At the back end of 2018 Paul Rodgers “Bodger” told me that after what he believed was 15 years as SCRFC President he thought that is was time to give someone else a go – especially as it was only supposed to be a 3 year gig!
Since that time I have been considering in quiet moments how we fill the role. Now we have some exciting news to bring you.
Firstly I would like to pay tribute to Bodge. Bodge has been President for circa 15 years which included the pervious time I was Chairman as well as the current period. He has always been the epitome of what a rugby club President should be; gregarious, welcoming, generous, witty and beer loving combined with a sharp intellect and very fair interpretation of all things, not just the game. I have often had comments from opposing committees which make it clear how much they enjoyed “our company” – I have always know this meant Bodge!
In committee Bodge has been a very regular attendee but only ever made his views known on crucial issues and never used the role to seek to exert undue influence – when approached he has always offered wise council. He has also served judiciously on the Disciplinary Committee always exacting fair but strong decisions.
There is a big gap left by Bodge but one we are going to fill with a big personality. At committee last night we informed the attendees that we are nominating Derek Green to be the next President of “The Club”. There will not be many people who do not know Del, in fact, I am sure many people in and around Sutton would associate him with being “Mr Sutton Rugby Club”. It is a great pleasure personally for me to announce Del as President. I first met Del when he was a bouncer at the Station and I was 16. He stopped me and asked me for ID I said “I don’t have any I’m afraid but I know Oggie Smoldon” he let me in and I have liked him ever since! Subsequently I played with Del many times (when I was dropped or coming back from injury!) and toured with him to exotic locations such as Bournemouth! He is a fierce supporter of the club and contributes both as a sponsor and hugely as a volunteer (along with Gill, Jackie, Fliss and Ollie). I know that increasing the number of people that volunteer will be a drive that Del takes through his term.
Del will release his own statement later and we have begun to plan a handover and celebration of two great blokes that will be early in the season. I hope you will join me in thanking Bodge and welcoming and supporting Del – this will be a crucial period in our history as we approach the 100 year anniversary and I can’t think of anyone that will give it more effort or do it with more pride than the new SCRFC President Derek Green.
Yours in Rugby

Fletch