Blackheath captain Tom Baldwin is disappointed that his director of rugby James Shanahan will be moving on at the end of the season but feels they are in safe hands with incoming boss Tom Stradwick.
Shanahan, below, joined Blackheath in 2016 from Old Albanians and helped secure multiple promotions which have seen them become a top-half National One outfit.
He will be moving to National Two East side Bury St Edmunds next season to be closer to home, and back row Baldwin – who has been with Blackheath for 10 years – is sad to see him go.
Baldwin told The Rugby Paper: “It’s disappointing on the whole as he’s been great for us. He led us through Covid and spearheaded Blackheath over that period.
“It’s a shame he’s moving on but I completely understand why and the reasons behind it.
“There’s potentially a number of players retiring at the end of the year as well, so we want to make them proud. We’re not a million miles away from pushing up the-table, so that’s something we’re keen to do.”
Stradwick Taking Over
Taking over from Shanahan is Blackheath stalwart and fan favourite, Stradwick.
He has been with Blackheath since 2011 and during that time amassed over 200 first team appearances, scoring 19 tries.
Fellow back row Baldwin feels Stradwick is the ideal replacement for Shanahan.
“He’s a really good guy,” Baldwin said.
“He’s been operating as a player/forwards coach this season, so it should be a very natural transition for him. I’m excited to see how he gets on as a head coach.”
Season So Far
Last season Blackheath struggled at home and had more success on the road but their form this season has gone the other way.
Currently sitting sixth, Baldwin hopes they can address their away day blues and clinch a top-five finish.
“Our season has been a bit up and down on the whole,” said Baldwin.
“We’ve had some good results, especially at home which has been nice to perform in front of our fans but it’s definitely been a mixed bag away. We still have some challenging fixtures to come which will be interesting.
“We’d rather have it the way round it is this year so our home fans can see guys perform well but it’s strange that it’s turned on its head.”
Baldwin, who is 6ft 4ins and over 18 stone, enjoys getting Blackheath on the front foot and is pleased with his efforts this season.
He added: “I feel I’ve been a solid contributor to the side. My strengths lie in the set-piece, particularly lineout, but my carrying in traffic is what’s helped the team the most in terms of carrying off nine.”
International Rugby
Will Genia backs the Henry Pollock hype but feels England need to be more fluid
The best betting sites
