MAIDENHEAD RFC’s coach came out with all guns blazing this week, refuting that his side are a relegation risk.
Simon Edwards was up-beat as he faced up to the second half of the season, kicking off with a clash against leaders Weston Super Mare tomorrow (Saturday).
He said: We are not a club in decline. We are well aware of our problems within the club and are actively addressing them as we speak.
“I should have some good news on the player front next week, and we will be bringing in a coach, under my guidance, to look after the 2nd team.
“We are making sure the structure is right.”
Edwards was reacting to last week’s article in the Advertiser that said that the club was in a relegation dogfight.
While accepting that the current situation was less than ideal, he saw nothing but a bright future for the club.
He commented: “We are all very positive at the club, and know that two or three good wins will see us move a long way up the table.
“I believe we are a good side.”
The problem the club faces is that up to four teams could go down, but the exact number is not known, so the only safe position is in the top half of the table.
The last three seasons has seen the Braywick outfit finish the season in the top four.
However Edwards is more than confident that his side can achieve a comfortable placing come April.
They will be hoping to start this resurgence, tomorrow against Weston.
“What a start to the new year,” said Edwards ironically, adding, “They (Weston Super mare) are a good side but not unbeateable. There are a lot of good teams in the division and, probably apart from Dorchester, there is no match where you can be assured of two points.”
The availablity of players remains a problem for Maids, with Allan Greene having failed a fitness test before Christmas and now likely to sit out another couple of months.
The squad is likely to be the same as for the Dings Crusaders encounter, although Paul Rogers is unavailable, but centre Peter Nisbet should be back.
Edwards was phlegmatic about the situation: “I just wish I could put out the team on the pitch that I wanted to. But we all know the score, and it’s something as a club that we will face.
“Whatever the situation we remain positive.”
Because of the freezing weather conditions this week, spectators should contact the club or click on www.maidenheadrfc.com to see if the game will go ahead.