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'To use the phrase, I've been head cook and bottle washer' - Steve Diamond's revised Sale job brief
By Liam Heagney
Steve Diamond has admitted he had no problem relinquishing his interim role as Sale chief executive and can now concentrate 100 per cent again on his job as Sharks director of rugby. Diamond was handed the reins on a temporary basis in place of Jon Dorsett last March but the recent appointment of Sid Sutton as CEO means he can now revert to his previous role.
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“To use the phrase I have been head cook and bottle washer,” said Diamond, reflecting on his double jobbing stint for Sale. “I have done this a few times and we are in a different sphere now with Simon Orange and Ged Mason owing the club who are avid supporters, investors and successful businessmen – and one man can’t do everything.
“I have done it over a period of time basically to help out and do various things, but we have now got arguably one of the top training centres in world rugby, the old Man City training ground which we have converted and spent a lot of money on. We are attempting to buy a stadium at the moment having been disappointed with building our own stadium.
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“We’re continually looking at recruitment and a lot of clubs have recruitment managers and stuff like that, we don’t have that. Me and an analyst do it and then the players do their homework for me. They help assist, so there is lots to do.
“We started a female team, which is one of the best things we have done over the last couple of years, and it needs a bit of guidance. Not that I run that but we have got a lot of experience in me.
Six weeks after Sale's season was abruptly ended off the field, Steve Diamond says: "Quite rightly we were cleared by the RFU"https://t.co/dvM2T57syd
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 17, 2020
“The decision was made that it takes a bit of weight off my shoulders and it’s for the common good, the place will get better. We’ll bring more money in hopefully… it’s the right decision. We need to grow commercially. These businesses are supported by our owners and our investors and there has been no money coming in since March, so it is crucial that we try every means and every avenue to generate money to survive to be honest.
“It’s a grim world out there and sport doesn’t come at the top of the list on handouts, let’s be honest. A decision was taken that I would concentrate on the rugby, which I’m happy with, and Sid Sutton would come in and help guide the commercial team with the staff that are already in position.”
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Cover incoming for de Jager, with another back row also lined uphttps://t.co/gyGFuyJHhj
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 17, 2020
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