YORK Wasps' academy chief Martin Flynn is set to become assistant to first-team boss Leo Epifania.

Flynn, who took over as caretaker boss following Lee Crooks' resignation last season, has been rewarded for his unstinting work for the club by becoming the number two.

With Epifania keen to take full control of the academy as well as the first team, Flynn's role has had to be changed, but this appointment will see him remain heavily involved with the youngsters, plus having a say at senior level.

Chief executive Ann Garvey said: "Martin took over running the first-team squad for the last few games last season and did an excellent job in the circumstances.

"He did that at very little cost to the club and it was greatly appreciated, plus he has done an excellent job with the academy so is deserving of this chance."

Flynn was elated. "The fact I did a couple of games at the end of last season let the club know I was interested in going up the coaching ladder and it developed from there," he told the Evening Press.

"When this opportunity arose I was delighted.

"I'm obviously hoping the club will go forward. There are a lot of positives about the place at the moment and I'm really looking forward to getting cracking.

"I want to get into (senior) coaching. This is the next step and it is a great opportunity for me. I am grateful to have been given this chance."

Flynn is also a co-ordinator in rugby league's North Yorkshire service area and is keen to continue working in the development of young players.

"The impression I've got is that Leo will take great interest in the academy side of things and that is very positive," he said.

"I was hoping I would be able to continue working with the academy and the opportunity to assist with the first team is a bonus."

Updated: 11:56 Saturday, September 29, 2001