Paul Arnold Announced As Head Coach

Date: 25 April 2017

Preston Grasshoppers RFC are delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Arnold as their new player Head Coach.

Arnold joins the club from neighbours Fylde where he has been Head Coach for the last two years. Prior to that he was forwards coach at the Woodlands before assuming the head role towards the end of the 2014/15 season.

A free scoring lock forward, he joined Fylde in 2010/11 having previously plied his trade for Sedgley Tigers (2000-2004), Orrell (2004/5), Nottingham (2005/6), Moseley (2006-2009) and Caldy (2009/10).

In total, ‘Arnie” has made over 400 club career appearances across the Championship, National One and National Two. In addition, he has represented Lancashire on 36 occasions and earned England Counties selection.

He is also assistant coach to England Counties Under 20’s.

Head of Rugby Operations Gareth Dyer said “This is an important appointment for the club.

Quite simply, Arnie is a winner.

He has enjoyed success throughout his playing career and his appointment is a big statement of intent as to where we want to take the club in the coming seasons.

When we became aware of Paul’s availability we were very keen to speak to him about coming to Hoppers. He can see the obvious potential at Lightfoot Green and the opportunity to build something special. He brings with him a big personality, a great deal of experience and a real hunger to be successful.

Paul believes in playing the game in certain way and I am sure the style he wants to implement will be welcomed by both players and supporters alike. He has a deep rugby knowledge and good contacts within the game to help attract the type of player we need to take us forward. He also has a proven track record of bringing through younger players and this was an important consideration in our decision.

We are delighted to welcome Paul into the Hoppers family”.

Paul Arnold said “I thoroughly enjoyed my 7 years at Fylde and I learnt a lot during my time at the Woodlands. But I felt now was the right time for a fresh challenge and I am excited to join Hoppers.

The club’s potential is huge and I am looking forward to working with everyone at Lightfoot Green and getting Hoppers back to where they belong as one of the best clubs not only in Lancashire but also in the North.”

Welcome to Lightfoot Green Paul!

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