Mike Turner interview

By Chris O'Brien
September 11 2009

Prior to Saturday evening’s clash with Huddersfield Giants, we were lucky enough to have a lengthy chat with chief executive Mike Turner about the future of the club. He was very frank and honest as the Crusaders prepare for the controversial switch to Newport’s Rodney Parade.

I e-mailed MT on Friday prior to the Giants game to voice some concerns over the changes the club is going through - namely the name change, new badge and reports that as many as three Super League games could be switched to the Racecourse.

In response to the e-mail, MT was kind enough to speak to me on the telephone for half-an-hour prior to the Huddersfield game and was happy for me to put a brief summary of the conversation on the site.

THE RACECOURSE

MT said that the plan is to only take one Super League game to the Racecourse each season. He is excited by the deal done with Wrexham AFC and said they were fantastic to negotiate with and have given the Crusaders a great deal, which will also include the club's merchandise being available in Wrexham's store.

"ON THE ROAD" GAMES

As reported, the deal with the Newport Gwent Dragons is only for ten games per season, and those will be Super League matches. Therefore, three league games will be on the road the fixtures. One, as mentioned, will be at the Racecourse - and the other two will be taken to other locations around Wales.

MT said he favoured playing one match at The Gnoll in Neath, though no negotiations have taken place, and he mentioned Parc-Y-Scarlets as another possible location. He said that at least one game will be taken out to West Wales, but would not commit to one game per year being taken back to the Brewery Field.

CHALLENGE CUP

MT, however, did say that any Challenge Cup home games could be played at the Racecourse next season. This is because, as stated, the club only has a ten-match contract to play at Rodney Parade.

Perhaps I'm being too optimistic - but MT didn't mention where any play-off games could be played! Presumably, however, this could cause complications due to the ten-game Rodney Parade deal.

THE NEW BADGE

MT said he is a big fan of the three feathers and does not believe this symbol is too closely associated with Rugby Union in Wales. As fans were already aware, MT said the crest had to change because of the old badge's close association with the Celtic Warriors.

THE NAME CHANGE

The club will be known purely as "Crusaders RL" next season. However, the company's name will not change and will still be "Celtic Crusaders Limited".

MT again said the name change was linked to a move away from the traditional Warriors brand. He also said that the team had to drop ‘Celtic' in case another Welsh rugby league club was launched in the future.

SEASON TICKET & TICKET SALES

The club are desperate to sell 1,000 season tickets for next season. MT revealed that we only have 227 season ticket holders for the opening season in Super League, many of which were given away as complimentary anyway.

He said ticket sales had been largely disappointing at Bridgend this season - and said he'd be delighted if 1,500 paying Saders were at the Huddersfield game. Taking the away following into account, his assessment was spot on.

RODNEY PARADE

MT said that such poor attendance figures meant that Super League was not sustainable at the Brewery Field and thus a move away was the only option.

MT revealed that he is excited by the move to Rodney Parade. He said he was encouraged by ticket sales for the Leeds Rhinos game, and by the number of supporters attending that game wearing NGD jerseys. He is optimistic that the move will result in an expansion of the club's fanbase.

He also stated that the club will have plenty of identity around the stadium, particularly on match-days. The Dragons have been very accommodating and the club's merchandise will be available in the NGD store. There will also be a disco and other functions going on in the clubhouse after every home game.

He also said that the planned redevelopment at the Rodney Parade was a useful fall-back for the club should a move to Brackla or Island Farm in Bridgend not happen. He added that Rodney Parade ticks all the boxes with Super League officials.

CARDIFF

I told MT that I didn't think the club had done enough to market the Saders to the Cardiffian public. He agreed, and said the club is open to suggestions and ideas on improving its performance here.

He revealed that the Cardiff Arms Park had been considered as a venue for Crusaders' home games, but that officials at Cardiff RFC Limited wouldn't talk to the club and were not interested in hosting the Saders. MT is hopeful, however, that the move to Newport means that more fans from Cardiff will attend games.

CROSS BRIDGE SUPPORT

He also said that the switch opens the door to fans flocking to South Wales from across the Severn Bridge, particularly from Bristol and Gloucester.

As fans, we may not agree with everything the club does and, should that be the case, must always let officials know our feelings. However, the number of home fans who turned up to the Brewery Field for the Huddersfield game was testimony to the sad fact that Super League looks unsustainable at the ground. Changes need to be made, and here's to a bright future for the club and sport in the area.

Exclusive chat with chief executive Mike Turner

Discussion started by CruXIII (IP Logged), 11/09/2009 16:21

CruXIII
11/09/2009 16:21

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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40:20
12/09/2009 11:10

Good stuff Chris and well done on getting an exclusive and some positive thoughts about the future.

Mike T seems totally committed and a good guy.

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m jones
12/09/2009 21:20

Interesting opinions but i feel that money and the unpopularity of LS are the main reasons for the move . Some parts of RP are terrible like the mens toilets ( a smelly trough) under the main stand. Still lets hope it works and i will be delighted if we get 4,000 to 5.000 for home games.

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40:20
13/09/2009 07:36

If we can average over 4000 next season it will be viewed as a major success. The one thing in the move's favour is that it will be another "new" ground for most teams ( excepet Leeds Rhinos ) so will boost the away following....

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