I went into last season a little blind, i didn’t know the club and the players didn’t know me. We finished mid-table which was the first time since the leagues were restructured that the club hasn’t been relegated the year after promotion to this level, but we knew we could do better, there were 4 or 5 games which we simply didn’t play to our potential. We know we have to start this season strongly, we believe we should be challenging for promotion plus have a good cup run.

This seasons mantra is to BECOME A LEGEND; we want the players to achieve something that they and others will remember for ever.

The Committee are really supporting the players this season; we had an amazing push for Sponsorship (which is still ongoing) which means both 1’s and 2’s will be playing in new kit this season; the 2’s are playing in a Staffordshire RFU Social League and have a full fixture list. We have been able to add Harry Baldock as Backs coach, he has been tasked in making a potentially very exciting back line sing, and we have also bought in Vicky Brown as Physio; she currently runs a clinic on tuesday nights which is very busy but will also be supporting the club on matchdays.

With it being Rugby World Cup year its great to be able to have a product which is enticing to both sponsors, players and supporters alike.

How has Preseason training gone?

We have had over 50 different players attending the Preseason Training sessions; which despite some doubters at how early we started is really showing in fitness levels and skill levels. We split into into 3 phases; the first ended with the Aston 7’s win, it was built around fun, ball handling, skill development and lots of hidden fitness.

Phase 2 had a real focus on Ruthless Attack play (we know we butchered far too many scoring opportunities last season) and ended with the Preseason Booster Day; nearly 30 players learning from two very different coaching styles.

Phase 3 has been about the exact sciences of Rugby; the set piece, running lines, support lines, go to game management and for the first time have started to implement an Attack strategy - and then every now and then Stokesy has turned up and delivered a real beast of fitness module.

Having Harry join the coaching team has been a huge bonus; with good numbers at most sessions we are able to work together on parts of a session, and also pull players aside to work on individual specifics.

So first preseason game against Handsworth this weekend?

Yep, we know its going to be a challenge, Adam is obviously a good coach as his success at Aldridge bears testament; we know they are a physical side but I wanted us to play good sides during pre-season rather than roll over a few seconds teams. We have a good 25 man squad selected, which is packed with youth and pace plus a few old heads - we are missing 7 or 8 players who should be commanding a place in the First XV matchday squad this season. The result itself is completely irrelevant to me, its just a gauge as to where we are as a squad. We have rewarded players who have worked tirelessly at training during the summer, and as we have told the players no-ones shirt is guaranteed these season.

We have our own tournament on the 24th with 4 visiting clubs confirmed plus the 2 full Aldridge squads out that day, and then we are into the season properly as we travel to Warley in the first round of the North Mids Vase. We are then travelling to Claverdon from Mids 4 West South for our final preseason friendly before the league kicks off on the 14th as we welcome Yardley & District 1’s as part of our Past Players Day.

So who do you fear in Mids 4 West North?

In short, the only team that concerns me is ourselves, we can’t do anything about Aston, or Barton or Cannock. We just have to prepare the best we can, retain a focus and keep the intensity in our game. We are trying to remove a “sorry’ culture - its not a word we allow at training anymore - when you make a mistake you put it right, we all know you don’t drop a pass or miss a tackle on purpose ! ! At times last season our rugby was outstanding, we just lacked a ruthless edge when finishing.

I think it will be a very competitive league this season, Rugeley will be strong when the ground is soft, and no-one likes travelling away to Clee Hill, but Warley and Birmingham Exiles who came up will be competitive, and Trentham will be aiming to bounce back up. I can’t see a runaway leader in the league like Linley RFC last season.

I believe we have as strong a squad this season as anyone in the league. We have competition across all positions which we simply didn’t have last season. We just need for the lads to stay injury free and keep enjoying their rugby. I want people who come to watch the guys play to be entertained.

Finally, what is the Aldridge RFC Players Charter?

Last season it was felt that some players at time didn’t always show the respect that their teammates deserved both on and off the pitch. The players have created a Players Charter, which outlines what they expect to give to the club, what they expect their teammates to give to the club and what the club means to them. Each player will then sign the charter (its going in the changing rooms) and then the players will police each other using the Wheel of Justice ! !

To me the most important line in the charter is "WE PLAY FOR THE CLUB NOT THE SIDE", this means that no matter which side you are selected in you give it your all, respect your teammates, the opposition, and every player who has ever wore the Aldridge shirt before.

I believe we are heading for a great season of rugby at Aldridge both on and off the pitch, and can't thank the committee, Big Jim, Nathan, Skip, and everyone for there help and drive in making it happen.