Why can’t we keep our star players here? (From Worcester News)

Why can’t we keep our star players here?

10:00am Saturday 26th January 2013 in Sport By Tom Guest, @tomguestWN #WENsport

MATT KVESIC: Set to quit Warriors for bitter Premiership rivals Gloucester.

WORCESTER Warriors’ fans have slammed the Sixways club for failing to keep hold of their most promising young prospect Matt Kvesic.

The 20-year-old openside flanker – called into the senior England training squad this week – is set to quit Warriors for bitter Premiership rivals Gloucester.

Kvesic, out of contract in the summer, is expected to follow fellow academy graduate Matt Mullan, who is thought to have signed for Wasps, out of the Worcester exit door.

It appears once again the club have failed to keep their top talent as the duo join the likes of home-grown stars Graham Kitchener, Miles Benjamin and Tom Wood in moving to further their careers.

Warriors fans took to the Worcester News website and Twitter to voice their concerns at losing a forward they feel could have helped the club realise their Heineken Cup qualification dream.

Dulon said: “There is something wrong with the Worcester set-up if they can’t keep players.

“If one compares the results, facilities and available budget with the likes of Exeter then there is something radically wrong.

“The difference that is obvious is the management and coaching set-up.”

Worcester Matt said: “These guys (Andy Goode, Mullan, Kvesic, Wood, Benjamin, Sam Tuitupou and others) don’t seem to have any confidence in Warriors’ ability to move forward in the short term.

“Heineken Cup participation is critical but how do we get there without our top players? The club have amazing facilities, the best owner in the league (plus other great benefactors) and wonderful fans.

“It’s only on the pitch/in the rugby department we have any problems!

“Charlie Little (managing director), Corin Palmer (rugby operations director) and Richard Hill (head coach) have got to look honestly and hard to find the weak links at the club.

“If we can demonstrate progress and a clear path to success on the pitch, they wouldn’t keep leaving.”

Respectable continued: “We should not blame the pundits for our own club’s lack of vision and failure to secure the ongoing services of the talent we grow.

“It’s the fundamental business model that is wrong at Worcester.

“It appears the profit and loss balance sheet is more important than the trophy cabinet.”

On Twitter, Simon Roberts agreed: “It’s a shame players feel they can’t further their careers at Worcester.”

Paddy said: “It’s one of the darkest days as a Worcester fan. The loss of all the finest talent. It’s demoralising for both fans and players.”

Julie Heap said: “No season ticket for me next year (season). What’s the point?”

Martyn Pattinson admitted: “What would I have done if I was a hugely talented 20-year-old England prospect? Probably the same as Kvesic.”

While Max Edwards declared: “The raping of our academy continues by the big clubs. It’s time for the RFU to sort out development fees.”

But Zana Marie Jones remained positive, stating: “One player doesn’t make a team. It’s a shame but don’t lose the faith in Worcester to keep progressing.”