Everyone at Northern would like to welcome John Barnes as our new Chairman of Rugby. The news was announced at this year's AGM. Clearly it has not been the best start for John's tenure, with the RFU announcing on Friday that the 2020/21 season is to be cancelled.
The appointment was made after Andy James explained that he had decided to step down as Chairman of Rugby. Andy had first met John Barnes when playing against him in a match with Vale of Lune 35 years ago, before John joined Northern. John Barnes rugby biography included playing for England Colleges and England Students, County, and the North Development squad, and successfully coaching Medicals, Morpeth, Northumberland U15s and U18s and the County U20s to a Twickenham Final. It is felt that he would bring dynamism and a positive influence to the role.
A big thank you goes to Andy James for all the time and effort he has put in over the years as our Chairman of Rugby. Mel Vecsey, club Honorary Secretary, nominated Andy James for Honorary Life Membership. He and Andy had joined Northern at about the same time nearly 50 years ago. Andy had played over 700 games for the First XV, and been Captain of the Firsts and the Wanderers, as well as County player. At various times he had served as Honorary Secretary, Chairman of the Executive, Chairman of Ground, Chairman of Selectors, Chairman of Rugby, County Representative, President of the Club, and President of the County.
New Vice Presidents
As well as naming a new Chairman of Rugby, the club announced five new vice presidents. These are:
Dan Coates: who had been a major factor in the rejuvenation of the Wanderers.
Chris Blyth: former player, coach of junior year groups, promoter of the new girls section with over 30 members.
Dave Guthrie: first joined Northern as a 19 year old, 10 years Blaydon Captain, Northumberland County, committed Northern coach since 2009.
Paul Scott: First XV playing career, now first team manager and sponsor, ambitious for the Club.
Tom Sealby: long-term Club player and fell runner, in recent years Panthers and Wanderers manager.
