“I’m delighted to become the new Manor Park head coach,” said Wilson. “Manor park RFC is a club that is so close to my heart, having served as a player, captain, assistant coach and now as a head coach.

“I have big boots to fill with what Theo has helped us achieve in the past few years and we are all extremely grateful for his contribution to the club on and off the pitch.

“Looking forward, I want to continue the progress that has been made in recent seasons and build on it.”

Wilson’s leadership qualities were apparent from the off when he joined Manor Park from Nuneaton RFC in 2012, and was immediately voted in as first team captain. Season one ended with Wilson being named 1st XV player of the season as Park gained promotion with a thrilling last-game-of-the-season bonus point win away against Birmingham Civil Service.

Wilson also played a key role in the double-winning 2015/16 season and the 2022/23 league winning campaign.

In between those successes came a second spell as captain in 2018/19 before leading Park in their first-ever season (2023/24), which was unfortunately curtailed by a major knee injury which saw his primary focus switch to midweek training and coaching on matchdays.

“I am looking forward to the challenge ahead,” he added. “But this will be far from a one-man job. I am assembling a coaching team that will challenge and develop players; both seasoned rugby players and beginners to the sport.”

Wilson’s appointment was welcomed by chairman, Matt Marston.

He said: “Charlie has represented Manor Park with distinction as a captain during three separate periods during more than a decade at the club.

“Despite suffering a couple of major injuries, he has remained at the heartbeat of Manor Park RFC as a leader and as a coach. That kind of commitment speaks volumes about him as a man and as a character.

“It feels like the natural next step for him to take on the top job and I wish him all the very best in the role.”