In this first part of Paul Turner’s supporters interview, Paul answers your questions on the front row, the squad’s depth, Welsh selection and the region’s aims for the 2010-11 season.
“Thanks for all your questions, I have tried to tackle as many of them as I can and hope you are all looking forward to the new season as much as I am. Your continuous support is really appreciated by all of us at the Dragons and there is no doubt that we have the most vocal and passionate supporters of all the regions. I look forward to seeing you all at Rodney Parade again this year in what promises to be another exciting season, Paul Turner.”
Paul,
My only real criticism of the squad selection, bearing in mind the obvious budgetary constraints, is the youth and inexperience of the front row. My main concern however is that we are not strong enough at prop, particularly in the scrum and that the strength in depth is weak. Are there any plans to recruit in this crucial position before the season starts? Huw J Thwaites
It could be argued that last years main and major weakness was with the front row, why then didn’t we strengthen our side in this area rather than the back row where arguably we were as good as any other side in the Magners League
Alan Speight
The side played very well for most of last season, but the scrum was a weak area and probably cost us a few games. Do you think there will be a significant improvement for the upcoming season? Michael A Seignot. Also Ian Macrory, Chris James and Peter Roberts
PT: “I thought we were unlucky last year with the injury to Ben Castle, an experienced tight-head prop. We have had concerns and have worked extremely hard on our set piece in the summer. There are budgetary constraints whether we like it or not and there will always be an area where we are relying on a little bit of luck. We are trying to bring on some youngsters in what is a key part of the game; Hugh Gustafson, Aaron Coundley, Dan Watchurst, Nathan Buck and Phil Price - all.players around the 20-years-old mark.
“Alan, even though we have strengthened the back row we ended last season with Lloyd Burns, a hooker playing in the back row and Toby Faletau who had played most of his rugby in the Premiership at Cross Keys respectively. So you can’t be over resourced with back row players in a three competition season.”
Q: I heard that we have resigned Nathan Buck. Some people mentioned he went off to play in the Air NZ Cup or NPC in NZ. Is it true? If so how has his game come along, as we seemed to have some problems at scrum time last season? Also Is Patrick Palmer part of the squad this year?
If the Blues retained him, I understand why, but if he is out of contract soon - he is a 'must'. Peter Roberts.
PT: “We have been well aware of Nathan Buck for a number of years, since his early days at Pontypool United. Nathan went to play club rugby in Queensland, Australia and picked up a bad knee injury. He has just returned from injury this summer and has joined us. He will play his club rugby at Cross Keys.
“Pat Palmer is a part of our squad this year. The Blues have released him to us and he is a Dragons player for the immediate future. We see Pat Palmer as one of the young up and coming tight-heads in Welsh rugby.”
Q: Dear Paul as a dragon’s supporter I am worried we do not have a strong enough squad to cope with the Magners league and Heineken cup fixtures for the coming season Glyn Roberts
PT: “Thanks for the question Glyn, it is always difficult for a region likes ours to cope with three competitions (The Magners League, the Heineken Cup and the LV=Cup). Our bread and butter is the Magners, we would like to make the semis of the LV and we always aim to be very competitive in Europe. Sometimes injuries disrupt your league ambitions and because we are involved in the Heineken Cup, The Champions League of rugby, we are trying really hard to develop our own players which means we have to work hard with the academy and Premiership clubs to give us a sounder footing. We understand this is not a quick fix but our ambitions remain the same.
“With the introduction of two Italian sides this season I think it will make a more interesting season and it is always better to have 12 teams rather than the 10 or 11 we have had in the past. It means four more fixtures and I don’t think anyone should underestimate the Italians. They will be very competitive as they have shown in the Heineken Cup and in the Six Nations over the last five or six years.
“We have a bigger squad but I would have liked to have improved the strength in the back three. With Martyn Thomas injured we only have one fullback with Matt Evans although Jason Tovey can cover if needed. “
Q:Following last season’s brilliant finish in the league where do you think the Dragons will end up this season?
Many thanks - Rob Davies (Season Ticket Holder). Also Brian Lewis, Jack Dunn and others.
PT: “Our priority is to qualify for Europe out-right. We always maintain we need a good run in the Heineken Cup, but around the back-to-back games at Christmas you need that extra luck with a small squad regarding injuries.
“We are trying to keep ahead of our game in our style. I feel our players are getting well coached. Darren Edwards has done a good job of installing belief, Charv (Colin Charvis) is working hard on the defence and Danny (Wilson) has been a great addition and will be concentrating on the set piece. Shaun Connor is another good addition to our good squad of coaches and also Alex Lawson who has joined us on the conditioning side after a successful campaign with near neighbours The Ospreys.
Q:I would love to know how he keeps his temper when other less-deserving players get a chance to play for the national side in front of in-form Dragons players?
Does Paul get an opportunity to talk straight and direct to the Wales management instead of the diplomatic voice we hear on TV? Also not a question as such, but I would like to forward our thanks from my gang of middle-aged supporters in the Argus Terrace for the way the team has performed and conducted itself for 2009-2010. We witnessed a number of high velocity games in which we enjoyed some sparkling rugby which had been missing for a long time. Thanks,
Chris Haslett. Also Michael Gittings
PT: “Thanks for your ongoing support guys, it is a great fillip for the region when our players get an international call-up and it must be every player’s ambition. It does affect us but as I have always said my job is two-fold; it is to develop the region and get as many players in our squad to realise their international ambitions. If they are playing well then I am sure they will get international recognition.”
