STOURBRIDGE Rugby Club is bracing itself for a Stourton Park power struggle.

A group led by former player Robin Edwards is aiming to push a host of new faces onto the club’s committee at this month’s AGM.

As part of the unprecedented move to effect change at the club, current chairman Carl Wythes will have to go head-to-head with Edwards for election to the top position.

The group looking to take control, understood to be calling themselves the Improvement Group, has named other candidates that will also be vying for votes at the meeting on July 29. It could see an overhaul of all the top positions at Stourton Park.

The push for power comes after a frustrating spell for fans has seen the club narrowly miss out on promotion twice in the last three years. Last season was a particular low point as the team ended the campaign in mid-table in National Two North.

Edwards said he is standing for election because he thinks improvements are needed.

He said: “I have been a member at the club for 40 years and played 300 times.

“Myself and a group of friends have been monitoring things for a while and we think we can make some positive changes.

“We want to see more rugby played at the club. We want to focus on the minis and juniors and make the whole set-up a more cohesive unit.

“With that in mind, One of my main priorities will be to form a colts team. It is something we don’t run at the moment but something, as a former colts captain, I know is very important. A team to link the Lions and the first team will also be looked into.

Continued on Page 81 “We want to attract as many people as possible to come to watch and play rugby at Stourton Park.

“On the pitch is always the priority but money is also a big factor in running a successful club. A lot of hard work has already been put in and the club is fortunate to have the range of current sponsors, but we think this can be expanded as well.

“The last thing we want is for our addition to be seen as a negative. We want our impact to be seen as a positive contribution to the club and would still want many people to stay involved even if they don’t win election. There are many factors that both sides already agree on, but we think we can make a difference.”

Current chairman Carl Wythes said he wouldn’t be speaking in detail on the matter until members have been contacted first.

“A publication of statements will be sent out out along with ballot papers to all of our members,” he said.

“We are still a members’ club and won’t be giving details publicly on the issue until they have been fully informed of the situation.”

A host of nominees from both sides will also contest some vital positions on the committee. Chris Cook will be up against Andy Whitfield for the role of honorary treasurer while current honorary secretary Huw Jenkins faces opposition from Andrew Dickens.