Stalwarts take on lead roles at Wednesbury

Club stalwarts Dave Orme and Kevin Ferris will take up the positions of chairman and president respectively as the club seek to bounce back from last season's relegation.

The duo have both served Wednesbury in playing and committee capacities for over 30 years with Ferris still turning out for the club, writes Nick Elwell.

Orme said: "Andy has a lot of business commitments so I said I would take on the role of chairman while Kevin is taking over as president from Dave Bryant.

"The aim for next season is to try and bounce back from last season's relegation at the first attempt.

"We had the usual issues with injuries that every club had and we didn't have the strength in depth that he have had in previous years to cope."

Top of Orme's agenda is the recruitment of a first team player-coach.

He said: "We are looking to recruit someone who is keen to get into coaching to work as a player-coach, alongside our first-team coach Gary Summers.

"We don't pay players but we will fund the cost of the coaching course. We are also hoping to attract some new players to bolster our playing strength."

Despite relegation to Midlands West North Four, Orme thinks the club is in rude health with a well-stocked youth section offering hope for the future.

He said: "We have between 60 and 70 senior players and about the same in our youth section, which is very good for a club of our size. We have some talented youngsters."

Off the field the club have been boosted by a £500 windfall from the NatWest Rugby Force fund.

The cash has been used for redecorations and repairs to their club house with 50 members turning out to undertake the work.

Anyone interested in joining Wednesbury should contact head of recruitment Neil Haines on 07950 505 171.