March 24, 2009

The wee hours of this morning came with the breaking news of a Quidditch trade that has the potential to significantly shake up the British and Irish League ranks. Despite still being in the top half of the standings, the Tutshill Tornados have made the bold move of trading a number of its headlining players. The team, which many feel has been on a downward spiral or slump for months, has been looking for ways to change its fortunes. In recent matches, the coaching staff has toyed with different lineups but it was to little or no gain in the points standings compared to the teams ahead of them. This caused rumors to fly that a trade was in the works.

Apparently, after yet another loss to points leading Montrose (90-210), the organization decided to make more permanent changes to its roster. Ian Cuddyer and Wallis Clayton will head to Montrose where they will immediately make an impact at Keeper and Chaser, respectively. Meanwhile, James Forrester and Marmaduke Amherst will go to Falmouth, who are in need of a seeker and a chaser.

Though Cuddyer mentioned that he was aware of the trade talks, he admits that he is still shocked that come his next match he will no longer be wearing a Tornado's uniform. His now former teammate, Forrester, was a bit more vocal about his feelings regarding the trade. "People sometimes forget that quidditch is a business." Both players suggested that they would have liked to stay with the Tornados, despite the team struggling of late. Still, Forrester added, "It has been no secret that I have been wanting more TIF (time in flight).  If I can get that at Falmouth, I would be happy."

The news of the trade was not just shocking to the players of Tutshill who will be donning new colors. The players on their new teams have also shared some of their conflicting thoughts. Juno Grumalken, Magpie's Chaser, spoke of the nature of the trade: "This is the way the game's done, not like the old days.  Brooms-for-hire's just the way things are now.   Keeps things spicy.  Would I transfer?  You bet, if the price is right.  Don't get me wrong - Magpies for life, and all." Over at the Falcons camp, some of the more surly members of the squad, like annointed ice queen Athena Ainsley, had no comment. Her teammate, Adric Foley, who is quite civil off the pitch compared to his brutish in game attitude that fits nicely with squad mentioned that he found the massive trade very surprising and sudden. He's of the believe that a team should work with what they have more than trading for something better.

With these moves, it appears that Tutshill may be conceding the season, content on looking ahead to next year. In exchange for these players, they have managed to secure a number of lower level prospects, who they hope will develop into a squad with winning chemistry. Also, in clearing its roster of players with salaries like Cuddyer's, they will likely be able to sign fresher talent in the offseason.

As for the Magpies and the Falcons, the trade comes at an ideal time for both clubs, as they sit at the very top of the standings and are looking for the final pieces that will make their own chemistry worthy of a league title. Montrose will be able to see how their new additions fare this coming weekend in a match against the Bats. Falmouth will have to wait until their first match in April to see what happens with theirs.

They'll have to work out the kinks pretty fast because their opponents will be none other than the Magpies. Our prediction is that this will be a preview of what's to come at the end of the season.

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Further Exclusive Quotes about the Trade:

Forrester on the Tornadoes Organization:
 I have had a few good years here.  I have a couple of good friends in Cuddyer and Ripley, and I will always be happy to have a firewhiskey with them.  I have made a couple of friends at this club, and am on first name basis with most of the staff.  Ultimately though, it comes down to winning games.  Tutshill has decided that they do not require my services, and Falmouth has.  If Falmouth thinks that they can win with me, I am going to perform.  Though most quidditch fans are not as familiar with me as I would like, I hope to be able to rectify that situation at Falmouth.  Though I do think it is ironic as soon as I start doing well for Tutshill...I get traded off.

Forrester on the Falcons Organization:
 It is a fine quidditch club.  I really have not had enough time to say anything beyond that right now, between moving, practicing, and everything else going on in between.  All I can say now is that I am going to fly hard, fly fast, and rain terror upon my opponents.

Foley on the additions to the Falcons:
Forrester an' Amherst clearly 'ave great skill, but their potential assets are goin' to rely on teamwork. Eet's good Cuddyer managed Keeper, I look forward to continue playing opposite t'him.

Grimalken on the additions to the Magpies:
Cuddyer can play, but he's as green - got to say I prefer a keeper with more experience running the hoops. And, "Thank Merlin for Wallis.  She's insane.  That's going to be lovely.

Wiedman on the additions to the Falcons:
"It'll be a decent change.  I know Forrester has been proving himself on the Pitch and I think he'll be a fine fit for the Falcons.  As for Amherst, he's young talent, but he's one of us.  I think they'll both grow as players being a part of the history of this great team.  We don't play soft, that's for sure."

Pennyapple on the additions to Montrose:
"This is more like it. All the excellent Quidditch players on one team... Seems a bit unfair to the other teams, but Montrose is where it's at."