1 Bryan, you have a tough act to follow in your new position. Will it be much of the same or can we expect to see a different approach to the job?
I’m very aware that I am following in the footsteps of Bill McCarroll who gave such wonderful service to the Union for the best part of twenty-five years.
My appointment coincides with the new administrative structure so that in itself will be different. I have ideas about change in how we do our business which hopefully I can introduce. Above all, I want to see any notion of ‘us and them’ between Board and clubs disappear.
2 You have had a distinguished pedigree within the NCU administration and at club level but this job is much different. Do you see this as a change of direction in Bryan Milford's cricket career?
It certainly is a change. I very much enjoyed my involvement with the ICU over the past few years which now comes to an end. While I will still be watching Cooke Collegians on a Saturday when NCU duties permit, I have stood down from all positions in the club.
I had the privilege of leading the NCU for two years while Chairman. I now look forward to supporting others in that role as they all look to make their distinctive mark in their term of office. Of course I’m also joining the’ professional’ ranks and can only say that the total commitment to the job that I intend to demonstrate will justify the change in direction.
3 The NCU executive has taken a bit of stick over the past few years and its status has taken a few knocks. Will you be trying to rebuild confidence in the parent body?
The Executive did not always get everything right but at the same time, some of the controversy came about as a result of actions by clubs. The new structure gives us an opportunity to make a fresh start and as I have said earlier, closer Board-club links are something I’m keen to work on.
4 Is the NCU adverse to the Internet as a communication tool? It seems that some contentious issues could be nipped in the bud with an 'official statement' from time to time.
Not at all! A communications strategy is one of the issues we will be addressing in the implementation of the Development Plan. What we issue to the press in general also goes to the CricketEurope and the Ulster Cricketer websites.
If you are specifically asking me should the Union respond to issues raised in the various forums my personal view is ‘no’. I don’t think that’s a sensible way for the Union to do its business. Any member of the cricket community however is free to contact the Union and we will do our best to respond.
5 It has been said that the NCU is now dominated by officials from the lesser light clubs. Is this true, and if so, is it something that the union should try and rectify?
I was not aware that this is a talking point. Wylie McKinty was a proven administrator at club and union level before becoming Chairman. We are also fortunate to have someone of the calibre of Dawn Johnston in charge of our finances, and Jack Quinn showed his ability when he stepped into the breach following Bill’s sudden passing. We must use the best people available irrespective of what clubs they come from.
I am also pleased that the new structures have brought in experienced people like Andy Clement, Peter Shields, Paul Stafford and Alan Waite who have all so much to offer the Union.
