Jaques, Clegg go as new era starts at Otley (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Jaques, Clegg go as new era starts at Otley

3:35pm Sunday 28th June 2009 in

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Otley will have new men at the helm for the 2009-10 campaign.

Peter Clegg has stood down after over a decade as coach and Paul Jaques has quit as chairman after 12 years’ service.

“It’s a new era down at Otley and I’ve had 11 years at the club and just decided it was time for a change,” said Clegg, who, with Jaques, oversaw seven successive seasons at National League One (second tier) level.

“I’ve had no fallings out with anyone. I just wanted a break from it. But I will be there to be asked for advice for whoever takes over from me.”

Jaques revealed: “I said I was going to resign two years ago and have just followed through on that. It is time for someone younger who has new ideas.

“In some ways it is an ideal time for someone to take over, particularly as we have been relegated and the Rugby Football Union have changed the whole structure of the sport.”

As for whether he leaves Otley in better shape than when he took over, Jaques said: “We were two divisions lower when I started and we have finished fifth twice and seventh once in National League One during my time at the helm.

“But this last season has been disappointing. The club are OK but next season is going to be interesting because the financial worries within the sport aren’t going to go away.

“Only last week I heard that Harrogate haven’t been able to pay their players and London Welsh have gone into administration but the RFU just seem to be ignoring the situation.

“Any financial ceilings at Otley next season will be up to the new committee but I don’t expect that there will be anywhere near as much money around in the sport at our level.

“Players are going to find it very, very difficult to find positions on the same terms.”

Jaques added: “I know who my successor is going to be but it wouldn’t be fair to mention his name until after our annual meeting.

"A date for that hasn’t been set as we are still awaiting the accounts.”