Back
Powerhouse number eight Aaron Willis' pride in captaining Manor Park
Bobby Bridge11 Jul 2019 - 08:15
Share via
Manor Park first team captain Aaron Willis has spoken of his 'huge honour' to lead the club and his excitement in the new coaching set-up.
He's an experienced, respected operator who is never short of offers
- Aaron Willis on Kev Venus
The wreaking ball number eight has caused headaches and bruises for defences throughout Coventry, Warwickshire and beyond ever since he exploded onto the scene as a teenager.
A three-season break away from the club at Market Bosworth came to an end ahead of the 2018/19 season and his influence on results was sizeable as Manor Park recorded its highest-ever league finish of sixth in Midlands Three West South.
With Charlie Wilson standing down as captain after two seasons, Willis successfully won the vote to succeed him for the 2019/20 in May's annual general meeting.
"It's a huge honour to lead this club out as captain," said Willis. "I had some stiff competition for it so it's not something I take for granted. You look up at the honours board in the clubhouse and there's a lot of names on there who are legends at this club.
"I hope I do them proud in the role."
Willis' election as captain coincides with Kevin Venus returning to Manor Park as head coach following a two-season break. Also bolstering the backroom staff this term is the arrival of Adam Ross from Nuneaton RFC as a player/coach.
They will support the likes of Nick Bishop and Steve Ross from the sidelines and training sessions during the 2019/20 campaign.
"First and foremost, it's important to stress that Cat is still very much with us and that is huge for the lads. He's a quality coach who lives and breathes this club. The lads love him to bits.
"Having Kev back can only add to what we already have here. He's an experienced, respected operator who is never short of offers. But like me, Manor Park is in his blood.
"Rossy coming on board is massive for us. His dad Dosser [Steve Ross] is pivotal to us here, attending every single first team match last season and most training sessions. It'll be great to have Adam with us to help develop as a coach and, not forgetting, he is a quality player for us to add to the ranks too."
The club is in its fourth week of pre-season training with sessions taking place at the Griff and Coton off Heath End Road from 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
All are welcome to attend the training sessions. For more information email manorparkrfc@hotmail.co.uk
A three-season break away from the club at Market Bosworth came to an end ahead of the 2018/19 season and his influence on results was sizeable as Manor Park recorded its highest-ever league finish of sixth in Midlands Three West South.
With Charlie Wilson standing down as captain after two seasons, Willis successfully won the vote to succeed him for the 2019/20 in May's annual general meeting.
"It's a huge honour to lead this club out as captain," said Willis. "I had some stiff competition for it so it's not something I take for granted. You look up at the honours board in the clubhouse and there's a lot of names on there who are legends at this club.
"I hope I do them proud in the role."
Willis' election as captain coincides with Kevin Venus returning to Manor Park as head coach following a two-season break. Also bolstering the backroom staff this term is the arrival of Adam Ross from Nuneaton RFC as a player/coach.
They will support the likes of Nick Bishop and Steve Ross from the sidelines and training sessions during the 2019/20 campaign.
"First and foremost, it's important to stress that Cat is still very much with us and that is huge for the lads. He's a quality coach who lives and breathes this club. The lads love him to bits.
"Having Kev back can only add to what we already have here. He's an experienced, respected operator who is never short of offers. But like me, Manor Park is in his blood.
"Rossy coming on board is massive for us. His dad Dosser [Steve Ross] is pivotal to us here, attending every single first team match last season and most training sessions. It'll be great to have Adam with us to help develop as a coach and, not forgetting, he is a quality player for us to add to the ranks too."
The club is in its fourth week of pre-season training with sessions taking place at the Griff and Coton off Heath End Road from 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
All are welcome to attend the training sessions. For more information email manorparkrfc@hotmail.co.uk
Further reading