After a successful start to preseason under new Head coach Gavin Jones, Chairman Mark McKenzie and Chair of Selection Paul Barker ramped things up with a players meeting (Tuesday 17th July). Nearly 50 senior personnel attended where the structure and club expectations were highlighted that will drive the Senior side of the club forwards. There is absolutely no doubt that anybody involved in previous seasons have worked tirelessly - this has to be acknowledged and people respected for their efforts. However, after a few seasons of uncertainty everybody realises the importance of securing firmer foundations.

Paul Barker (Chair of Selectors) was the first to take the floor. Paul was very honest, explaining that certain things over the past few seasons were not functioning as expected and that for the club to become stronger, a number of changes and a refocus of objectives were required.

First of all, Ian Sidebottom was introduced as the new First Team Captain, ably assisted by Vice Captains Aaron Brownbill and Dan Nightingale. Ian Sidebottom (Sidey) is a very popular choice for the armband, having been a corner stone of the first team pack for a number of seasons, leading by example at training sessions. Aaron and Dan know what the club is all about, having risen through the Junior ranks themselves to being experienced first team players for a number of years. Whilst the 2nd team management is yet to be confirmed (Jamie Banks will be overseeing duties in the transition period), the club welcomes stalwart Mark Webb back into the fold as 3rd team captain.

Paul Barker went onto reaffirm that in order for the club to gain promotion back to Midlands 3 West (North) at the earliest opportunity, he was going to insist on some key expectations of all playing personnel:
- Discipline on the field and off it (Bob Laird will continue with his role with Club Discipline and is very keen to develop practices);
- Commitment to training and match days;
- Respect for the club (including fellow players and management) and everything the club stands for;
- Teamwork;
- Promotion of enjoyment and a feel good factor by supporting club initiatives.

He also said that players will be rewarded for their commitment to club expectations with team selection but insisted that players must show uniformity and respect for club objectives. Those in attendance were fully supportive and unanimous that they all wanted the same thing. Paul stated that he believed honesty and transparency was a key factor to success for the seniors and that he welcomed players to approach him if they felt they had something to offer.

Chairman Mark McKenzie then introduced club objectives. He stated that exciting long term plans for the clubhouse are still being explored and shorter term improvements will be commencing within the next few weeks.

To support the playing side’s move towards uniformity, the club has a deal to eventually standardise playing kit across the age ranges with manufacturer Canterbury who supply ‘England’ and ‘The Lions’ teams. In addition to this, the club will soon launch an online shop which will include a range of playing and training kit as well as a leisure range.

Players were also given a preview/snapshot of the membership structure for the coming season which include being able to pay memberships ‘upfront’ or using the new online Direct Debit facility (details to be confirmed very soon). This will mean that players’ membership and match fees will be covered for the whole season. This is a bold move but a move that will streamline the club, reduce matchday administration and improve financial efficiency. Lee Osborne was introduced as the membership secretary who will be in charge of monitoring this key area which is essential to the club’s growth. Again, the club welcomes feedback on this initiative.

At the end of the meeting Mark and Paul were thanked for their hard work in engineering improvements to the playing side with a round of applause by all who were in attendance.

There is a long way to go but with the Junior section in such a fantastic position with year on year growth, the senior sides laying down firm foundations for progression through the divisions and the other steering committees playing their vital roles, there are exciting times ahead for Willenhall Rugby Club in 2018/19.

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