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Thursday, 20 January 2005 |
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Happy New Year to everyone, if youre like me youll be looking forward to whatever the business holds for us for this year at least. I for one am very excited at the prospect of TJ Wilson whos now in the country and doing remarkably well already. I tried to persuade him to come for ASW over a year ago, however his commitments to others prevented him from doing so until now, so its thanks to him for keeping to his word. I know for sure that Harry Smith will follow sooner rather than later. They, along with other new fresh talent, will ensure that the business will survive as it always does. Its an exciting prospect to think of our own UK based talent mixing it with the best the big bad world out there has to offer, and they dont come any better than TJ at this moment in time. Im always quick off the mark when it comes to criticism whether it be constructive or otherwise, and with that in mind Id like to congratulate a man who I think is worthy of the title of best improver for 2004. This guy first came to my attention at Hanley earlier last year, where I refereed a match he participated in. As usual at the end of the night if Brian Dixon is at another show, he will phone me for a general update on the show etc. On that particular night I couldnt wait to tell him about the guy in the try out match. He looked great, had great balance, great ring presence and handled himself and the audience with ease. I remember saying to Brian Dixon give this guy as much work as you can find for him because with more experience he will improve rapidly and in time will be a very good wrestler. Im pleased to say my predictions rang true. Dominos his name and I tip him to go all the way. Good Luck mate. Speaking of going all the way, Im very pleased although not the least bit surprised that Paul Burchill is going stateside. He asked me nearly a year ago if I thought he was ready for it, and I said no, but if he kept on doing what he was doing then he wouldnt have to wait too long. I agreed to introduce him to Dave Finlay, however there was no need, they knew about him all along. Good Luck Paul, youve got the attitude, temperament and the skill to succeed, take this once in a lifetime opportunity and seize it with both hands. The ongoing saga with my wrestling school took another nosedive recently, one which I wasnt prepared for. All you would be trainers/coaches listen up. Ive been communicating with the sports council, lottery fund council, local authority officials and insurance companies. The result being, yes you can be considered for funding, providing you meet the following criteria: The coaches must have a wrestling coachs qualification; the equipment must pass rigorous health & safety risk assessment checks as does the premises, which should be ongoing; a first aider must be present at all sessions; all coaches or anybody remotely involved with the set up must be CRB checked, and have a clear record for up to and including 10 years. But worst of all I had to have up to 1,000,000 worth of indemnity insurance for EACH student. If youre currently masquerading as a wrestling coach, or running your own school then Id advise you to do one of two things - 1) get a massive bank loan and comply NOW or 2) shut up shop NOW, because theyve made it quite clear to me that they will be looking into this in great detail leaving no stone (wrestling school) unturned. Youve been warned Recently we saw the passing away of two much loved allies of British Wrestling. Kevin Conneely who lived here in Merseyside sadly passed away whilst holidaying in Thailand, caused by a heart attack from what I believe. Kevin wasnt only a showman in the ring; he was actually a very good wrestler with an amateur background. He was a funny man in and out of the ring, who will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Chris Raggett, another gentleman who passed away recently will be remembered by many of us as the guy who sits front row at Croydon. Those of us who knew Chris personally will remember him as a warm friendly and knowledgeable man who loved his wrestling. God Bless them both. Ive recently been asked by two different organizations to get involved with their Feds on a consultancy basis, both of which Im considering and both of which are very interesting indeed. I know Ive got lots to offer the business and although I havent decided which road to take, Im certainly excited at the prospect of being more active in the business I love very much. Ill keep you posted on that. In the meantime, enjoy your wrestling in which ever capacity it takes you, until next time Regards Frank Chic Cullen
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