Posted in:
Farnham Fast Lane Knights
By Steve Rains
Oct 8, 2007 - 9:56:09 AM
After 12 years as Head Coach, preceded by 3 further years
as Offensive Co-Ordinator, Steve Rains has announced his resignation from the
Knights top job.
An overseas work commitment will result in Steve being
absent for the whole of the pre-season period and with the Knights stepping up
to the BAFL Premier after their BAFL 1 National Championship win he realises
that it is in the best interests of the team for him to stand aside. Special
Teams Co-Ordinator, and former Sussex Thunder and London Blitz Head Coach, Ian
Ellis will take control of the team for the 2008 season.
Coach Rains has also resigned as Director of Football for
the club but no announcement has been made regarding a replacement for that
role.
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Steve commented, "This has been a very, very tough
decision to make. I originally hoped that it would be possible to appoint a
caretaker Head Coach but for various good reasons that has not been possible.
Faced with that there was no option and although I am disappointed at having to
leave the team at such an exciting time I know its in their best interests. I
am particularly sorry that many of the players will learn of this decision
through this release - I did not however want to distract attention during our
Bowl run up and the celebrations after - they will all hopefully see me at the
awards night in November to catch up. I am leaving the club in great shape - we
have a strong core of players and great group of young Youth players preparing
to become the next generation of Knights. I have been contacted by several well
known players about the Knights for 2008 and that gives me every reason to
believe that the team will have added strength going into their first BAFL Premier
season"
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Under his leadership as Head Coach the team posted 78
wins, 32 losses and 3 ties in the regular season. His post season record stands
at 11 wins and 5 losses. Steve led the Knights into four successive EFAF Cup
campaigns from 2003-2006 posting 5 wins and 6 losses.
Conference Championships were achieved in 1997,2000, 2004,
2005 and 2007. His Knights won National Championships in 2000, 2004 and 2007
and were runners up in 2002 and 2005. The team were also runners up in the 2004
European (EFAF) Cup.
Another significant achievement was the trip he led to Las
Vegas where the Knights played Team USA at the start of the 2006 season.
The trip and the game presented many of the participants with lifelong memories
and the team on the field surprised many by losing narrowly to their hosts. Steve’s
wife Jenny remains involved with the club as Youth team Manager.
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Steve concluded, “I have had some tremendous times over
this, my second, period with the club. Our sponsors, the management and my
fellow coaches have been great to work with – we have dealt with lots of hard
work but the reward has been so much fun and a sense of pride in our
achievements. Special mention must go to Mark “Tango” Lockwood who has
supported me right from my first period with the club back in 1988. Also to my quarterback
and son Ashley for his application and fantastic contribution during the most
successful period for the club. Also to the coaching staff generally but at
various times Graham Jessett, Ian Ellis and in the early days Pete Vaughan in
particular stuck with me when the going got tough – who could forget the Batman
and Robin act after the 2000 Final that Pete and I were facilitated into by
Tango and the guys. Finally the players – we have had so much talent at the
Knights and it doesn’t stop – it’s been my honour to coach them and I feel
privileged to have them all as friends. It also led to a growth in our family
in the form of three Canadian “sons” as they fitted in with family life staying
at our house! This was my second period with the Knights – who knows there may
be a third at some stage. I will be back in April and we will see then if there
is anything for me to do – if not then I leave you with a scary reminder that I
was for a short time a member of BAFRA! (the Referees Association)”
