Season one ended with silverware as Manor Park pipped Alcester to the Counties 2 Midlands West South title, claiming a draw against Alcester in a rearranged final game at the Griff and Coton.

That meant the club progressed into their highest-ever status of level seven rugby. Park adapted well to life in Counties 1 Midlands West (South) losing just seven of 22 games to finish fifth.

That campaign also saw another league title claimed as Manor Park’s second team won their regional league before progressing to win the Warwickshire IIA Post Christmas crown too.

The summer of 2024 saw Park switched to the East side of the draw, and picked up memorable wins on the road at Mansfield, Burton, Loughborough and Nuneaton Old Edwardians.

“I’ll forever be grateful to Manor Park RFC for taking a punt on me as an unproven head coach,” said Knight. “It was a real step into the unknown for me, coaching the side in three different leagues in as many seasons!

“I worked out that during my time with the Club, I’ve encountered 19 new opponents that I never faced in my rugby career previously; from Ledbury 30 miles from the Welsh border to way over in the East at Market Rasen and Louth, 30 miles in from the North Sea!

“Winning the league in 2022/23 was a real highlight, and looking back, it was so special to do it alongside my brother Charlie. Then there is the unbeaten run at home that stretched for nearly two seasons.

“And of course, beating Nuneaton Old Edwardians at Weddington Road was very special. Mainly because of how much it meant to people who’ve been associated with this club through the years.

“I wanted the club to become more of a place where people want to spend their time and I was backed with a pavilion refurbishment, which was a real team effort. Then things like getting six teams out on one Super Saturday a year ago, the coach’s Christmas dinner, and being a part of a club that gives rugby opportunities to players of all abilities. I didn’t want things to be solely first team orientated.

“My decision to step down as head coach was made at the start of the season. This was always going to be two, maybe three-year cycle for me. For a few reasons, including recently becoming a father for the first time, I’ve not been able to commit the same time and energy that I had in year one – so the time is definitely right to step aside.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me during my time as head coach and I wish my successor all the very best. I am looking forward to the remaining games of the season and I will not be a stranger down the Griff and Coton.”

Knight’s replacement has already been confirmed internally with an announcement to follow soon. Club chairman Matt Marston was keen to praise the departing head coach on his contribution across three seasons.

“Very rarely in the history of Manor Park RFC have we gone for an ‘outsider’ for the head coach role,” he said. “We know we are a unique club with a unique set of challenges.

“Theo embraced those and quickly became a Manor Park boy. He saw the club through a fresh set of eyes and his legacy is not only out there on the pitch with us playing the highest level of rugby in our history, but in the pavilion too where he left his mark.

“On behalf of all of the committee, I’d like to thank Theo for all of his efforts across three memorable years.”