KIDDERMINSTER Carolians have said a fond farewell to Ian Bletcher after he moved on from his position as head coach.

Bletcher has enjoyed a tremendously successful second spell at Marlpool Lane.

But he leaves with protégées Stu Such and Andy McLellan now in charge of first team affairs at the club.

Bletcher returned to KCs mid-way through the 2011-12 season as part of restructuring ofthe club’s coaching set up, which also saw Phil Knowles and Adrian Taft put in influential positions.

Kidderminster’s fortunes were transformed under his guidance and they enjoyed two third-placed finishes in the Midlands Division Two West (South).

But he’s taken more of a back seat since the end of last season, focusing more on mentoring Such and McLellan as well as second team trainers Mark Oliver and Matt Greene.

Director of rugby Phil Knowles said: “Ian has done an absolutely brilliant job.

“We were having a bit of a difficult period when we asked him to come in and has played a big part in our revival.

“He’s done a tremendous job, he’s a rugby man through and through, has real fire in his belly and is very passionate.

“Ian’s been working hard mentoring our young coaches and the club feel it is time for them to have some space.

“I hope they get the support they need and I am sure they will.”

Bletcher said: “I leave with lots of areas improved at the club.

“It’s great to see two terrific first team coaches and two excellent guys in charge of the seconds.

“It gives players the best chance to develop. During my time we have also helped to develop players like Lawrie Hughes and Rob Phillips.”

KCs played a friendly against Walsall seconds and recorded a 48-17 win on Saturday.

But they resume the Midlands Division Two West North at home to mid-table Camp Hill.

Kidderminster will be hoping to bounce back from their last league clash, a 37-0 defeat to Bridgnorth.

They will be without the influential pair of Mike Protheroe and Chris Baldwin but are set to field colts players Freddie Morgan, Josh Winfield and Jess Smith.