I can see the day
That I breathe for
Friends agree, there's a need
To play the game
And to win again
When I played my hand
I looked like a joker
Turned around
Fate must have woke her
'Cause lady luck
She was waiting outside the door
I'm winning (yeah yeah) I'm winning (I'm winning)... And I don't intend on losing again
Winning - Santana
Fair play to Coventry Rugby, they know how to crank up the interest on social media these days.
The midday post on Twitter on Thursday suggesting that there would be an announcement later that day of some significance kept me glued to my phone for the rest of the afternoon.
As was the intention, I guess.
We'd had this before of course, on a couple of occasions, only to be let down with offers that didn't actually amount to much, especially if you're a season ticket holder - three games for the price of two, you know the sort of thing.
Still gets me every time though, especially at this time of year when we're starting to look towards next season and players coming in to strengthen what is beginning to look like a very useful squad.
Remember when Sam Tuitupou's signing was made public, or that of David Halaifonua (turned out to be cheese and chalk as it happened, but at the time...). ALways live in hope of the next Sammy coming our way...
And then there was Zinzan, of course.
But when the tweet did finally arrive, it was as good as anything I'd hoping for.
Well, almost anyway.
And it was done in such a unique manner, at least unique to Cov anyway.
The club has always been fairly traditional in its approach to making important announcements, but this one certainly was different and perhaps reflected the importance the club itself attached to Will Chudley's new contract. Whatever the reasons, it brought a smile or two, on several fronts.
To have Will Chudley at the BPA next season is a major boost. He's shown that his experience is invaluable at this level and already the likes of Pat Pellegrini are benefitting from his presence in the side - more time, more options. 130 games in the Premiership gives you that.
He's a leader and he leads by example and it's no coincidence that since his arrival in mid-October (https://www.coventryrugby.co.uk/coventry-rugby-sign-will-chudley/), performances have improved dramatically. Okay, he's 33 at the moment, so we won't get more than two or three seasons out of him at best I'd imagine, but he's worked with Rae before and clearly he believes the club is going forward and he wants to be part of the journey we're on, players, coaches and spectators alike.
And it's a two way thing. Having Will involved in a squad where there are so many talented youngsters, especially in the backs, ensures that they are constantly exposed to someone who has plied his trade with some of the biggest names in the game - and many of the the skills he has are transferable. And that's the important thing.
At 33, Will might have struggled to get himself a contract with another Premiership side, other than perhaps as a second or third choice no 9. At Cov, he'll be playing regular first team rugby and as well as having a major impact on the club off the pitch too and, maybe as they did with Tony Fenner, they'll ease him into the coaching side of the game should he so wish it.
Good move for him, great one for us.
I expect the Cov board will have had to dig a little deeper into their pockets than for most of the players heading to the BPA this summer, but the fact that they are prepared to is testament to the importance they attach to Will and of Rae's belief that he can further contribute to the short to mid-term plans the Head Coach has with regard to developing the squad further in readiness for a push for promotion.
Rowland Winter did the same with Tom Kessell, another Premiership scrum half, when he signed him initially on a loan deal in our promotion winning season and then again in 2018 on a two year deal. But in truth he flattered to deceive for the most part. Kessell only made 22 appearances for Northampton Saints and a Chudley he was not and in the games he's played against us for Pirates he hasn't really looked a class apart.
In the Championship he didn't really live up to our expectations.
I think it's fair to say that Will Chudley has already exceeded them.
I'm writing this post minutes after Cov's win down at Vallis Way, arguably our best win since...well, I don't know when.
Would we have won that without Chudley, or his contribution to the club's progression over the last three months?
Doubtful.
Very doubtful.
(Update: having read through a couple of reports of yesterday's game, it appears Chudley was replaced at half time. So whilst the original premise still stands, namely his presence this season has had a remarkable impact on the team's results, the depth is there to cope with his absence - which in in itself a huge step up. Will Lane must have done himself and the club proud in that second half).
Offering Will Chudley a contract, whether it's for either one or two years, is a big statement from the board. Players considering their options for next season will be looking at Cov carefully, looking at their results, the players they already have and the ones they are bringing in, noting the ambitious plans for the ground.
They'll be aware of the roadmap that has has been carefully drawn up to take us on a journey that none of us have ever been on before (although those a little long in the tooth will have travelled in the reverse direction!} and many will want to be a part of it.
Whilst the impact of Chudley's presence on the pitch is there for all to see, his influence of it might well be almost as important.
A testament to experience, too.
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