Heworth ARLC seek new coach to lead revival (From York Press)

Heworth ARLC seek new coach to lead revival

11:14am Thursday 18th October 2012 in Rugby League By Peter Martini, peter.martini@thepress.co.uk

Heworth ARLC are looking for a new head coach to lead an Elmpark Way resurgence.

The Villagers have gone the entire season without a victory and do not hold out much hope of ending that run away to Widnes West Bank on Saturday in the last match of the National Conference division two campaign. The team’s last win was as far back as October 2010.

Current boss Stuart Brown, who took on the reins, moving up from number two, when Steve Pryce quit in May, is to step aside at the end of this term – the year finishes with Challenge Cup first and second round ties on October 27 and November 3 – after which the club will look to appoint a new man.

Spokesman Ken Sykes had only praise for Brown, who, along with his family, will remain involved at Elmpark Way. His son plays in the juniors, brothers Graham and Chris coach at various levels, and his mum and dad help out around the place.

Sykes said: “Stuart came in originally to work with Steve Pryce and he’s done a great job despite what you see when you look at the league table. There’s no criticism of him whatsoever.

“Steve wasn’t a qualified as a coach but Stuart was newly-qualified so effectively he was head coach in name and then he took over. All along he’s acknowledged he would’ve preferred to have worked with someone to gain experience.

“Whether he stays (on the coaching team) depends on who applies and their ideas. Stuart is heavily involved in the club though. His family is synonymous with Heworth.”

Sykes would not say when the club expected to name their new coach but added: “There’s been some interest already and we hope we get a number of decent candidates.”

Meanwhile, Saturday’s match (2.30pm) is the rescheduled trip to Widnes, Heworth having failed to get out a team on the original date at the beginning of September – the club’s nadir amid two years of struggle.

They have improved performances since then, though, and were competitive – losing 34-10, with a try disallowed – to champions East Leeds last weekend.

Sykes added: “It’s been an achievement to get through the season. We played quite well last Saturday, better than some people might have expected.”