Exodus

It can only be good for Ulster in sorting out the wannabees, the primas from the donnas, the wheat from the chaff. That process is under way with 3 or 4 star names confirmed as joining the exodus.

Even as the UR board’s demise was just registering on the bush telegraph my phone and e-mail inbox swelling rapidly with offers from all over cyber space.

One offer stood out. From the publicity shy benefactor of the FRU site, big roubles were being put in front of me to sign for his e-steamed, up and coming rag. I felt like Neil, Roger and Paddy et al and would hereby announce as seeing this as advancing my internet career. I will now be able to continue to blag through this blog. All comments will be welcome, even piss takers……. up to a point…that point is probably the dot on the ‘I’ that follows ‘p’.

In my humble opinion the exodus of players for whatever their reasons, is a good thing for Ulster long term. Many of the players leaving were the ‘first generation’ and product’s of Solomons home grown talent policy. Hyped, in some cases justifiably, as the first wave of Ulster players who would break the glass ceiling of multi Ulster selection to the Irish team they have failed in almost every case to break out of a 1 or 2 cap ceiling. Perhaps they have gathered moss here and need to move on to fresh pastures and rejuvenate stale playing standards.

Many supporters have remarked that the exiting players cannot be blamed for going where the money is and loyalty to a club doesn’t come in to it. I agree up to a point. From my own perspective as a supporter I feel that UR have shown almost all of these players loyalty beyond the call of duty. Wilson has played probably more minutes on the pitch than almost any other player and has been given the benefit of the doubt for off pitch indiscretions, likewise Neil Best. Paddy Wallace has had the benefit of enormous goodwill throughout the many career breaks through injury which included breaking his leg, (twice I think I’m right in saying) and of course off field media travails. Neil McMillen and Matt McCullough should they go will consider how UR has stood by them through prolonged injury and in McCullough’s case on pitch shenanigans. Tommy Bowe again has had UR stand by him through prolonged injury.

What price loyalty? I consider UR have been extremely loyal to all these players, they may be gone for a better rouble elsewhere and I can only hope for their sake that the clubs they go to will show them the same understanding as UR did if injury or off pitch indiscretions threatens their livelihood.

Saturday, I sallied forth to the Rosie for the 6N games and came across a coven of old Annadalians, all genial if aging fellows they were pleasant company. If you’re in the Rosetta do stop by and say hello to these ancient but benevolent anachronisms.

Yours,

Ballpark, live from the Bunker.

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