A BUSINESSMAN aiming to bring glory days to Taunton Rugby Club has told critics, 'Come and talk to me'.

There were mixed reactions to our report of Steve Collard's plans to shake up the Hyde Park outfit's finances and invest more money on the playing side.

Some welcome his aims of more professionalism and seeing The Titans promoted from National League Division Two South to Division One, then the English Championship within five years - and eventually the Premiership.

His intervention is backed by several responses to our story at countygazette.co.uk included.

Jeremy L: "I commend anyone who takes on the club and wants the best for it. He seems like he has the best intentions and well done him. I am however very concerned...at the lack of understanding of the club."

manoftaunton: "Thank goodness we have someone who wants to take the club forward and not dwell on past mistakes."

Somerset County Gazette:

But not everyone is convinced - here's what some doubters said.

L Harris: "My junior section has to pay membership, fund raise and pay for all our own kit and travel. We bring in loads of money to the club. What do the Titans do? They cost a blinkin fortune!"

monkeyboozer: "The Titans are only one of about 15 teams...the other 14 are community sides and the link to the town. Turn your back on them at your peril!"

Paul Adams: "This guy will bankrupt the club...ask him to tell you where the money is coming from!"

Mr Collard, whose firm Commsplus is the club's main sponsor, has responded by organising an open forum at the ground on Wednesday, August 22, from 6.30pm, when he will field questions about the commercial side and his ambitions, while three coaches will take queries about the playing side.

"Come and talk to me directly rather than under a pseudonym via social media," said Mr Collard.

"We're trying to turn the club round from top to bottom.

"In any sports club, the future is the kids. The national league side is the flagship team, but with the youth success we've had, all the youngsters aspire to the first team.

"If the first team is successful, then more people will come to watch, more money comes into the club and it will be spent on the playing side.

"I'm here to stabilise the finances and want to allay people's fears. It's a big club and it doesn't need this sort of sniping from a minority. We need to all pull together and go in the same direction."