By Sarah Braide/Keith Jones
June 13 2002

On Monday night the SOS (Save our Sale) campaigners met up with Brian Kennedy, the Sale management team, and a couple of Trafford councillors to discuss the future of Sale Sharks. There are a few interesting points to come out of it. This is campaign organiser Keith Jones' account of the proceedings:

Fans meet Kennedy and management of Sharks

After their best ever season, The Sharks announced that they were to move to Bury for the coming season. This decision had been met with some frustration by the fans, resulting in a demonstration at the last home game against Gloucester. Brian Kennedy, the owner of Premiership Sharks, agreed that communication with the fans had been poor and would meet with them to review the position.

True to his word, Brian Kennedy and his management met with the SOS campaign team to review the local options for the Sharks Premiership team and discuss the ways forward, especially in the light of the recent announcement to stay at Heywood Road for the foreseeable future.

As the campaign gathered pace over last week, Keith Jones, commented that ‘Sale has had a great season and is on the verge of something special on the field. However, the move to Bury could put at risk all the good things created on the field. What we (the fans) want to understand is the reasoning behind the move, Brian’s commitment to the team and the best way to make sure all Sale fans can enjoy Premiership Rugby.’

The meeting, held in Wimslow, was attended by Sharks management. For the SOS campaign the fans (Keith Jones, Gary Smith, Brian Johnson and Colin Mitchell) were joined by Carole Hassan, CEO Trafford MBC and Mike Atkinson, Leader for Sport & Leisure in Trafford. It had been hoped that members of Sale Rugby Club would join the meeting, but unfortunately diary pressures prevented any one attending - however, Neil Thallon, Club Secretary, confirmed that the Executive would like to be informed and involved in future meetings.

‘The meeting was purposefully set up to be a small group to ensure the discussions were meaningful and objective - with the right balance between the rugby and local interests’ said Keith Jones.

The agenda agreed beforehand was kept to and the key points aresummarised below:

1. Why leave Heywood Road - What’s best?

Brian Kennedy said that Sharks have to move. The RFU demand 10,000 capacity stadium for 2003/4. Gigg Lane is available now, it is a good sized stadium and right now there are no other, commercially viable alternatives. Whilst no deal has been completed regarding Gigg Lane - it was agreed that moving away from Heywood Road would be more acceptable if the matches were played on Sunday afternoons, not Friday nights - allowing time for all fans (Sale and Away) and youngsters to join in.

2. Are there no more local (Trafford) alternatives

Carole Hassan, Trafford MBC, reviewed the options available - from Carrington, green belt in Sale, Trafford Park, Altrincham. There are long shots, but they have clear barriers (planning permission, funding, time issues). However, it was agreed that certainly the Trafford Park option with Peel Holdings should be considered. But because of the time pressure and the need to commit resources - the best option was to review the possibility of a ground share development with Lancashire Cricket Club. Sharks have already organised a meeting with Lancashire CC next week. Carole Hasan has promised Trafford’s full support to look at how this development can be expedited.

3. Talk to the fans

This was SOS’ biggest complaint - the communication of the move and the name change smacked of a lack of care for the current fans. Brian accepted this criticism, expressing his frustration at the ‘leaks’ of information and has promised that this Sharks Forum will be committed to with regular meetings held and all topics affecting the Premiership team and the fans can be aired. In addition, the move, when it happens, will be properly communicated to ALL fans.

4. Keep Sale’s links with rugby

It is clear from the vision and the planning, that the heritage and respect for Sale Rugby will be maintained. The desire is to build a team that has the potential to be a real force in Premiership and European rugby without alienating the traditional Sale fans. The club has managed the Sharks brand well and will continue to develop this along the links to Sale’s heritage. However, the name of Sale will have to change to reflect the more regional support that the Sharks believe they must develop to reach 10,000 support levels - the final decision has not yet been taken and all ideas/points of view will be considered.

SOS campaign organiser, Keith Jones said after the meeting ‘‘ What impressed us all was the willingness of all parties to look at the all options. Trafford MBC, through Carole, has been very supportive and enthusiastic in looking at options. Her support and desire to find a local solution is impressive - and the focused options of Trafford Park and Lancashire CC, whilst they have their issues, look the best options in Trafford. Let’s hope Carole can win over all the parties inside Trafford to come up with answers quickly..

‘Our biggest disappointment was the lack of Club representation, the club have a key role to play in developing the future of grass roots, amateur and feeding professional rugby - this vertical development of the playing strength/skills in the north is vital to the regional health of rugby. We hope Sale Club will be involved in future meetings.’

Keith further commentated ‘ In particular one of our main issues has been the lack of consultation between the Sharks and the fans - this was addressed tonight. Brian and his management team made great efforts to present their vision for the future - the regional potential of the franchise and the commitment of the management team to give the North West a team and facilitates to be proud of.’

‘What I am pleased about,’ concluded Keith,‘ is that we now have dialogue and action looking at a local option and Brain Kennedy and the Sharks management have committed to keep this Sharks Forum as a regular team meeting - so that we can track progress and air any issues. Brain also confirmed that communication between the Sharks, the Club, the council and particularly the fans will improve - an informed fan base who understands the reasons for decisions and can have a say is a big leap forward and should give us all hope that this Sharks initiative really can become the powerhouse of professional rugby.’

The next meeting is planned for late June - if any fans have any issues or comments that they would like considered, then please contact Keith Jones on SOSkjones@hotmail.com or post the comments on www.salerugby.co.uk using the SOS header.