New era beckons for promoted Wisbech Rugby Club after coach Ben McCall leaves
COACH Ben McCall has left Harecroft Road - but Wisbech’s old guard are looking forward to a new era at the rugby club.
Manager Cliff Humphreys will take the reins after RAF engineer McCall had to move away from the area for work.
Humphreys will be assisted by the club’s new captain David Wadsley and vice-captain Andy Claydon, who have taken over from Tom Long and Shane Vickers.
Flanker Wadsley, 31, has played for Wisbech since he was a teenager and he is determined to lead the club to success.
“I’ve got a good feeling about next season,” he said.
“When Tom stepped down he approached me and asked if I fancied it and I decided I did. He has done a great job and left us in a fantastic position.”
Wisbech were promoted to London North-East Division Three through the play-offs last season and Wadsley said he wanted to challenge for more glory.
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He said: “Everyone seems together at the moment and we are looking forward to playing in a higher league.
“There’s no reason why we can’t be top of that league by the end of next season.”
Manager Humphreys said: “We’re going to try something a bit different this year. We’ve got a few stalwarts out there who are going to help coach but they don’t want the commitment of running the squad every week.
“We’re looking to keep it fresh and I’m chomping at the bit to get started.”
Humphreys said Wisbech would be without forward Graham Saunders, who has moved away, and full back Mark Laws, who is set to sign for Peterborough Lions.
Prop Dave Lamacraft will miss the start of the season as he is serving with the RAF in Afghanistan.
Departing coach McCall said: “I will miss Wisbech. They’re a great bunch of lads and it’s a really friendly club. I will always check their scores.
“They should consistently be pushing for promotion. Holt went up two years on the trot and there’s no reason why Wisbech can’t do that.”
Wisbech, who are hoping to arrange several warm-up games, will start their league campaign by hosting Harlow on September 15.
The club start pre-season training on Thursday, from 7pm at Harecroft Road.
