I had a conversation with a coach a few weeks ago that has spurred me on to write this article. The discussion was focused on developing and winning. I know that this is a hot debate and a topic that can vary depending on the individual and how they perceive things.

In so many ways you can say there is no right or wrong answer, but I was curious to see how various coaches and players looked at developing and winning. My question is when does a coach stop saying they are developing a team and focus on winning, or is winning really important?

I know that when I went to St.David's I personally gave them a two year period to understand my philosophies and strategies of how I expected them to play the game.

Also, I realized that they had some young players so I knew in two to three years they would mature and be ready to win trophies. After our second year of being together I focused solely on winning and left the development part to the other coaches who worked with the junior teams thus ensuring that an influx of players continued to feed into the senior team.

Now that I am at Cleveland I am pretty much in the same mode. I have studied my team inside and out. I have developed them for the last two years focusing on improving their weaknesses and enhancing their strengths. Now it is time for winning trophies and that is my expectation. One loyal Cleveland fan said to me that he hoped I hadn't lost focus on developing, due to my inviting and securing certain players for this season. So I ask, is he not tired of developing and not winning? When does winning become important? Below I have interviewed a few players and coaches for their opinion on the somewhat controversial subject.

Kenny Thompson: "I believe that it is important for a coach to achieve a good balance in instilling a winning mentality while at the same time continually developing the individual player.

"The extent of the balance depends on the situation, for example, how experienced or inexperienced are the players. Other objectives are vital such as the quality of the performance.

"In this way the players are responsible for achieving technical aspects while ensuring their positional roles within the team. In short, if we only pay attention to development we may miss the opportunity to develop a winning mentality.

"On the other hand, I believe that if we focus too much on winning missing the opportunity to develop the technical, tactical and physical aspects will make winning on the higher level less likely. The skill is in knowing how much of each is required and when.

Andrew Bascome: "I have always believed in development because I feel the true purpose of the sport is to build character. At the beginning of a season I never tell my team they need to win the league.

"My objective is to build the whole person while molding a team to ensure consistency and unity. My aim goes further then football; it is about making good citizens for Bermuda who has moral development, integrity, respect etc. As coach I have a sound knowledge of the game and prepare my team to the best of my ability, therefore leaving winning to the players on the field.

Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock: "You can develop a team to have a winning mentality; therefore, the two of them can go hand in hand."

Ryan Steede: "Winning isn't always important, however, if you have a young team one of your goals could be to develop for the next two to three years. Then after that as a team you can look to win trophies.

Dean Minors: "It depends on the club's mentality and culture. Back in the 1990's in St.George's we were made to have an attitude that we must win and have the ability to do so."

My personal opinion is that a balance has to be met between the two.

Domestically, several teams are now struggling because they have focused too much emphasis on winning. A prime example is Western Stars and Bailey's Bay, they were former powerhouses in Bermuda cricket, but they focused too much energy on winning and not enough on developing.

Hence, the two have been relegated to the first division leaving them no option but to focus on developing. There are a few clubs that are not too far behind them.

Southampton Rangers and my old club St.George's, both have been forced to now develop after numerous years of success at the top.

The one club that remains on keeping a good balance is St.David's.

In conclusion, this discussion can go on and on, but as you can see people have various perspectives on this topic.

I say there is no right or wrong answer as long as each coach is willing to back and support his own beliefs.