Pre-season training at Aspatria’s Bower Park has started and as always the welcome mat has been laid out for new arrivals.
The close season has seen a number of significant changes to the coaching team.
Head coach Andy Brown has lost the services of long time Black Red, Mike Scott from the touchline brains trust.
Mike has stepped away to concentrate on starting a new taxi business but will no doubt be a regular among the Bower Park ranks to see son Ryan represent the team.
Replacing Mike on the touch line is Matthew Atkinson. Matthew is no stranger to Bower Park having represented the club for several seasons before spells in the Scottish Borders with Jed Forest and Hawick.
Matthew will take responsibility for coaching the Black Red forwards and will be available to pull on a shirt as required.
Also leaving the club is last season’s captain, Jack Gaskell, who has taken an opportunity to step up to Level 5 rugby with Penrith.
Jack leaves with good wishes from all at Aspatria. His replacement as skipper is Chris Graham who is a regular in the forward engine room and like his predecessor leads from the front.
Other signings announced by Aspatria are a mix of experienced players and several who are new to Level 6 rugby but have great futures in front of them.
Steven Nelson is no stranger to most at Bower Park. Firstly, in opposition with St Benedict’s for several years and more recently in the black and amber of Kendal.
In his time at Kendal, Steven played 122 games scoring a prolific 56 tries, mostly from the number 8 berth.
His abrasive style and speed from the base has also seen him clock several years of Cumbria appearances as well.
Brown said: “I’m delighted we have attracted the calibre of player like Steven. A proven performer at Level 5 with Kendal, he will soon become a crowd favourite with his aggressive style of play and we will look to give him the platform up front to thrive off.”
Mike Stephens also brings a vast amount of experience at levels 5 and 6 having made over 300 appearances for Penrith over several years. After a period of time out of the game last season, Mike, known for his no-nonsense defence will certainly add some steel to next season’s pack.
Vice captain Arran Sullivan said: “I know Mike from my days at Penrith and can confirm this fella can hit. He will be a great person to have around, on and off the pitch. He’s a good guy and leads by example.”
Shane Cusack comes from a long line of quality players with dad, uncle and grandad being renowned players both locally and further afield.
Shane, comfortable in the centres or at full-back, has had a couple of years out of the game following injury and a change in employment but is now ready to get back on the grass at Bower Park.
Vice captain Grant Bethwaite said: “I’m looking forward to linking up with Shane. I know a couple of the squad have played with Shane before and they all, particularly Ryan Scott, comment on what a good player he is.
“Last year, through injury, we were badly affected in the backs, so Shane joining will bring some greater competition for places.”
Matthew Bowe, Kieran Robinson and Charlie Scott are other signings announced by the club.
Matthew is the son of ex-club captain and current committee man Mark Bowe. He has a great rugby pedigree and young Bowe has already shown in early training sessions that he is going to be a handful.
This will be Kieran’s first foray into rugby union having impressed for Aspatria Hornets RL side, picking-up almost weekly MOM awards.
Charlie is the son of Ian Scott, former Town and Leeds Rhino’s back rower and is joining from Ellenborough RL. Best described as an athletic front rower Charlie has been in excellent form this season.
Brown added: “I’m looking forward to getting back out there. Rest assured, the whole squad starts with a clean slate and has the chance now to impress and secure a starting berth in September. Everyone starts from the same place in pre-season.”
Other signings are expected to follow now that pre-season is in full swing.
One of which may take the club in a new direction. Aspatria are looking to appoint a ladies coach to assist a rapidly growing section of the club.
The club said: “We are looking for a ladies coach for a group of ladies who have recently taken up the sport and are keen to learn, enjoy, have fun and see where the journey takes them.
“They currently meet on Mondays, but require a coach to aid them in their development.
“This is a role that would take up only a few hours each week and is ideal for anyone looking to give a little bit back to the sport or develop ladies rugby.
“If interested, please get in touch using our club Facebook page.”
