Hale storm (From Free Press Series)

Hale storm

WITH their team sitting firmly at the foot of the Welsh Premiership, angry Pontypool fans have targeted director of rugby Gareth Hale and boss David Gray as they vow to take drastic action.

Members of Pontypool Rugby Club's Official Supporters Committee are calling for the removal of Hale, head coach Gray and backs coach Matthew Keyhoe, following the team's poor season.

Morale appears to be at an all-time low, so much so that the Free Press has been informed that a petition is to be circulated among fans at this week's home match against Cross Keys, calling for the Pooler trio to be removed.

Talking to the Free Press, Alan Rice, the supporters' committee representative for the club's management board, spoke of the group's regret at having to take this action.

"It gives us, as a committee, no pleasure to do this at all, but this is the only avenue we feel we can venture down to make our voice heard," he said.

Mr Rice explained the decision was taken following the team's crushing 52-25 reverse against Ebbw Vale - at the time the only team below them in the league - at the weekend.

He continued: "We haven't had a very good performance throughout the season. We feel, as a committee, we have given the coaches enough time through the season to turn things around.

"We would like to emphasise that in no way do we blame the players - we just don't believe they are responding to the present coaching set-up. "We believe Gareth Hale and the management team need to move in another direction with regard to the coaching set up.

"This is an opportunity for supporters to sign the petition. It is a free choice, there is no way the committee will force people to sign."

The team have just four home matches left to turn their present fortunes around, something which former coach Steve Jones said the players are capable of.

Mr Jones said: "I am very disappointed with the way things are. My heart and thoughts are going out to the players and supporters for the remaining matches.

"I hope that they will stick together and perform to save one of the greatest clubs in Welsh rugby.

He added: "I am confident they can get at least three wins out of the four. I would encourage them to rally round, get together and keep us up there." The club's former owner, Bob Jude, said the situation at Pontypool is indicative of the problems currently facing the Welsh Rugby Union.

Mr Jude said: "Maybe the fans should target those who appointed the rugby staff at the club.

"From my experience at Pontypool Rugby and Football Club there were, and still are, certain hangers-on who have an influence on the running of the club whose ideas are stuck in the '60s.

"For instance, who in a professional set-up would appoint an 'honorary secretary'?

"In many ways, the club's problems are mirrored at the WRU, professional ambitions but actions only of an amateur.

"Remember the way the dismissals of Steve Jones and Mike Ruddock were handled?"

On contacting Mr Hale and Mr Gray, both men declined to comment, although neither knew of the Committee's intentions.

The Committee have informed the Free Press that fans wishing to sign the petition can do so at the match on Saturday or at the Up and Under following the game.

** This article was correct as we went to press but we subsequently understand the petition has been postponed.