Schmid calls for public support

Aug 27 2008 Surrey Herald

MIKE SCHMID has made an emotional plea for public support before Esher's curtain-raiser against mighty Exeter on Saturday, writes MARK BENGOECHEA

Director of Rugby Schmid wants fans, sponsors and council to help the club retain its place as one of England's elite 24 clubs.

Esher finished an impressive 12th out of 16 in their debut campaign in National One last season.

However, Twickenham chiefs are keen to streamline the division into 12 clubs next season to go side by side with the 12 Premiership outfits. Now Schmid believes Esher face the biggest challenge in their history if they are to survive at this level.

Schmid said: "I'm pretty certain there will be four teams relegated at the end of the season, so we face a huge battle ahead.

"We have got to make sure we are well away from 12th place and that is a big ask.

"There will be huge pressure on the club, and we are going to have to spend to be in the top 12. We need fans, sponsors, the community and council to get behind us if we want to be in the top 24 teams in the country.

"But I believe we have got the supporters and the resource base to be able to do that.

"There is a real opportunity to do it. But now is the time and we need to get the whole community behind the team.

Schmid insists Esher do a tremendous amount for the community, but there has to be a partnership between community and the club.

"Our aspiration in to be one of the top 24 clubs in England and to do that we have to develop in all areas, including the ground," he added

"Many councils give huge support to their local rugby clubs, and I would like the council to look at ways in which it can help us.

"Money makes a huge difference at this level, and that is why Exeter have been knocking on the door of the Premiership for so long.

While Schmid appreciates that things are difficult with the current state of the economy, he is appealing to local businesses and the council to come and see what Esher are about and to support them. "It's a big, big season and I hope people come down to the club, get behind the team and give us the support we need," he insisted