Jim Greenwood takes great pride in seeing how far Gordonians have come during his tenure with the club.
The Countesswells side are closing in on promotion from National Three and securing an immediate return to the third tier of Scottish Rugby.
The restoration of a winning environment and improving ties with both universities in Aberdeen, thus enhancing recruitment, count as huge positives.
Head coach Greenwood grew up near England’s south coast but made the move north to Aberdeen in 2019.
A Covid-disrupted season preceded a narrow relegation from National Two, before the potential highs of this season. The journey has been an enjoyable one.
“I take a lot of pride in that and so should a lot of the guys in the leadership team,” said Greenwood. “A lot goes on behind-the-scenes to make sure guys can train and play.
“You need volunteers that are passionate about the club and we are very fortunate a lot of people are willing to muck in as much as they can.
“It reminds me very much of my club back home. It’s got good values and covets its culture. It’s all about doing the right thing by the players and the supporters.
“I think Gordonians wrap it up nicely in a parcel. That’s why we’ve been able to recruit so well over the last few years.”
GoGos need to refocus after first defeat of the season
The GoGos suffered their first defeat in 18 games last weekend, going down 37-33 to Howe of Fife, but the destination of the title is in their own hands.
Their nearest challengers for the championship are Hillhead Jordanhill, who trail Gordonians by four points and have played two games.
“Hillhead can get 10 points from their last two games, I’ve no doubt about that,” added Greenwood. “We have to make sure we secure promotion and if we want to finish on a high, go up to Orkney and do the job properly.
“It’s been a very long season for the players. You’re talking about eight or nine months of the season and it takes its toll on the body.”
Their next three games are at home against teams in the bottom half, before rounding out their season with a rearranged visit to Orkney.
The destination of the National Three title is firmly in their hands.
“The players made it really clear after being relegated on 44 points, they wanted to bounce straight back up,” said Greenwood.
“We have put ourselves in position where we’ve got the opportunity to get promoted. If it doesn’t happen then it’ll be down to us making a mistake.”
After the potential of an unbeaten campaign slipped through their grasp, restoring the standards they have set all year is now the priority.
Greenwood does not want Gordonians to limp over the line. A sprint-finish would give their season the conclusion it merits.
“How you do what you do, how you win, says everything about you,” he said. “We can potentially get the eight points we need and still lose two games – that would be a poor way to end what’s been a fantastic season.
“If we raise the focus and performance levels, the result will take care of itself.”
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