Mmmm, the outcome for the individual is the same - getting drunk - but the outcome as far as how the club is perceived by potential sponsors and other outsiders is different. I think the point the OP was making was not to judge the actions but to simply point out that the actions presented a 'risk' to the club, a risk that could've and (in my opinion) should've been avoided.

Couldn't agree more.

Pyeman - my appoligies, I shouldn't have taken it to a personal level!!

In today's world it seems that there is an excuse for everything and there are way too many 'soft touches' in society. Ok some investors may look and see a player enjoying a responsible beer and think nothing of it, however some may have expected a professional sportsman not to drink. There's no right or wrong, as it is simply an opinion. The same for overhearing comments passed about a players drinking habits. Some may take note, some may brush it aside. However, why take the risk when it is avoidable? For me if the players were asked not to have a drink on that night, it wouldn't have done any harm at all and the potential of a negative thought wouldn't exist.

It could even add confidence from the aspect of how seriously players are taking their pre-season training, and also how disciplined they are both personally and as a managed unit.

The atmosphere of the night was very good, with a positive energy in the air. As per a previous post, there was an anticipation of expectation in the air, talks of the clubs commitment to a future in SL. I notice some posts suggesting it was a night of celebration....a bit early for that really!!! But I'm not un-sympathetic to the view of the guys being chuffed to receive their squad number.

For those asking about the Directors having a drink, the few that I saw...no they didn't. To a large degree most were driving as can be confirmed by the parking situation. The car park was jam packed and out onto the road. For those that may have had a drink, they were in an absolutely different situation from that of the players!! They may actually have been entertaining guests and sponsors during the evening. Also the directors were not being asked how their pre-season training was coming along, or are they almost up to match fitness yet?

For the selective word twisters out there, I have never said that they guys shouldn't drink, pre-season, mid-season or post seasn. I haven't said that any of the guys were drinking to a stage of being out of order, either. Whether we like it or not, or agree with it or not....drinking pints is not everyones expected/accepted image of a professional sportsman. (it's like seeing a slimmer with a kebab in hand, we don't know the background but it can create an impression).

So again why not pro-actively manage the situation so to control this perception.

Apology accepted grobs. Think we will have to agree to disagre on this one.

Split down the middle this discussion. If it was in season I would agree but I'm afraid it's not.

Have to agree, its ok for the players to drink in moderation at these events, same as after games, it is ok for them to be having 1 or 2 drinks in the players bar / sponsors lounge, but maybe not to the extent that was going on last season allegedly by some players.