CLUB PRESIDENT RICHARD KELLY LOOKS BACK AT A SUCCESSFUL TWO-SEASON SPELL AND DELVES INTO THE CLUB’S GOALS AND AMBITIONS TO GROW
We sat down with Richard to get his view on his time in the role and look ahead to the upcoming season.
Watsonian Football Club is delighted to announce that Club President, Richard Kelly, has been reappointed for the 2024/2025 season after a highly successful two years in the position at his boyhood club. Having consistently fielded at least four teams over the previous two seasons, the landscape of Scottish club rugby is set to change in 2024-25, and Watsonians are extremely confident that Richard is in a role where he will continue to help the club navigate these new challenges and build on the foundations that are already in place.
Richard is extremely proud to be in a position where he can help drive the club forward and continue to support Watsonians years on from his playing days. Whilst also running a busy and successful media planning and buying agency, MediaSpark, Richard dedicates his time outside of work to executing the club’s vision. This vision is for Watsonians to be the leading rugby club in Scotland, both on and off the field, measured through a multitude of different activities.
It would be impossible to look back at the last couple of seasons or build towards the upcoming season without looking at the Super Series. As a club, Watsonians is honoured to have represented Scottish club rugby at such a high level for multiple years and this competition has set the club up for future success as club rugby enters a new era in Scotland.
Hear what Richard had to say:
“I think that what we have learned having been part of the Super Series in terms of raising the bar off the field across all areas has been absolutely invaluable for the club and what a good condition that we're in, in terms of all the specialisms that we have in the club.
I genuinely think we are setting a very high standard across all areas – for example, our medical provision for players is first class, and we invest heavily in giving the players a very professional training environment at the Oriam (Scotland's Sports Performance Centre at Heriot Watt, Riccarton).The players are our most important asset, and we focus on looking after them”
Something else that we can’t ignore when looking back is the growth of the club as a whole in the last couple of years. With a strong, vibrant junior section and two to three Men’s teams, the growth of the Watsonians Women’s team has been incredible, winning back-to-back Sarah Beaney Cups and narrowly missing out on winning the Premiership. The job that Bruce Millar, his management team and the Director of Women’s Rugby, Emily Cotterill have done has been outstanding, and it is clear to see the inspiration that this is providing, with the generation and development of our girls section, the Wildcats.
The people involved in the club over the last couple of seasons have all played key roles in building towards the success of Watsonians’ future. From a commercial perspective, General Manager, Alistair Hamilton has brought in key commercial partners that not only have helped develop the profile of the club but also the profile of the league and the Scottish club game. As we look to continue partnering with names such as DHL, Harviestoun, Qmile Group, Icelantic and many more, it opens up further opportunities to provide Watsonian members with exclusive benefits that will positively impact the club as a whole. There has also been some incredible work done raising money for our Charity Partners, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital, as we continue to work towards our pledge of a five-figure sum. We really value that relationship.
As a club, we want to create a community of people who are driven to help others as well as create an environment that we want everyone to be part of… we’re a totally inclusive club.
Watsonians is proud to have a strong, unique 149-year relationship with George Watson’s College and one we look forward to building further, but as we continue to spread the message of inclusivity, we want it to be known that anybody can play for Watsonians, at any level, even if you did not attend the school (George Watson’s College). If you are in Edinburgh and want to play, come to Myreside…. you’ll be made to feel very welcome!”
The excitement around the club as Watsonians return to the Premiership continues to build and the club is delighted to have new head coach, Davey Wilson on board alongside Fin Gillies, Richard Snedden and Mike Ker. Richard understands the challenges of the new season but believes the work that has gone on over previous years has set the club up for success.
“Rekindling old friendships and old rivalries is really important to us as a club, particularly as we're entering our 150th year. It is a landmark period for Watsonians and the feedback that we have had from members already has been extremely positive. We’ve got some great things lined up for next season – led by Ken Cameron and the 150th Anniversary Sub Committee.There’s a huge energy around the club right now…. it’s a great time to be involved as a member, come down and join our wonderful volunteers on match day”
Chris Hunter (Director of Rugby) and everyone behind the scenes at the club have put in a huge amount of effort to build towards the 24/25 season as soon as Scottish Rugby announced its plans for the new structure. The retention of previous Super Series players is not to be understated, with coach Wilson relishing the task of fusing multiple teams together and creating a playing DNA that is unmistakably Watsonians.
As a very proud 5th generation Watsonian, and with the great work that Richard and the management team at the club have already achieved, the Management Board at the club have full confidence in extending his role as President into the 2024 – 2025 season. The whole team is incredibly excited about the upcoming year, as we look to continue our rise back to the top of Scottish club rugby.
Join the journey and become a member of Watsonian Football Club today.
