By Duncan Wood
July 5 2002

One of our 'sister' sites was claiming a few days ago that all was not well at the Bristol Shoguns. However, I have heard that, on the contrary, it is actually a happier place to be than it has been for quite some time.

Apparently, relations had been getting strained behind the scenes as the season drew to a close a few weeks ago and a parting of the ways was fiarly inevitable.

Despite the apparent tension, however, the wranglings were kept from the players as they prepared for Twickenham so defeat to Gloucester in the playoff final can in now way be blamed on this.

However, with the new team in place, Malcolm Pearce is apparently more enthusiastic then ever about Bristol Shoguns. He is obviously taking on a more hands on role and he gets on famously with Peter Thorburn.

Peter, in turn, works well with Paul Hull so, hopefully, we'll see a lot more integration between the first team squad and the Academy. Mike Rafter will, amongst other things, be responsible for strengthening the links between the Shoguns and the combination clubs.

On the surface of it, the departures of Rowell, Ryan, Little, Vander, Brownrigg and Blake could have been viewed as grievous blows. However, as stated above, Malcolm and the management team seem a bunch of happy campers at present.

The signings of Scott Morgan and Peter Richards this week seem to indicate that they were lined up as long term replacements for Jim Brownrigg and Ross Blake quite some time ago.

I'm sure we've yet to hear the whole Adam Vander story but the club evidently feel that the long term future lies with Mike Lipman and Chris Morgan. Based on Lipman's performances towards the end of least season and the rumours regarding Adam's health, this could well be a prudent decision.

Obviously, Jason's retirement was a blow not just because of his role as a player but because he was a leader as well. The club are trying hard to secure a replacement and the speculation has been rife as to his identity. There are still a few wrinkles to be ironed out so we can't be sure when we'll know who he is or when we'll see him.

Despite this, I think that things are moving in the right direction. The nucleus of the team is still together and all seems well behind the scenes. Let's hope that we pick up where we left off last season.