During March a complete review of the 1st & 2nd XV performances this season has been under taken. The 1st XV have been trying to avoid relegation and the Playing Management Committe felt the time was right to loo forward for season 2008/2009. Sadly the defeat away at Gravesend has confirmed the inevitable and we will be starting next season in London 4 South East.
The current coaching team / senior players and PMC have all had discussions on how we can and should move forward given that the blanket of semi-professional rugby / players reaches further down into the lower divisions of London League Rugby. At a recent PMC meeting a blueprint for the next 3 seasons was agreed upon and a framework is currently being established based on that blueprint. The current coaching team and Club Captain Darren Grasby are agreeing what format this new era beckons for Tonbridge Juddians RFC and the 1st & 2nd XV squad in particular.
One main area that has already been identified is that the current coaching team needs numerous additions. James Simpson and Steve Farr plus Darren have identified that new coaches are required and we hope that appointments will be made by the end of April or beginning of May this year.
Another area requiring attention is our strength in depth. We have called on a large number of players to fulfill 1st & 2nd XV commitments this season and all have done their upmost to maintain our league status. However we have struggled when key players have been injured or unavailable. Again we are working on recruiting / adding strength to the current squad and these additions will come from many areas. We have been looking both locally and further afield, including overseas, and we have been buoyed by the recent signing of two local players. Irrespective of where we cast our playing net we will continue to maintain that that "Rugby for all Ethos" we have always had and still enjoy.
The need for proper gym facilities has also been highlighted as a weakness. We managed to agree a short term deal for this season but next season we aim to provide a much more structured approach.
The three year plan agreed upon is to bounce straight back, continue to develop on the playing side (supported by our excellent facilities and thriving minis/youth set up) and set our sights on the London league status (Level 6). To achieve this goal it's going to take a huge amount of commitment from all involved and it's a challenge that the PMC feel is achievable. Relegation is never an enjoyable experience but it can often be used as a positive to rally together, focus minds and bodies and to get back to winning ways in a new division.
We shall continue to develop and foster links with the local business and public and we will of course need the help of everyone to succeed. If anyone is keen to help in any way, including providing that all important sponsorship, then please contact Darren or a member of our full committee asap.
The rest of this season and the summer months will provide the club with an opportunity to look to the future both on and off the field and to make sure that we are in the best possible position come August/September to get the 08-09 season off on the right note and build from there. We would be the first to admit that opportunities have been missed previously but the season 07-08 has certainly provided us with a lot of experience and knowledge that should stand us in good stead in the future.
Remember that 07-08 has not been a season when TJs crashed and burnt in a relegation battle. It was a very disappointing end to a tricky season of tough rugby against some very good sides. BUT just as important to remember is that the club is still turning out 5 sides most Saturdays, a Women's XV and a vibrant and successful Minis/Colts/Youths set up the envy of many. We have a wonderful Clubhouse and a friendly, knowledgeable and fun bunch of members/players/sponsors/supporters. Lets make sure that we draw on all of these positives NOW and start preparing for next season.
If anyone has any thoughts, ideas, suggestions or questions on our plans for the next 3 years then please contact Darren Grasby. If you have any views on any other aspect of the Club's approach then pleae contact any full committee member.
