Head Coach Views

It gives me great pleasure to write this article. When I was last coaching in Scotland I had the utmost respect and admiration for Aberdeen Grammar Rugby - for what they had achieved and what they stood for. To come back to Scotland and be part of the coaching set up at Aberdeen Grammar is truly an honour.

I'm very pleased that Rob Currie is continuing his role of strength and conditioning coach but more importantly Rob will be the forwards coach for this coming season. Rob brings to the table a vast knowledge of the game and his enthusiasm has no bounds. This is a new road that Rob will go down in his rugby career but he has the hallmarks to be a very successful coach. Behind the scenes are the unsung heroes who sometimes get taken for granted. We are very fortunate to have the services again of Julie Campbell as Physio, whose job is immense in managing the rehab during the week and looking after the physio requirements on game day. Brian Clark takes on the important role of 1st XV manager making sure that we all keep on the straight and narrow and ensuring that all the I's are dotted and the T's are crossed.

I would like to congratulate Colin Philips and Andy Wilson on being appointed Captain and Vice-captain of the Club respectively. They both bring up to the plate a huge passion, commitment and work ethic for the game and for Aberdeen Grammar Rugby. Their understanding and knowledge of the game will give us a strong on-field management team and I know from the pair of them that their actions will do their talking for them.

To our 16th man (our loyal supporters and Sponsors) you have a big shareholding in this team. Your presence and vocal support will motivate the players especially in times when we have our backs against the wall. We will be making Rubislaw a ground where teams fear to come. As we strive to get back to the top flight your support is so vital. Playing away from Aberdeen is no easy trip but I thank you in advance for your valuable support if you can come to our away fixtures. May I extend a warm welcome to the visiting coaches and players, if not on the pitch then definitely in the bar after the game. I would like to wish you a successful and enjoyable season - except when you are playing against us naturally!

To all new players I know your time at Aberdeen Grammar will be an enjoyable and successful experience both on and off the field. To all our coaches, managers and players from Seniors down to Minis I wish you all the success for the season. A rugby season can be likened to a book - every game is like a chapter, there will be some great ones and ones that are so-so, but I hope by the end of the season you will all have created best sellers.

You don't have to be a Rhodes scholar to work out what lies ahead of us this season, it’s perhaps the biggest challenge that this Club has faced for a long time. The players will approach each hurdle with a work ethic and attitude second to none. Their jersey will be earned through performance and form week-to-week. If a player forgets his boots or gum shield before a game they can be replaced, but if a player doesn't bring his work rate to a game you can't find another one. To get where we want to be every game will be huge and that makes every training session huge. Putting it down to basics this team will walk the walk and not talk the talk. If every player is prepared to always work hard towards what they want to achieve they will get their rewards (the jersey) and collectively the team will get its due returns. Here’s to an exciting season back on the road to success.

Mike O’Donovan