PGRFC are delighted to announce that Paul (PJ) Millea will captain the 1st XV for the 2017/18 season. Millea who returned to the club this summer, succeeds John Peterson who has joined the club’s back room team for the upcoming campaign.
Pictured: New captain Paul Millea (right) with new vice-captain Ally Murray.
The Cheshire County hooker, Millea returns to the club after spells with Orrell, Blackburn, Stockport and Macclesfield during which he has made over 200 career appearances to date.
Speaking on the appointment, Head Coach Paul Arnold said “I am really happy that PJ has accepted my offer to become 1st XV Captain. He’s got a fantastic attitude and has quickly earnt the respect of everyone in the squad. He has plenty of experience and I believe he has all the qualities required to be a great captain. He has that important affiliation with the club of having played mini and junior rugby here and he wants to see the club succeed both on and off the field”.
Speaking about being given the role, Paul Millea said “I am very proud to be offered the captaincy and am very much looking forward to leading an exciting and talented squad. I hope this season will be a memorable one for all involved at the club and the start of a positive period in the club’s history”.
Supporting Millea will be Alastair Murray who has been named as Vice-Captain for the upcoming season. Murray has been a virtual ever-present at Lightfoot Green over the last 3 seasons and has now amassed over 120 1st XV appearances for the club.
Paul Arnold said “It is important that we build a leadership group amongst the squad and I have been impressed with the way Ally has taken responsibility during the pre-season. He is very passionate about the club and has worked hard over the summer to set high standards. I believe he will offer great support to PJ and be a key part of the squad for the season ahead”.
Alastair Murray said “’I’m extremely proud to be named vice captain of Hoppers. The club is very close to my heart and means a great deal. When you talk to people who know rugby, they know Preston Grasshoppers and it’s a real honour to be part of a club with such a great history.
The coaches have really impressed me so far and I’m very happy to be working so closely with them and the senior group of players we now have in the squad. The likes of Chris Roddy, PJ, Mark Murray, James Fitzpatrick and Niall Crosley. I feel we work well as a group and have the same ambitions. Of course, we want to get promoted but it is important that we also develop the young talent we have in the squad so that they can drive standards and be leaders as well.
PJ is a diamond of a bloke. I’ve only known him for a few weeks but his attention to detail, communication skills and leadership qualities are there to be seen on and off the pitch. He’s a real asset to the club and a great guy to lead us, hopefully to a successful season and ultimatley to promotion”
Good luck PJ and Ally. We are all behind you!
