Ospreys chiefs forecasting bright new horizons!

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MIKE Cuddy's office and the Ospreys' joint- managing director is looking at the latest pictures of events in Libya on his plasma TV and mulling over how to sort out the world's hotspots as well as the UK's budget deficit.

Then he turns to the other big issue of the day — namely what kind of shape the Ospreys are in after a summer that has seen six big-name players depart, taking with them several lorry-loads of stardust.

"People are saying we are at a crossroads and predicting that we are going to stall or go backwards, but let's see what happens," he says.

"There is still huge quality in our squad, with a lot of young talent coming through. I am looking forward to the season because I think we have an exciting mix — some very good recruits, huge enthusiasm and a core of established internationals."

Convinced

Driving up to Cuddy's base in Llandarcy you half expect to find him and Roger Blyth, his fellow Ospreys MD, with boards around their necks proclaiming: "The end of the world is nigh."

But it isn't so. They are both convinced about the direction the Ospreys are taking, even if it has involved a scattering of stars on a scale that would raise the eyebrows of even the most seasoned astronomer.

James Hook, Mike Phillips, Lee Byrne, Craig Mitchell, Marty Holah, Jerry Collins — all departed.

A wander around the Ospreys' training base recently saw Ashley Beck, Tom Smith, Richard Fussell, Joe Bearman, Ian Evans, Dan Biggar and Duncan Jones hover into view. The only bleached mop of hair didn't belong to a returning Collins but to Hanno Dirksen.

These are the players the Ospreys will be trusting in the early part of the season. And they will have key roles to play even after the internationals have returned from the World Cup.

But Blyth is not in the least bit perturbed. "In every sport the most successful organisations are usually the ones that have faith in young players," he says.

"You take Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson has never been afraid to blood people. The side he fielded against Tottenham the other night had an average age of 23, yet they played some great football.

"United have stayed at the top for so long because of their ability to keep rebuilding teams. They paid £12 million for Cristiano Ronaldo yet sold him for £80 million. They were not afraid to wave goodbye to Roy Keane or David Beckham.

"It is about having confidence in your ability to withstand departures by keeping the conveyor belt rolling.

"Yes, players have left us. But we now have a chance to refocus.

"We are representing this area and we are proud that around 80 per cent of our squad come from the region.

"Alun Wyn Jones, James Hook and Andrew Bishop all came through a few years ago; now it is time for a second wave with the likes of Ryan Bevington, Ashley Beck, Justin Tipuric and Dan Biggar all going to do well for us in the years ahead.

"There is huge emphasis on development, but we won't be afraid to bring in a sprinkling of overseas players if we feel there are gaps to fill.

"It is about achieving the right balance."

All that and the word the Ospreys detest most — 'galacticos' — not even mentioned.

It became associated with everything Cuddy and Blyth insist the region are not heading into the new season, top heavy with glitter, an outfit disconnected from the community they are representing.

"It did us no favours at all and was never a fair label to attach to us," says Blyth.

"Galacticos — Richard Hibbard, Duncan Jones, Justin Tipuric and Andrew Bishop? These are boys who live in the area and are prepared to give everything for the cause. They love playing for the Ospreys and there are plenty of others like them."

Without a doubt, Hook's loss has hurt the Ospreys, not just because of his ability but also because he's from the region, a player who was idolised by their fans. Some have blamed the region's coaches for his departure, saying they should have played Hook at fly-half, but it isn't a point of view that rings a bell for Cuddy.

"I don't think that's why James went," he says.

"In 2009-10 he was player of the year in Wales playing at inside centre and did brilliantly for us and the national team. He didn't tell us he was unhappy to wear the No. 12 shirt.

"But we did want to keep him.

"He's a boy who had been with us for a number of years and he always gave everything. Hopefully, at some point in the future we'll see him in an Ospreys' jersey."

A look around the office reveals a framed picture of Neath's team for the 1871-72 season, a veritable treasure for a collector of rugby memorabilia.

"It is the only one in the world," says Cuddy. "It is special."

It doesn't square with the idea that Cuddy has no feelings for Neath any more.

But that's a discussion for another day.

What of the Ospreys' support base heading into a season in which Swansea City are playing in football's Premier League? "Our fans mean everything to us," says Blyth. "We value their support hugely."

I suggest that the crowds may be bigger if the Ospreys consistently played with a bit more joy, if they demonstrated a bit more style, perhaps like Swansea of old.

"You can't compare eras or teams," says Blyth.

"Everyone wants to play with style, and we did score more tries than anyone in the league last year. The ideal is to win and play attractive rugby. That's what the coaches are working on."

So are we saying there are no creases in need of ironing out at the Liberty?

"Not at all," says Cuddy. "Sport is a business and one thing you can guarantee in business is that you will make mistakes.

"We have made our fair share of mistakes, like everyone else.

"But we think we get more things right than wrong."

A last glance at the TV screen, which is big enough to do a job in a small cinema.

The weather forecast is showing cloud giving way to brighter spells in the west.

It isn't a bad note on which to end the interview.