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Re: The return of Thompson
Posted by: .Mick Hogan
Date: 02/03/2018 15:59
Dave having a bit more involvement is great news for the club. One of the sharpest rugby brains there is and although a different style he and Semore complement each other so well. Dave still owns a percentage of the club and has done since Semore took over. He's always attended board meetings in this time and supported the club with advice and analysis. It really is good to see him take on more work as he has the bit between his teeth right now.
As for my change it was something that I discussed with Semore since pre-Xmas. Despite being MD at the club I've always been a consultant and have never been full time. The change now to Event Director for Newcastle 2019 acknowledges three factors
1. The Finals weekend is huge for the club. Newcastle Rugby Ltd (alone) have put up the financial guarantee for the event. Get it right and it will earn us not just significant revenue but a boat load of new fans, sponsors, media contacts etc. Get it wrong and not only will it cost us £'s but it will be a huge missed opportunity. I couldn't do this and be MD.
2. The club now has a senior management team that is of the highest standards so a small organisational change now will have minimal impact. Mel Magee (Community & Marketing), Gary Cairns (Finance), Sharon Howey (Commercial Sales), Jane Shepstone (Conference & Events) and Angela Alderson (Administration & PRL Liaison) are amongst the best around. Throw in Smithy on media, Amy Kirsopp on Partnerships, Andrew Robson on Ticketing/Marketing, Alison Carthy on retail plus a host of others and the off-field team is as good as any I've worked with. I actually do very little (no surprise there!) and any successes the club are now enjoying is down to these people.
3. I'm still with the club and advising on commercial matters as Commercial Director for the Falcons as well as doing the 2019 prep. I'm down ever so slightly in hours but still fully committed and here for the long haul.
As for other consultancy stuff I've always done bits and pieces. Always will as I do often pick up information that I use at the club.
Exciting times and thanks to Semore for his support!
Mick
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