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After winning the 2008 National Title and suffering a raft
of retirements including Head Coach Gerry McManus, the Coventry Cassidy Jets
decided it was time to start rebuilding. A complete overhaul of the coaching
staff ensued with only Lou Barnes being retained whilst Jim Roberson was
charged with filling McManus’ shoes. The reign of Roberson was short-lived and
nigh on disastrous, after the two parties decided to go their separate ways the
Jets found themselves one week away from the season opener without a single
coach in place.
Two months on Coventry are well placed, second in the
Premier League McManus has returned to the helm and started to build a new
coaching staff. The reigns of the defense have been placed in the hands of NFL
Europe legend Rowelle Blenman. The 41 year old Londoner played a record nine
seasons in the now defunct league starting with his hometown Monarchs. After
the pro team moved from England to become the Berlin Thunder, Blenman caught on
with the Scottish Claymores where he was a starter on their 2000 World Bowl
squad.
Equally comfortable at running back, wide receiver and
defensive back, Blenman was also a key contributor on special teams frequently
topping the NFL Europe tackling charts. Now working in Hatton Garden, the man
affectionately known as “B” had already enjoyed an impressive career before
turning pro. Attending Harper College just outside Chicago, Blenman learned the
intricacies of the safety position where he would later play for the London
Olympians winning 4 National Titles and 2 Eurobowls.
Blenman will be joined by Simon Vardy who, at only 23, has
turned his abilities to coaching after a serious knee injury derailed his
playing career. After 4 years in the University League with the Sheffield
Sabres plus another 4 in the British American Football League with the
Yorkshire Rams, Vardy had already chalked up an impressive resume. A team
Captain for the Sabres, Vardy was called up to represent Team England Youth in
2004. Working as a fitness instructor it seemed logical that Vardy would
combine his Defensive Coordinator role at the Sabres with that of Strength and
Conditioning Coach.
“I was invited to the Jets by Gerry McManus and
it was an offer I couldn't refuse” beamed an enthused Vardy. “The biggest
attraction for me to join the Jets was the opportunity to work within such a
great organisation with the skilled athletes we have. It’s a great opportunity
to develop myself as a coach as well as helping to develop the players, of
course the opportunity to win Britbowl is a nice extra”. Vardy and Blenman will
have their hands full next Sunday as the Jets travel to face an undefeated
London Blitz side that posted 28 points with ease on their visit to Coventry in
May.
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