I have to admit to being very excited about this season - never before
have we attempted to progress this great club as much as we have done in the
last six months and about to do in the next twelve.

We started by installing a projector and screen in the back room - enabling
people to watch matches on a week end at the club. Not a bad start, then the
website has been upgraded, after great work by Martin Norman for several
years the website had a facelift and David Woodward took over the website
mantle and has delivered a great site at www.yorkrufc.co.uk

The decision was also taken to modernize the playing shirt, we feel the new
strip blends the traditional colours and modern style very well. I would be
delighted to see the shirt on sale and worn by youngsters in York. We would
be defiantly be bringing the game to the City.

As part of the drive to focus on the shirt and the pride taken by players in
wearing the shirt, we have changed the programme cover to reflect the change
this is York RUFC !

Ken Higgins is our new Coach, Ken has a great background in the game,
playing for North of England and Yorkshire alongside Peter Winter bottom and
coaching at Headingly, Roundhay, West Park and Wheatley Hills - Ken is great
forwards coach and I am so pleased he agreed in July to come and join us.
The interviewing process was a bit longwinded, but Ken got through !!

York has a new Captain in the Firsts - Carl Paterson takes over from Andy
Kay and the Fourths will be captained by Tim Godsen. Dave Wells continues
for the seconds and Paul Fensom for the Thirds. I mention these guys because
their role going forward is massive - we are asking them to bring our
youngsters on through the teams and let the talent come through. Dave, Tim
and Paul are exceptional characters and already we have significant talent
coming through.

Nic Jackson , Chris Atkinson and Neil McClure have already played in games
this season - all three out of the York Development Squad system - Darren
Rutherford has already been there, Sam Harland, Dave Ellershaw got to the
firsts during the close season, Mark McDaid is returning to us, Gavin Day
will start for the firsts soon, Andy Rowson will return from injury to play
again, as hopefully will Nick Ventress. All these players have come through
It is a marvellous tribute to the coaches and Managers of five years ago.

We have invested in our pitches to try and accommodate the increasing
pressure on the grass and also the infrastructure of the club facilities.

Finally, the biggest challenge of them all - The new Clubhouse, it's going
to be fantastic, and its going to be built with a huge amount of commitment
from one and all.

I have a great feeling about this season, lets get behind all our teams,
lets get behind all those volunteers, coaches, Managers, and Management Team
members who give up their time voluntarily, lets be supportive VP's as you
are the lifeline and glue of the club, without the VP's there would be too
much room at the bar "

Don Butler

List of Vice Presidents: