Dynamic Doc has big plans for Bahrain club

Dynamic Doc first arrived in Bahrain for what was meant to be a six-month stint while considering whether to stay in the UK or relocate to Germany. However, like many before him, he ‘caught the Bahrain bug’ and more than 18 years later, he still calls the island home.

Recently elected chairman of Bahrain Rugby Football Club’s (BRFC) executive committee, the Glaswegian is operations director at Summit Interior Design and Rooms By Evripidou.

Currently residing in Saar, he enjoys the convenience of being just a short walk from the club, a particularly useful perk when taxis are in high demand after club events!

The 58-year-old has been married for nearly 25 years to Michaela (Micky), whom he met in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany. She has been a pillar of support, keeping him on the straight and narrow throughout his career.

Apart from her part-time job looking after John, she also works full-time as an office manager for a local law firm in Bahrain.

They have two children, Megan, who works as a lecturer in Equine Sustainability and Marketing at a university in the Netherlands and Riley, who has recently embarked on a career with the British Army and is currently undergoing basic training.

Doc 

Doc became a member of the BRFC in 2008 and has played rugby for the club at all levels. He still turns out for the Golden Oldies Vets team, continuing his active involvement in the club’s growth and development.

Having previously served as vice chairman, Doc worked closely alongside former chairman Mike Cunningham, supporting key changes to enhance the club experience for members. His goal has been to bring back the ethos of rugby and sports to the club while continuing to improve facilities and offerings.

“When the election process started, there were initially three candidates in the running,” Doc explained. “However, after discussions, the other two respectfully withdrew and offered me their support, making it a one-horse race. I believe my role as vice chairman worked in my favour and played a part in their decision, to which I thank them both for allowing me to step up into the chairman’s position.”

Doc is well aware that Mr Cunningham will be a ‘tough act to follow’ but he expresses immense gratitude for his predecessor’s work.

“Mike has been an inspiration to me – not just as a leader, but as a great friend,” said Doc. “He has left the club in a strong position with solid foundations to build on. I’ll certainly be bouncing ideas off him for years to come. I cannot thank him enough for his dedication and commitment to BRFC over the past eight years.”

The club has faced uncertainty in recent years, with major building plans put on hold and a potential relocation looming. However, Doc confirms that those concerns are now firmly in the past.

Club entrance

“Thankfully, we have a strong relationship with the Royal Court and have been granted a long-term lease that will secure BRFC at its current site for many years to come,” he revealed.

Doc expressed deep gratitude to the Royal Family for their unwavering support. “Our gratitude to the Royal Family is nothing short of amazing.

Under His Majesty King Hamad’s leadership, and with Shaikh Nasser, representative of His Majesty for humanitarian works and youth affairs, as our patron and Shaikh Khalid, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president, as a steadfast supporter, we will continue to build sports excellence and strengthen our community to ensure Bahrain Rugby Football Club remains the best rugby club in the Gulf.

“We are constantly evolving, making improvements every week and every month.”

This month the executive committee will present the new ‘master plan’ of the club to the membership for approval.

But in just the last couple of months, the club has already seen ‘exciting upgrades’.

Some of the recent developments at BRFC include:

• A new 5G Astro pitch – fully FIFA and World Rugby Accredited – confirmed for installation in summer 2024, ready for the 2025 season.
• A brand-new sports hall floor, which has received great reviews from members.
• A new kids’ soft play area, which recently opened and was featured in the GDN.
• A new golf simulator, which will shortly be operational.

Soccer session

Family favourite

Doc says he is supported by a dedicated executive committee (ExComm), each playing a vital role in the club’s future:

1. Honorary President – Jason Smith: A respected figure and John’s trusted adviser.

2. Vice Chairman – Allen Blake: A longtime friend and John’s trusted deputy.

3. General Secretary – Brian Shaw: “The Big Jock,” known for keeping things in order.

4. Treasurer – Andrew Walsh: A financial expert ensuring club finances remain strong.

5. Membership Secretary – Lee Stones: Dedicated to growing the club’s membership.

6. Club Captain – Annabel Brandreth: The key link between the sports sections and the committee.

7. ExComm Member – Owen Brown: The club’s project manager, overseeing new developments.

8. ExComm Member – Mohamed Anwar: Community outreach officer, connecting BRFC to the local community.

9. 1st Team Representative – Adam Wallace: Keeping the committee informed on rugby matters.

10. Sports Representative – Dianne Le: A recent addition, bringing fresh perspectives to ExComm.

“They are a dedicated team, and I hope they will be on board for the long haul with a four-year term,” he added. “It is the club I love and the club I call my second home, probably due to the time I spend there.

“A simple phrase that we all use – from the staff to the sports teams, to the members, to the sponsors – we are: ‘One Club. One Family. Respect’.

“That’s what Bahrain Rugby Football Club is all about. Without our members, our sponsors and the unwavering support of the Royal Family, we would not be in such a privileged position in Bahrain. Thank you to all.”

managingeditor@gdnmedia.bh