Walsh: The Talk of The Tigers
In my previous article, I gave the perspectives of Chris Bigley and Ryan Gallagher on certain issues that have surrounded Mersey Tigers. This time, you will hear from Tony Walsh, head coach, on his opinions and how he sees the club moving forward.
Again, like with Bigley, I started by asking him if he’s noticed the murmurings online, and if so, how much he has taken that on board: “I haven’t listened to it, but I’ve heard form the players. What people have to still understand is that we still don’t have our team here yet.
“There are a lot of assumptions that this is it, this is Mersey Tigers. There have been problems with visas bringing people in, which is still ongoing, but in the meantime we are looking at Europeans which can come straight into the country, which I’ve been promised will be here Monday or Tuesday of next week, and start to make the team as strong as it can be.
“I still have the plan that in four or five years, I want an all-England team. People can’t then moan at how bad Great Britain did in the Olympics – they can’t moan at the state of basketball in Britain if they aren’t prepared to go under one banner and go forward with British players.
“I’ve changed the development plan to go with Europeans so that we gradually cut down until we can set up our academies to bring players in through, based on what other models have done. Clubs are struggling to survive in this country, but are going ‘Oh, they are brilliant with their five imports’ but will they be here with them in four or five years? Probably not.”
Development. Everyone loves to hear that little word, but results at some point do matter, so is Walsh right in putting his plans ahead of needing victories?
“It is possibly higher on my priorities,” said Walsh, “but it’s difficult to say I’m not here to win. Of course I want to win as head coach, I’ve taken previously a Liverpool team that had lost three years on the trot, but got them mid-table by the end of the time I spent there. I know I could go out and buy some of the best players out there, but that won’t work.
“We are low-key. The Tigers of a few years ago won almost all there was on offer, but they also came in on a ridiculous wage bill, and no legacy. Nobody can run like that; it comes to a halt. We will lose supporters but also gain them. We are in the process of bringing in new talent and keeping it local. Both me and the owners have spoke, and are on board 100%.”
The owners, who have been very quiet in terms of making themselves known within circles, seemingly have a good relationship with Walsh and the team: “We looked at the idea of bringing in top players, but we wouldn’t be here realistically, but once we bring in our Europeans, and mixing them with the guys here already, and then over time with our development plan, we hope to have recognisable talent that has been built up, through local coaching and programmes, and in three or four years have fans come down and say that they remember them from it. We’re not here for a flash in the pan season.”
Talk moved on to the article he contributed an interview to with Keith Firmin, and here is where the Liverpudlian is lengthy in being adamant over outside criticisms.
Some weren’t keen on it, as previously reported, but Walsh is in the camp who felt it fair: “I liked what he wrote, a lot took it negatively, including some of the players, but to me it was very balanced.
“If I go out today and win every game for the rest of the season, there will probably be some who will criticise and say its rubbish.
“What matters to me is, when I eventually leave the programme or move on, that there are kids playing basketball here at the highest level, and that I’ve helped to instigate that. I’m here to put that in place, so it is sustainable, keep it going, and in a few years have a team that, OK, might not get the wins for the first couple of seasons, but develop and that can be at the top fighting it out. We are wiping away all the old stuff, all the financial restraints, so that we can grow.
“I’ve got big shoulders, and yes, there have been 30-40 point losses, but do people really think I like that?
“Some may criticise me, but we’re here for the long run, we’re here to get better, maybe at the moment it’s a slow progress, but then we are also here to win games.”
Walsh then opened up to an insight on the logistical nightmares concerning recruitment, how they hope to deal with it in the short term and the effect on what is now in place: “We’ve decided upon recruiting Europeans now to strengthen us, but the problem is the players I wanted, aren’t here because of the visa problems. Some coaches may have sulked over that, but I’m here with a job to do and I’ve gone out to find the best I can get.
“We’ve had great support from the BBL and other teams to help us over things, but it’s just mountains of paperwork, and some clubs have also tried to turn away from that option because of it.
“After this weekend we may see cuts to the team because of who we are bringing in, unfortunately there are players who we thought could step up, but just haven’t. They have been given the opportunity though, had a go, which is all credit to them for, the hunger will still be there, maybe if they go away and play for a lower side, remember what the BBL is about and just aim to get back.
“I have no problem with my players, but trying to get there and already having that level of ability are two different things. For some it may be their only chance to play in the BBL, and that’s unfortunate, but they are giving it their best.”
To round things off, and to let him get on with his job properly, although at this point of Friday night, Worcester Wolves had yet to arrive – did the “lethal injection” need to be put to one side for Tigers? (Apologies Keith…)
“Definitely, we’re not there yet! The Tigers will be coming and roar again. It will take a couple of years to win the BBL but I’m here for the long run. All I’d say to the crowds is, keep with us – I’m on Twitter as well so get in touch with me!”
