Burton Rugby Club have revealed their new director of rugby for the outfit’s women and girls section.
Level 3 RFU coach Dave Edmunds takes on the role after previously working with Selby Rugby Club and Loughborough College, taking the spot of Rhys Phillips who moved away from the area due to work commitments.
A statement on Burton’s website read:
“Dave is keen to develop the coaching capability across all the teams in the section to maximise both enjoyment and player potential in Burton Rugby Club’s major growth area.
“One of his key objectives will be to develop a smooth and clear player pathway into the clubs women’s senior team, and to maximise the opportunities of all players to reach their full potential.
“We have the largest Women and Girls section in the Midlands with over 140 players and Dave’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to reach the vision to be the best amateur club in the world.”
The manager of Hednesford Town has left his role to take the hot spot at Northern Premier League Premier Division outfit Buxton.
The Pitmen announced Gary Hayward had left his position at the club to move on to “pursue an opportunity elsewhere.”
Then, later on, Buxton unveiled Hayward as their new boss, succeeding Paul Phillips.
Speaking on his new club’s website, he said: “Even though it was heart-wrenching to leave Hednesford, I’m really looking forward to getting started immediately at Buxton, hoping to hit the ground running and putting a smile back on the players’ and supporters’ faces.”
Hayward had guided Hednesford to 4th in the Southern Division Premier Central before his departure.
He leaves Keys Park to join Buxton who currently play a step above the Pitmen.
Gary Hayward leaves his position after guiding the Pitmen to 4th in the Southern Premier League Premier Central
Hednesford also announced that Mark Ward had also left his role.
In a statement, the club said: “Mark Hayward and Mark Ward have today resigned from their management roles at Hednesford Town FC in order to pursue an opportunity elsewhere.
“We would like to thank Gary for coming into the club at a difficult time last season and galvanising the side to comfortably avoid relegation.
“This season, alongside Mark, Gary has built a squad which is challenging at the top end of the BetVictor Premier League Central. We wish them both success in the future.”
No comment has yet been made on who will take charge of the team in their league tie at home to Hitchin Town on Saturday.
Uttoxeter Racecourse has announced that music icon Rick Astley will be performing at the sports venue next year.
The ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ signer is due to take to the stage after a day of races on 16th May 2020 with tickets going on sale on Friday (December 6).
The Lancashire-born singer-songwriter has sold over 40 million records worldwide and remains a popular figure among all age groups.
A walk completed in memory of Stoke City goalkeeping legend Gordon Banks has raised thousands of pounds for a local charity.
Duncan Cowans, Nigel Wood, Alex Cowans, James Allen, Nigel Matthews, Kevin Upton, Jo Challinor and Sue Matthews trekked 36 miles from Molyneux Stadium to the Bet365 Stadium in honour of the former England number one, raising £5,052 for the Douglas Macmillan Hospice.
The walkers received excellent support from the Banks family and from the ‘old boys’ of Stoke City as all of the walkers presented the cheque to the charity
Stoke Potters Speedway have unveiled their 2019 Supporters Rider of the Year.
A packed house at Holditch Workingmen’s Club saw members past and present see this year’s team recognised for their efforts.
A pleasantly surprised Joe Alcock was named the 2019 Supporters Rider of the Year.
He said: “I’m absolutely delighted. I’d like to thank the fans that voted for me and for them standing by me over the past two seasons here at Stoke and it really does mean a lot to me with it being my home town club.”
Also receiving awards was Joe Lawlor for Fastest Potter at Loomer Road as well as for Managements Rider of the Year, and Tom Perry for the most maximums this season.
The Potters finished 7th in the National League, earning 12 points.
Members of the football family have been sending their condolences to Stoke City striker Benik Afobe after it was revealed his daughter had passed away.
Released on Sunday, it was revealed that Afobe’s two-year-old daughter Amora had died late on Friday evening after developing an unexpected, severe infection.
The statement read: “It is with an extremely heavy heart that the Afobe family have today confirmed the devastating news that their first child, their beloved daughter Amora, 2, passed away on Friday evening.
“Amora was taken to hospital for treatment after unexpectedly developing a severe infection.
“Unfortunately, she then suffered a number of serious complications and despite doctors doing absolutely everything that they possibly could, Amora passed away peacefully with the lover of her family by her side.
“The entire family have been left totally devastated and heartbroken, and would like to ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”
An endless amount of clubs have offered their condolences to the Potters forward and his family.
Stoke City wrote: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Stoke City are with Benik Afobe following this morning’s tragic news. We’ll be with you, Benik.”
Arsenal, the club where Afobe rose through the ranks to become a professional, also stated:
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Benik Afobe’s daughter, Amora. Everyone in the Arsenal family sends love and support to Benik and his family at this heartbreaking time.”
Ex-teammate Jack Wilshere paid his respects, saying: “Benik, my brother, my words will never mean enough to express how deeply sorry I am for your loss, and i know that no words will heal the pain in your hearts right now, just know I am here for you, Lois and your family always.”
A whole host of former clubs, including MK Dons, Reading and Huddersfield Town have offered their sympathies too.
Afobe played over 60 games for Wolverhampton Wanderers and became a popular player amongst fans and teammates.
Chants of “Ohh Benik Afobe” rang out from the stands during the club’s one-all draw with Sheffield United on Sunday with defender Matt Doherty dedicating his goal to Afobe’s daughter by kissing his black armband he was wearing in memory of Amora.
Bristol City will hold a minutes applause in the second minute of their game against Millwall as they pay their respects to their former player.
Sport in Staffs sends their condolences to Benik Afobe and his family at this extremely difficult time
WE HAVE MOVED! 