JACK Claydon, who is stepping down as head coach of Minehead Barbarians Rugby Club, says he will still be very much 'part of the team' next season.

"I will be training hard throughout the summer to get fit to play again and I will give as much help as I can to the new man in charge," he said this week.

"My work commitments at Hinkley Point - my work pattern - would have meant I could not do the job the way I would want next season.

"It has been a very difficult season because of injuries - but I have enjoyed the experience. I'm over my back problem and I will be looking to get in better shape during the close season.

"I am very grateful to everyone who has supported me this season - the captains, players and the club. I can take a lot of positives from the past winter."

Claydon, new to the job at the beginning of the season, was hit by numerous injuries early in the winter. It was only when players started coming back that results began to improve.

"I believe we turned the corner towards the end of the season and our position of seventh in our division was good, considering all the circumstances. We're slowly building a good squad," added the 31-year-old scrum half and centre who rejoined Minehead from Taunton Titans during the pandemic. Covid and injury has limited his appearances for the Babas.

With some promising youngsters stepping up to senior rugby this winter, Minehead are hoping to field two stronger senior sides. Injuries last season caused all sorts of problems for the 2nd XV who eventually finished second from bottom in Counties Four Somerset South, with just three victories in 16 matches.