As Ruddington soccer fans mark time until the 2017/2018 season begins it seems our main local side is going through turbulent times at the moment. After Ruddington Village Football Club’s unprecedented success the previous year in the Nottinghamshire Senior League Premier Division, last year it was rather a different story.
Ruddington Village FC player and new publicity officer Ricky Benwell writes: “It’s all change, resulting in all hands on deck at Elms Park this close season as Ruddington Village Senior Men’s Football teams begin preparing for the 2017/2018 football season.
Following the clubs first major trophy in the 2015/2016 season, in the form of the Nottingham Senior League title, the first team had the impossible task of rebuilding for the 2016/2017 season following an exodus of players – and ultimately resulting in a mid-table finish.
Since the end of the season, first team assistant manager Michael Leslie has departed to take up his first managerial role in the UK and forced manager David Rimington into promoting Jordan Hassell to assistant manager.
The reserve side has seen an overhaul also following the retirement of Joe Dunston, Sunday team manager Michael Powell has taken over and brings along his own players in preparation for the new season. The club is somewhat in the middle of a transition with a new website under construction and a new media team of volunteers in place.”
Well, it seems that transition is not yet over. David Rimington tweeted yesterday (July 6th): “Today is the sad day that myself and Steve Wilson step down as the management team of @RuddFC. All the best to the club moving forwards.” The Club responded with: “It is with regret that the club parts way with its 1st team management team with immediate effect. Applications are being welcomed.” So watch this space!
Meantime the first team is on the lookout for new sponsors – with the increase in match day fees reportedly bringing running costs for the side to in excess of £3000 for the season. The Three Crowns public house and Three Spices Restaurant are continuing to sponsor the first team for the 2017/2018 season. Jordan Hassell commented: “Without Max, John and Mahbu’s support we simply couldn’t operate a side due to the costs involved in participating – and that’s even with the lads paying £5 subs every week”. Any other local businesses who are able to assist the team with sponsorship in any way are also asked to get in touch.
