MARK APPLEGARTH
What were your first thoughts on being offered the job?
I'd just sat down with Danny Kirmond having a coffee. I knew something had happened to get called into a board meeting. My first reaction was a little bit of shock, then making sure Willie (Poching) was alright because he's been good to me. After that I was delighted to take up the role and it was literally full steam ahead, looking at where we're currently at, what we need to do and start putting the pieces in place.
Was it an instant decision to accept?
I had a good think but, in my opinion, you'd be a fool to say no to an opportunity like this, they don't come around often. The circumstances are going to be different for everyone in terms of when these chances come but it was pretty much an instant decision. It's the natural progression for my own development.