All good organisations require good leaders. At Newbury RFC we have many great leaders. On the pitch and off the pitch we have people leading others and people showing self leadership. It is during the tough times that your true character shows very clearly. It’s also true that real supports can support when times are tough.
Since I was a boy I have followed Manchester City (not that I am a big fan of football). In the early days of my support City were doing OK they went to the FA cup final and did well enough for me to be a proud supporter. Then the bad times hit, City were a club that sent you on a roller coaster and you always saw a lot of goals!! Now they sit 3rd in the Premiership, the richest club in the world and the good time are here (for now). When asked who I support in football, it will always be City.
So what does my support of City tell us about Newbury RFC. Mainly that I support a club through thick and thin. The reality is that in rugby as in football you often have no choice and once you choose a team then you are with them for life. At least that’s how it is for me.
My "working week" for Newbury RFC right now has several elements. I am active in a few areas and I will give you an update in each.
The Nike kit deal and the club shop. I have been very disappointed in the start made by our partners Sportsreach in delivering Nike kit to our members. I am continuing to talk to their MD to resolve issues as soon as possible and to improve communication on orders placed.
I have had meetings with Newbury Stags so that we can address issues mainly surrounding what the players want and what we all need to do for the best of Adult rugby in Newbury. The talks are positive and player focused as they should be. I hope that changes will be made as soon as we identify the best way forward, there is no need to rush this right now, but I hope to deliver improvements soon.
The commercial side of the club is very important and we continue to push forward in this area. Most of what we are doing right now is focused on next season. I have a further meeting tonight.
The new website continues to have problems but I hope everybody can see the final potential of the new site for the whole club.
1st XV rugby is obviously challenging right now. The players have my full support and respect for the effort they are putting in and the way they are handling themselves on and off the pitch. Too see so many local players is great even if we are not getting the results at the moment.
Elsewhere we are seeing success on the pitch and not least of which with the Newbury Women. To all the Newbury teams and to Newbury Stags you have my continued support and I hope to get to as many games as my schedule allows.
I realise that this is little in this post which is definite progress; I hope to be able to deliver real progress for the club. In the meantime please keep supporting, coaching, playing and managing. Finally keep leading for the good of all involved.
Julian Lewis
Chairman NRFC.
