MARLOW and Maidenhead rugby clubs have opened up an early front in the South West Division 2 (East) promotion battle, with tit for tat changes in personnel.
Last season, Maids made no secret of their ambition to bounce straight back up to South West 1, having suffered demotion the previous year, while Marlow were keen to consolidate, having replaced Maids at the higher level.
However, neither managed to achieve their goal and are now preparing for life in the same division – for the first time in a long time.
Consequently, having suffered these twin disappointments, it comes as no great surprise to learn that both clubs are appointing new coaches.
On Tuesday, Maids coach Tony Brooks claimed he was still pondering his future with the club and would make a final decision next week.
However, chief executive Simon Edwards said: “He’s gone. As far as I’m concerned he’s resigned.”
Director of rugby Richard Christian confirmed the news, saying: “That’s correct. Tony has retired due to business commitments.”
And that would appear to be that.
Discussing Brooks’ motives for quitting the job, Christian said: “He felt he’d got somewhere last year and would like to carry on.
“His words were ‘He would love to do it’.
“But he’s incredibly busy at work. He travels a lot and when he comes home he needs to spend some time with his wife and family.”
Edwards went further, suggesting the decision had been prompted by Maids’ failure to win the league.
He said: “Obviously our target was promotion and we were disappointed we didn’t get it. Tony did a good job for us but it was always going to be hard for him with the amount of time he could spare from his job.
“That’s what his decision was based on. He would have loved to have carried on but he’s one of those guys who wants to do it properly or not at all.”
Understandably, the race is now on to find Brooks’ successor, as the club refocuses on winning promotion next term.
Edwards said “We have been actively advertising and recruiting, and we’re interviewing a number of candidates.”
He also revealed that significant progress had been made and a decision was imminent.
Christian added: “Hopefully we’ll be able to announce a new coach within a week.”
For the latest news, visit the club’s official website at www.maidenheadrfc.com.
Meanwhile, Marlow are one step ahead of their neighbours, announcing this week that London Wasps Academy director Rob Smith would be taking over at Riverwoods as executive coach.
Due to continuing commitments at Adams Park, Smith will be unable to attend Marlow’s matches, so the club will also be appointing a new head coach.
Director of rugby Paul Sharp added: "This is a great step forward for us.
“To have everything in place this early is important to be able to gear up for the big challenege of bouncing back into SW1.
“It is now up to the players to do their bit.”
Marlow have also recruited Paul Stridgeon, Wasps director of fitness, to run their pre-season training.
Sharp added: “We are serious about hitting the new season running and good preparation is key to winning the league this year.”