Mobbs-Smith praises 'special environment' at Maidenhead RFC as eyes turn to new season

A Maidenhead RFC season packed with late drama has left a lot for head coach David Mobbs-Smith to consider as attention turns to planning for the new season.

A seventh place mid-table finish in the Regional 1 South Central division saw Maidenhead pull their weight against teams with much bigger budgets and players on professional contracts.

Reflecting on the ‘special environment’ that served Mobbs-Smith’s side so well at home this season, there is a chance of a higher push next year if their patchy away form can be addressed.

“It’s been a good season,” Mobbs-Smith told the Advertiser.

“We’ve had some amazing matches that have had people up in their seats – they can’t believe we’ve lost, can’t believe we’ve won.

“Last minutes kicks, there have been quite a few of those moments at home, its really created a special environment this season for the fans.

“If we can just get some of that form now on the road, we’ll look pretty good in the league.”

A summer recruitment operation is beginning to take shape and, although Mobbs-Smith was tight lipped on specifics, there could be another big squad turn around on the cards.

Last season, Maidenhead drafted in 22 new players for its first team.

Mobbs-Smith said: “There is a big turnover normally; you get retirements, you get the boys going to uni, but you also get the players coming back from uni.”

Maidenhead can count on a reliable supply of talented youth players coming through the ranks and some returning faces including Max Keller.

But their recruitment has in recent years, also benefitted from the changes in the town – notably last season saw several acquisitions from people moving into Maidenhead.

“It was amazing,” Mobbs-Smith said.

“There were people walking into the club saying ‘I’ve just moved to the area and I’d like to play rugby for a local club’ - And we were pleased to get a few good players.”

He added: “I’m guessing, as long as they keep filling up those new flats it will be something similar each year.”

While Maidenhead might not be forking out big money for players, that does not belie investment going on behind the scenes.

One of the club’s ongoing projects includes the construction of new changing rooms for its women and girls’ sides.

“That’s more important to us than paying people to turn up and play for us on a Saturday,” Mobbs-Smith said.

“We want to offer the best possible community club out there really and if you live in the Maidenhead area we want you to feel lucky enough where you have this outstanding club.”

Selection headaches will be a complaint for managers whatever the league and Maidenhead is no exception.

Those challenges mean Maidenhead have to employ innovative team sheet measures including a shared captaincy.

Both captains have been crucial this season and Mobbs-Smith will hope they can be relied upon again for the coming campaign.

Shawn Ingle, a key player for Maidenhead, balances international commitments for Germany throughout the league season.

“When he’s fit and playing for us, we get a wonderful asset in our team,” Mobbs-Smith said.

He shares the captaincy with Alex French, whom Mobbs-Smith also shared words of praise.

The Maids head coach said: “Alex French is the driving force in the senior side of the club, an amazing character and he really is the man that gets everybody up and going and keeps it moving forward.

“That creates the environment that keeps this club so buoyant and so friendly, vibrant and fun place to enjoy rugby.

“He is a massive character.”