Off the field, Bradley revealed that plans for the club’s new training facility are progressing.
“Our plans are almost finalised, but it has taken slightly longer than anticipated to get the legal side sorted out,” he said. “We do expect to be able to make an announcement before the end of April.”
In addition, the club are in the process of installing a new PA system at Kingsholm, linked to the stadium Wi-Fi, and said that they are aiming to serve drinks more efficiently, so there will be shorter queues and more options to purchase drinks wherever you are in the stadium. He also revealed the club has decided to bring their catering in-house.
■ Gloucester’s Champions Cup tie with La Rochelle concluded after last night’s deadline.