Midlands Premier club Bournville have appointed Phil Maynard, the former Worcester, Birmingham & Solihull and Coventry Director of Rugby as their Managing Director.
Maynard, who was also Managing Director of Coventry, joins Bournville with immediate effect and will be responsible for helping drive Bournville’s ambitions on and off the pitch.
Bournville recently moved into their first permanent home at Avery Fields Sports and Events Venue off Sandon Road in Edgbaston where the impressive facilities include an artificial grass pitch and plush conference facilities.
Maynard, who played for Woodrush, Kings Norton and Birmingham, began his coaching career with Kings Norton and North Midlands Under-21s and took Worcester from Midlands Two into what is now the Championship.
He then had a spell with Stourbridge before joining Birmingham & Solihull where he masterminded the stunning victory over Wasps in the quarter-final of the Powergen Cup in 2004.
Maynard then helped Coventry rebuild after they suffered administration and relegation from the Championship and helped them to generate non-rugby revenue from the facilities at Butts Park Arena.
“I have been impressed with the Bournville set-up over a number of years, watching from afar as they have developed on and off the field,” Maynard said.
“Over the last ten years they have risen through the league structure, building a reputation as a great place for amateur and semi-professional rugby, it was clear not having a ground was an issue, but now they have their first permanent home in their 109 year history, the sky is the limit”.
Maynard’s arrival at Avery Fields will see him link up with Terry Sigley, the Bees’ tighthead prop against Wasps, who is now Bournville’s forwards’ coach, and Sigley’s elder brother Rob, Bournville’s Director of Rugby.
“We now have a first-class facility for rugby in the Birmingham area,” said Rob Sigley.
“Avery Fields is being developed as a centre of excellence for rugby in the area, we are hosting the Worcester Warriors Developing Players Programme for Birmingham, have linked up with both North Midlands and Greater Birmingham as a training and playing facility and more recently agreed to host the Ireland-qualified programme which leads on to the Irish Exiles.
“We have developed a fantastic partnership with University College Birmingham and we are looking to host cross-sport participation in the area including male and female American Football and Rugby League.
“Phil’s appointment will help drive the club’s ambitions off the field and match its on- field ambitions and growth to deliver sustainable rugby for the city.”
Bournville Chairman Mick Palmer said: “When I first heard that there was a potential for Phil to get involved it was perfect timing.
“The new ground and facility now needs to be driven forward and maximise its potential and to support the rugby side’s ambitions.
“We are running three men’s teams, a ladies team and over 450 mini and juniors on Sunday mornings. Phil’s knowledge and contacts will be invaluable to the club.”