Kevin Ellis

STATISTICS

DOB:
Career: 1968 - 1971, 1980
Senior Games: 77
Reserves Games:
3rds Games:

No doubting the fact that ‘Curley’ had big shoes to fill as the new coach in 1968, but with a combination of good humour, careful planning, and a strong on field-presence, he seemed to slot into the role seamlessly.
Whilst some thought that ‘Curley’ was picking up a ready made premiership team, closer examination revealed something quite different. This team boasted no fewer than seven new faces from the previous year. All of these players had come through the lower grades. It is a credit to the junior coaches, and ‘Curley’ himself, that he was able to mould these players into such a powerful team and one with such a strong local content. This really was a flag for the true believers. It would have been ‘top notch’ with Claude. One of Curley’s greatest assets as a coach was his relationship with his more junior coaches. He maintained a close contact with them throughout his tenure and was mindful of the need to devote much of his energy to the development of the younger players. On the field, ‘Curley’ was inspirational with pack breaking attacks on the ball. He led from the front with great courage and although fully involved in a playing sense, he still managed to retain a clear perspective on how a game was playing out and make on-field adjustments to change the style of play to suit Chelsea’s needs. During his four years in charge, ‘Curley’ may well have achieved greater success, but for that little bit of luck that can make all the difference. His teams were always right in contention come final’s time.