Background:
I took early retirement in 2021 after many years working for Spanish and German companies my roles over 30 years included Salesman, Area manager, Regional manager, Business Development Manager and Divisional Manager.

Married to Lynn (Not sure how she’s put up with me to be honest) 2 children Steven 34 (previous 1st XV Captain and player for 27 years at Grove so far) and Katie 38. Grandfather to four amazing grandchildren: three girls and one grandson Luca who has also started his rugby journey at Grove.

Grove RFC History

Playing and Senior Rugby involvement:

First played for Grove RFC in 1978, at the tender age of 14, under John Fisher, and have subsequently played for all the senior teams, with my last game in 2013 for the 2nd XV against Reading at the tender age of 48, was forced to retire from playing with a serious leg injury sustained after the game in the BAR J.

Senior Roles:

Player
Senior Coach (covering training sessions and Games for the Seniors in 2007 until a new Club Coach was appointed later that season. Not my strength for sure).
Team Manager
Captain
Club Captain, six times which has probably been the role I’m best known for at the Club along with arranging a number of senior Rugby Tours.

Honours:

Honorary Life Member, Clubman of the year 4 Times.

Mini/Junior involvement:

Like many current and previous Rugby parents I began getting more involved with the Mini/Junior section after my son started his rugby journey in 1996, leading to the start of many years involvements with the club's Committee and taking on the post of Junior Secretary for a number of years working with Dave Jones. In 2000 I was offered the chance to head up the first County Festival hosted by Grove RFC building a fantastic team to deliver this prestigious event with over 2,000 children playing over 2 days.

My involvement with the Juniors continued with Coaching (restarting a Colts team in in 2001) and arranging Rugby tours from 12yrs old to Colts to help develop and instil the rugby ethos in the teams/ players of the future.

Why I’ve applied for the Role this season:

My reasons are pretty straight forwards, I owe the club a lot, me personally and my family, it has been a part of my life for over 30 years and I have enjoyed every moment and made some lifelong friends.

I’ll always have the club at heart, and I want to ensure it continues to have a positive influence on all of our current and future members, whether players, parents or volunteers. I believe I can make a difference and build on the great work done before me.

My Goal for the coming season:

To build a comprehensive team across all areas of the club.