Mayfield announce coaching setup for next season

Mayfield have announced their coaches for the 2010/11 season

Rochdale Mayfield have announced their exciting new coaching setup in the open age section for the forthcoming 2010 / 11 season.

The National Conference League (NCL) team sees Sam Butterworth continue from last season as head-coach and he has brought in Wayne Corcoran, a young and local talented player, as player-coach. They will be assisted and advised by ex-international and Super League player Damian Gibson.

Mayfield chairman Simon Howe said: “Sam continues to coach the NCL team and the progress that he made as a coach last season was clear for all to see. I’m confident that he has a great future in coaching rugby league and I’m delighted that he has shown the commitment he has to Mayfield.

“The NCL is a great stepping stone to the professional game for coaches and players alike, and we at Mayfield are determined to give local talent its chance to thrive at this, the top amateur level in the country.

“With that policy in mind Wayne was an obvious choice as a player-coach for the team, he has had a few injury problems, but at the end of our last season, and indeed with Hornets this season, he showed he is a class and determined player. Both Wayne and Sam are local lads who have tasted the professional level as players and are starting out as coaches by returning to their amateur club”.

Gibson played for Mayfield at the end of last season, and despite his full time coaching commitments with Calderdale College and Leeds Rhinos Academy team, the social appeal and team spirit at the club have persuaded him to continue playing and indeed offer his vast experience to Sam and Wayne, when time constraints permit.

Howe continued: “Damian is a one off. His presence on the field is immense and we are fortunate to be able to call on his experience as a player and a coach. Off the field he loves the banter and brings as much to the bar sessions. Sam, Wayne and Damian are all winners and are as determined as all at Mayfield to succeed.”

The North West Counties team also sees some changes with Leon Ashworth continuing as player-coach and being joined by local rugby league ‘legends’ Marvin Connelly and Steve Strand.

Howe added: “Leon led the young team admirably last year, instilling discipline and a renewed sense of fun and team spirit. He was rewarded with some great performances by the lads in a very competitive league.

Marvin and Steve have bags of experience in the game and will aid Leon’s progress as a coach, and individuals and the team can only benefit from their coaching and presence – as will the club.”

Pre-season training for all open age players started on Tuesday (29 June 2010) and continues each Tuesday and Thursday at 6.15pm start at the Mayfield sports centre in Castleton. All players are welcome along.