Hoppers Begin Summer Recruitment Drive

Date: 03 May 2017

PGRFC are delighted to announce the signing of Cheshire County hooker Paul Millea from Macclesfield. The former Hoppers junior returns to the club after spells with Orrell, Blackburn, Stockport and Macclesfield.

An experienced campaigner, Millea (33) has over 200 career appearances to his name and knows what it takes to be successful in National Three North (or the soon to be re-named Northern Premier League) having been promoted out of the division during his time at Stockport.

Speaking on his return to Lightfoot Green, Paul said “Returning to Hoppers will see my career go full circle as this is where it started as an Under 10 playing mini rugby. I was a Hoppers junior all the way through to Colts age group and had a short taste of senior rugby at the club before moving elsewhere. I know Arnie (Head Coach Paul Arnold) well from our time at Orrell and when he put his vision for Hoppers to me I felt this was a good move and an opportunity to complete some unfinished business with the club. I also know Gareth well from our time together at Blackburn so I know the type of approach they will both be wanting to take to get Hoppers back to where the club wants to be. I can’t wait to get started”.

Head of Rugby Operations Gareth Dyer said “Arnie and I both felt that Paul is just the type of player we needed to add to the squad. He is an experienced player and brings with him strong leadership credentials. He’s a good character for the dressing room and I know what the club will be getting from Paul. Importantly he also knows what it takes to build a winning season having won promotions with Blackburn, Stockport and Macclesfield during his career. I am delighted to have Paul back in the Hoppers family”.

Speaking on recruitment plans for next season Dyer said “We are already busy bringing the squad together for next season. As I have already said, most of the squad are already signed up on deals for next season and that ensures we have stability. We know we have a lot of good young players and they will be wiser for what they have gone through this season.

Our focus is on adding some nous to the squad to ensure we have a better mix of youth and experience. We are close to completing further signings and these will be communicated in due course.”

Paul will join up with the club in time for pre-season. Welcome back to Lightfoot Green Paul!!

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