It’s the third season of our (super) #HERO theme, a celebration of connecting today’s senior squad with the legends from the past, the faces and names you see plastered over the walls of the club. This isn’t just about wearing the shirt; it’s about knowing the story behind it.

This year, we’ll be bringing back club icons before matches to speak to the teams, sharing what made Sidcup so special for them, and why it still matters today. These aren’t just talks. They’re time machines.

Expect to see and hear about plenty of #heroes, #booms, #pows, with a few #hulks and #fury’s thrown in for good measure.

I’ve spent a lot of time at the end of this season reflecting — not just on the year gone, but on the past few seasons as a whole. And one thing has become clear: We’ve allowed too many weak excuses to be accepted in the first team squad

Commitment seems to have become a bit of a dirty word in today’s world, especially in team sport. But the truth is, teams are built on showing up — not just when it’s easy or convenient, but consistently, for each other. This season = No excuses

1st XV Coaching Team

Jon Webber returns for another season, co-leading the 1st XV. He’s been busy this off-season helping shape the next version of our Comic Book (Playbook), A teacher by day, his coaching philosophy is simple: “If they don’t listen, give them detention. If they still don’t do it, give them lines.” (as Ducky has already found out — twice.)

JW is the reason every training session runs to plan — detailed, structured, and always on time.

Jon “Ducky” Fordham, the legend of Kent rugby, is still defying Father Time. He’s signed on for another season as both player and defence coach, he’s just 24 caps shy of the magic 100 for Sidcup and more determined than ever to get his name on the 100 club wall.

Ducky is the definition of committed. Full-time job? Tick. Family man? Tick. Coach? Tick. CrossFit sessions five or six times a week? Of course. He says that’s what it takes to be a #hero — though we all know that without his wife Lucy keeping him in check, he would be a little lost!

There’s rarely a night that goes by without Ducky and me WhatsApping about new moves, training ideas, or a bit of late-night Kent rugby gossip!!

Reece Conlon is back for year two. His body might be bruised and battered from Nat League stints at likes of Combe and TJ’s, but that hasn’t stopped him from becoming the brains behind our set-piece. He’s simplified the lineout system to appeal to all players and taught all the forwards that scrummaging is mostly about bending over and pushing… properly.

More than that, Reece has become a brilliant mentor, always willing to go the extra mile with the younger lads. Early morning gym sessions, late-night technical chats, job offers, emotional support……whether it’s a cuddle or a kick up the arse, Reece is your man.

A phone call from Reece? Brace yourself. It’s chaos and clarity in equal measure.

The newest member of the first team coaching group is Gareth Swales. A former pro player with the likes of Swansea and London Welsh, he’s also represented Wales at under-20’s and sevens. This was a proper Sidcup appointment, he played in the dads & coaches game at the end of last season, made a cracking break, then tripped over in the dust, a couple of beers after the match with Jon Webber, a meet-up with me and Jon in a café in New Eltham, and bang — he’s signed up to coach for the season.

Gareth is already a fan favourite of John the bar after celebrating the first Lions win by standing on a chair and singing……John was heard saying “a Welshman, in a rugby bar, standing on a chair, singing a song, how very clichéd”.

Mission: Recruitment

One of the biggest focuses in the off-season has been recruitment, especially from Colts and players finishing up university.

Me, JW, Ducky and Reece started by contacting every Colt from the past five years, espicallyThe response has been incredible. Come down to training and you’ll see it, loads of young players who’ve come through our Mini and Junior section now stepping into senior rugby.

We’ve also had plenty of interest from overseas — South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, the USA. We spoke to players (and parents) from all these countries. Sadly, none of those materialised. Turns out the promise of the best post-match food in Kent and the grumpiest barman in the league doesn’t quite balance out demands for flights, jobs, gym memberships, match fees… or in one case, a very specific request for payment in Bitcoin.

Team Manager: The Return of Shabba

Trevor “SHABBA” Pooley continues as Team Manager, responsible for spreadsheets, GMS registrations, and staying out until 4am every Saturday. And he smashes all three.

This week I learned the lesson not to mess up the formulas on his spreadsheets… as I met RED Trev. I won’t be doing that again!!

The RFU, in all their wisdom, now requires every player to re-register on the GMS system every season. It sounds easy: you get an email, click a link, hit update — done. But ask Trev (or any club manager) how much time that really takes. You’ll get a death stare and a lesson in patience. Although somehow he’s got 120 players signed up with just the 40 still to go!!

#Shabba supports the players in the best way — with some love and care, being there for them when needed, whether it’s advice on rugby, work life, or how to keep a very happy home!

2nd XV: New-Look Coaching Team

With numbers growing at training, we’ve bolstered the 2nd XV coaching set-up.
Mark Watson returns to lead the team. A proper rugby brain, he simplifies the complicated and gets players game-ready. His return also boosts the post-match singing — legend has it, when Watson sings, angels get their wings. Mark’s recent experience being part of the Colts set-up means he’s perfectly placed to help players make the leap to senior rugby.

Colin Cooper steps into the role of dedicated Forwards Coach for the 2s. Known for his love of detail, and his reflection in the mirror, Colin’s been brilliant with the players new to the game. He gives them the time, space and patience to learn properly. Two facts about Colin:
- He wants every player to succeed.
- He will definitely tell you how much you owe that success to him.

Del Finch is the newbie in the 2s coaching team. He’s part of the Saracens DPP program plus he also coaches at a local school in Bromley. Last seen playing on the rugby pitch a few seasons ago as part of the Wilko’s Warriors, Del’s all about the skills, skills, skills and has been a fantastic addition to training. Like Mark, he’s another great link from last season’s Colts set-up.

Dave Aldridge takes over as 2nd XV Team Manager, replacing Ollie Moorehouse who steps back due to work commitments. Dave is a man who knows his concrete and is exactly what every team needs: calm, organised, and gets things done with zero fuss. Davey A was also part of the Colts set-up for last couple of seasons

3rd XV: Rugby’s Hardest Job

Ian “Sutts” Sutton is back for another year as 3rd Team Captain — possibly the hardest gig in the club. His Fridays normally look something like this:

lost player to the second team, lost player because they forgot it was their nan’s 74th birthday tea party (always on a Saturday at 3pm), 2 replacement players found...then lost another player to the 2’s…..That’s normally all before breakfast as well!

Joining him this year is the OG icon himself, Steve “Hanky” Hancox. We had a chat, and I’ve never seen someone so hyped to get stuck in. Hanky’s like the Energiser Bunny — buzzing with energy and ready to help.

VETS: Heart & Hunger

After years of searching, we finally have a VETS captain again — Luke Drury.
After losing 4 stone, rediscovering the gym, and playing in last season’s Presidents Day and Coaches/Dads games, Luke messaged asking: “Who’s running the VETS next year?”
My reply: “You.”

On stepping up to captain the VET’s Luke said “As captain, I couldn’t be prouder to lead this group. We’ve got heart, hunger, and the kind of attitude that brings people together. This season is all about belonging.”

Luke’s ready to lead the Evergreen Cup charge and work his Cilla Black magic on bringing players back together.

His first signing was Richard Roddis as Vice Captain. Turning up to the club the other day rocking his Vans, backwards baseball cap and baggy jeans, Rich needed to be reminded he’s 51, not 21!!

On his appointment as Vice Captain of the VETS he said, “I should really be in the 1s — I’m still the fastest player around.”.....as Rich walked off… he pulled his hammy, bent down to stretch it, and pulled the other one as well!

S&C: Built by Joe

Joe Pressney continues to lead the fitness. Seeing what Joe and Louise have created with the CrossFit gym has genuinely changed players at the club. You can see the impact on the pitch — stronger, fitter, more resilient players who are committing to sessions and reaping the rewards.

Players say: “Until you’ve done a Joe Pressney session, you’ve never done a session.”
And they’re not wrong (so I’m told).

And Finally

Then there’s me.

Sometimes I wonder what life would be like without:

- the 2am wake-up panic over team selection
- the 4am worry about whether we’ve got the tactics right this week
- the 6am barrage of WhatsApp messages — usually from Steve Evans after a night out
- the Wednesday morning phone calls to Orford and Wakefield dropping them… again!

Then I remember how much I love this club and wouldn’t change a thing.

Don’t forget “rugby's a game, and games are fun”.

Miz

Look out for player and backroom updates in the coming weeks…..