Latest News
Nighthawks Appoint New Coaching Staff for 2009 Season After a successful 2008 season, the Merseyside Nighthawks are looking to continue their on-field progress and start by announcing the addition of new coaches to their line up. Coach Carl Rugen joins the Nighthawks to coach the defensive line. He brings with him a wealth of experience with his playing and coaching CV including time spent at Lancashire Wolverines, Manchester Titans, and the GB Lions squad. Coach Rugen said "I really enjoyed my time coaching at Manchester and Lancashire but now felt the time is right to come back to my local team the Merseyside Nighthawks. Since attending rookie camp in December, the impressive numbers at training and the emphasis that the players themselves put on midweek fitness will make a coaches life easier here as we can concentrate 100% on football during training sessions, which can only take a team forward. I am truly excited about Nighthawk football in 2009." The Nighthawks also welcome Coach Brian Coulson onboard, where he will take on the role of Special Teams co-ordinator, and will be coaching the defensive backs. Coach Coulson boasts 25 years in the game, playing at the Manchester Allstars, and most recently coaching at the Bolton Bulldogs. Coach Coulson added "There is a great deal of energy and commitment being shown by the players is fantastic, and the team are gelling well for such a young squad. Hopefully we can make 2009 the year of the Nighthawk!" With Simon James stepping down as offensive co-ordinator to concentrate on his expanding family, the role has been filled by two time Nighthawks' MVP Barry Murphy. The powerful running back, who began his playing career with the Nighthawks in 1994, is looking to build on the steps forward taken by the offence in recent years, in order to push for a Britbowl appearance. "Britbowl is the ultimate goal of the club, and I'm looking forward to the challenge of trying to get us there. The improvements made over the last few seasons have been phenomenal so I'm looking to maintain that upwards trend." Finally, the Nighthawks have filled the vacant Head Coach position with long time Nighthawk Gary Lee. Gary has been instrumental in the running of the club off the field for years, but also has a great football mind. When former Head Coach Charlie Holland retied, it was important to fill the role with someone who had Gary's capabilities and commitment to get the job done. Gary added "Having been involved with the club for so long, it was quite an honour for the committee to ask me to be head coach. With the experience brought in with coaches Coulson and Rugen, and the hard work coming from a number of younger coaches finding their feet, it makes my job as head coach a lot easier. After 2 very successful seasons, the step up to a higher level will prove a challenge, but we have the structure in place to face it head on." Added to the coaching staff already in place, the Nighthawks look to be a force to be reckoned with this season, in the race to Britbowl. |