Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
The first spot went to Micheal Leahy, who will share the role of Tournament secretary with former IT Officer Badminton and Squash club member Matt Knight. Events Officer was taken by fellow Lacrosse player Beckie Doodson, who was unopposed – as were Mark Nichols and Katie Cowper-Johnson, next season’s Communications Officer and Refereeing Coordinator respectively.
The role of Ordinary Member proved the most hotly contested of all the places available this year as five members challenged for just two available posts. A total of seven stages of votes were cast, eventually providing Adam Clarke with the most tokens, followed by Harry Collins.
In an unusual outcome, every available place was filled this year. The 2006-07 SU President Rich Croker took up an uncontested position as Treasurer of the AU, and former YUSU Ents assistant Naomi Dodds took the role of Volunteer Coordinator in similar circumstances. Hockey club’s Sam Simms picked up the role of Secretary after a convincing victory over first-year Lacrosse player Pippa Jones.
The biggest position up for grabs was that of Vice President, which went to Jack Kennedy. Kennedy beat Matt Harris to take up the post formerly occupied by Nick Hassey of Derwent – who had also beaten Harris 12 months earlier in last year’s elections. Current AU President Tom Moore paid tribute to the ambition of newly elected Kennedy: “I think a lot of his ideas look very exciting. I am sure he will do a great job, in what is a very challenging position”.
He went on to praise the efforts of the defeated Harris, who is currently on leave from the University: “Matt Harris was a very hard working and succesful sports rep for Halifax. I think that fact that he is currently on a leave of absence meant that campaigning was very difficult for him”.
This year, a reshuffle in the committee saw the scrapping of a ‘Merchandise Rep’ position, along with the amalgamation of the Sponsorship & Marketing Officer and IT Officer posts into the position of Communications Officer.
Moore said: “The reorganisation will move the Union further towards our strategic target of moving administration work towards staff members, leaving sabbatical officers and student volunteers to work in a more strategic manner”.
Moore will, at the end of this term, be handing over the running of the AU to next year’s President, Jo Carter. He highlights “pushing for facilities on Heslington East” and “furthering this years BUSA success” as two areas in which Carter is likely to dedicate her focus in the 2007/08 season.
