I feel now is the time to put my 50 cents in. Well done to Graham & Barry in response to Rick Wright. I have taken over as National Coach from Iain Donaldson from the 1st Jan 2008 and I am looking forward to working closely with the National Squad in the future.

First of all I would like to share my reason for not going to NZ. In May 2007, I took on the job of Club Captain @ El Cid. When I accepted the Office I pledged to give 100% commitment to the Club, therefore, going to NZ for 3 weeks, in the middle of a very busy League & Competition Season was not the right thing to do. I have always been a loyal person and when I give a commitment, I do not stray from that. So, until May, I have my Club to consider first.  When I joined Iain last April I was already nominated for the job as Captain of El Cid. I didn't know at that time that Iain was retiring at the end of the year. I knew it was a possibility. Iain had a very tough year struggling with his health, but being the person he is, kept going for the sake of the Squad. He has worked wonders over the 2 years he has been in place and I intend to carry on where he has left of. I personally wish him the very best of everything and I hope he enjoys his retirement.

There is a lot more I can say, but, my words were misconstrued once before, so I will remain tight lipped. We would like people to be constructive in their criticisms, not derogatory.  

I would like to offer my best wishes to Angie Goodfellow & her family & friends at Greenlands Bowls Club. Knowing Angie, she won't let this beat her. We look forward to seeing her back in the squad as soon as she is fit enough. Finally I would like to wish ALL BOWLERS in Spain a Happy New Year. 

Pat Metcalf - Spanish National Coach