Doug's Diary: 'I spent 8,000 hours on my phone finding players'

Published on Thursday 12 November 2009 08:35

RUNNING a low-budget sports organisation in any country means you wear a number of hats.

I knew that would be the case when I jetted in from North America to join Edinburgh Capitals three years ago and the hat stand continues to grow.

My main job is to coach the team but I also play when I'm not injured. Currently, I'm sidelined as I shattered my knee cap in four places in our first Elite League game at Hull Stingrays. Welcome back!

Lying in a hospital bed in Hull, thousands of miles from home, in pain following an operation was unpleasant but I was cheered by the number of messages of support I received and by visits, particularly from players and fans of Hull.

Ice hockey may be a minority sport in this country but the fans are all heart. I'm in rehabilitation now and that allows me to concentrate more on other activities.

So, exactly what do I do? Well, we're allowed up to ten imported players and I'm the club's chief scout. Last May I didn't know where I would be living this autumn but agreed a deal to return for my third season in Edinburgh and I started work right away.

I did my homework on the players I thought might fit in and spent 8,000 hours on my cell phone during the summer – even on holiday. Once agreement was reached, I fixed their travel and visas and ordered equipment to suit. To give you an insight, I looked at around 100 guys – those of high-maintenance weren't considered – and it is a long process. References are checked thoroughly as mistakes are costly.

Once the players are here, I get involved in all sorts of problems. One of the guys broke a clutch on his car and who did he phone? Me. I suggested a mechanic I've got to know.

My normal schedule sees me working on breaking down the video of our games for training purposes and I co-ordinate our fixtures with rivals clubs. I also liaise with bosses of Murrayfield Ice Rink where we hold our home games.

Marketing the club and co-ordinating our media effort is another of my functions and I'm also currently looking at re-vamping our web site. Co-ordinating our active schools programme to encourage more youngsters to think about playing the sport is another key function.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not whingeing but we've only got two office staff so the rest falls on yours truly and some great volunteers.

They deserve huge praise for their efforts.

Without them the club simply would not function.