Issue 5 v Huddersfield DIGITAL READY

A LEGEND RETURNS!

Fylde RFC is delighted to announce the appointment of Steve Gough to the Club’s senior coaching group, with particular responsibility for the Fylde Hawks (the Club’s 2nd team). He will be working closely with the 1st XV’s Joint Head Coaches, Alex Loney and Chris Briers. Steve’s involvement will cement the Hawks as a vital pipeline for young talent through to the Club’s 1st team squad and on to National League rugby. Steve joined Fylde in 1985 as an 18 year old and had a distinguished 13 years tenure at fullback or fly-half and goal kicker in the Club’s campaign at National One (level 3) and Allied Dunbar 2 (level 2). He joined Coventry and then Birmingham Solihull between 1998 & 2001 before returning to the Woodlands as player-coach in the 2001-2 season. In all he made 320 appearances for Fylde and scored 1432 points. Chris Briers said: “There could be no better coach and mentor to young players than ‘Goughie’. Apart from senior coaching experience at Preston Grasshoppers, Tarleton and Fylde, over the last 15 years Steve has managed Myerscough College’s ACE/AASE programmes and is Sale Sharks DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) Manager and head of rugby. He’s coached many hundreds of young players who have gone on to successful

in the area, and to attract other players from the North West and beyond. Talent acquisition is a very serious objective. “A successful National League club such as Fylde needs a large and strong squad of players if it is to compete successfully and the

Hawks is a vital component in this development route. I expect there will be a significant increase in players based on Steve’s contacts with former students in the area. “Steve will receive a very warm welcome back at the Woodlands!” Steve Gough said: “I am excited to be returning to Fylde where I have had amazing experiences and memories. I am looking forward to the challenge and to work alongside top coaches in Chris and Alex. Having spoken to Nelly, I am convinced the club are heading in the right direction and have a clear plan for developing young talent, supporting the 1st team and wider squad.

careers in elite, semi-professional and community rugby. I worked with him at Myerscough and know that he’s an excellent judge of potential amongst a big pool of mainly Northern rugby talent. He’ll be a great asset to the Club.” Chairman of Rugby Mark Nelson said: “I’ve known and respected Goughie as a player and coach for a very long time. We are determined to continue the development of local young players, in partnership with schools, colleges and universities

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