PGRFC are delighted to announce that Head Coach Paul Arnold has signed a contract extension to remain at Lightfoot Green until the end of the 2020/21 season.
After joining the club last summer, Arnold’s impact was instant with him leading the club to promotion from the Northern Premier Division in his first season in charge.
Initially Arnold was contracted until the end of upcoming 2018/19 season, but the club has moved quickly to tie him down to a longer deal.
Head of Rugby Operations Gareth Dyer said “We are delighted to have extended Paul’s stay at Lightfoot Green. His impact has been instant, and this signals that we are delighted with the job he has done so far, and it is important to reward that.
Having our Head Coach committed for the next 3 years is important as we make our return to National Two North. We are looking to build a stable playing base at the club and with most of our key players having committed their medium-term futures to the club, it is important we have a stable foundation off the field also.
We are learning the lessons as a club as to how we ended up losing our place in National 2 and having a stable infrastructure and squad is vital if we want to progress. Arnie has made a huge impact on and off the pitch and whilst he will be looking to perhaps not be as important on the field this year, he will be key to everything we do going forward. We have an evolving and improving setup at 1st XV level and whilst there is a lot of work still to do to get to where we want to be, tying down our Head Coach is a key part of the work we are doing”.
Speaking on his extended deal Paul Arnold said “I am really pleased to be committing myself to the club for the next three seasons. It’s a real family club, a fantastic club with proper rugby people involved throughout. The plans off the field are impressive and I am looking forward to helping us to grow as a club on the field at 1st XV level.
Joining Hoppers was a fresh start for both parties and myself, Emma and my family have all been made to feel part of the Hoppers family and really enjoyed becoming part of the club.
We know this season is going to be more difficult at a higher level than last season, but we can’t wait for the season to start. I would like to thank everyone behind the scenes for their continued support and for making my job easier. We are very lucky to have so many committed volunteers at our great club”.
