John Maynard’s step up to the role of Central West Rugby Union president means the position of club president he’s held at the Bulldogs for 20 years had to be vacated.

This year’s vice-president Greg Reid has been promoted to the head Bulldogs role.

His appointment was made official at the club’s annual general meeting.

Reid said the impact of Maynard’s time as club president has been enormous.

“It was quite an emotional time. John Maynard stepped down after nearly 20 years,” he said.

“It’s huge shoes to fill. He’s been outstanding for the club. We wouldn’t have this new facility if it wasn’t for his vision and tenacity. I’m still in close contact with John and I value his guidance.”

Reid appointment comes with two decades of experience with the club, both as a player and as a member of the committee.

He’s hoping his tenure at the top can start on the highest note possible in 2018.

“It’s been seven years since we played in a first grade grand final, and we’d love to have a home grand final here at our new ground – at the ‘Kennel’,” he said.

“I feel like we’re on the cusp of something great and I think we’ve got the players and the depth to get there. We just need to have the right attitude and we need to put in the hard yards.

“We had strong numbers last year. I know some clubs are struggling around the Central West but we aren’t. We’re always ready to welcome new players into the club. We’re an open door policy.”

Reid’s appointment comes at an exciting time for not just the Bulldogs but Central West Rugby Union as a whole, with the 2018 competition adopting a new two-tier format.

Bulldogs will play in the top tier alongside Orange Emus, Orange City, Forbes Platypi, Dubbo Kangaroos and Cowra Eagles.

“Something had to change. Insanity is trying to do the same thing and hoping for a different result,” Reid said.

“We need more people playing and a more sustainable competition and I think this is a step in the right direction.

“There is no one right or magic solution, and everyone’s going to have to give or take a little bit in this new structure.

“The consistent, high calibre rugby is what we need.”

Maynard is happy with the state the Bulldogs club is in as he vacates the presidents’ role.

“It was a really great thing for me to be a part of. We’ve had some great success both on and off the field,” he said.

“We’ve got a great facility and the club’s in a financially healthy position. We haven’t quite got back to the top in first grade but the club’s been very strong as a whole.

“Greg’s been doing a great job at the club and it was good to see him put his hand up for the job.

“I also think the appointment of Matt Tink as Central West CEO is a huge plus for the area.”

While Maynard said it will be a “challenging” start to the new position with CWRU but he’s interesting to see how the new competition plays out.

“The two tier system was needed because we couldn’t go on with the way things were. It had to change,” he said.

“We just have to look at the new system we’ve got and see how it goes.”