Report courtesy Worthing press officer, John Hobbs

 

Worthing Thunder recently announce that Daniel Hildreth will take over as head coach of the team for the upcoming 2012/13 EBL Division 1 season and will team up with club captain James Brame who will continue to play and undertake the role of assistant coach.

 

Hildreth, a former Worthing Thunder player and assistant coach of the national championship winning Under 18 side of 2011 takes over from Gary Smith who has had to resign due to new work commitments.

 

Known in Sussex for his tireless coaching work with youngsters, Hildreth comes into his first senior role by leading the youngest Thunder team in its history with many of the players coming from the victorious Under 18 side from 2011 that he was part of with Jack Sunderland, Julian Stanley and Nick Corbin to name a few from that roster.

 

As a player, Hildreth has enjoyed a lengthy playing career across the country; suiting up for Ware Rebels, Brighton Bears, Derby Storm and of course, Thunder.

 

“Whilst it is always difficult to recruit at such at late stage before the season starts, we are delighted to welcome Danny back to the senior club as head coach,” Worthing Thunder Chairman Frank Gainsbury said.

 

“He has an excellent working relationship with James Brame and knows the junior organisation inside out having coached many of the players from very young age. The appointment fits in with our philosophy to try and build a truly local team and I know his enthusiasm, commitment and presence will be popular with the playing squad, management and fans alike. We know this will be a difficult season for the club as we start to build for the long term future but we are confident that Danny and James are the right people to move the club on to the next phase in its development.

 

“I would like to thank Gary for all of his work over the last few years and fully understand his reasons for his departure to move on to his new business venture. We wish him well and truly hope that he will stay involved with the club in the future.”

 

Due to planned family commitments, Hildreth will officially take charge of the team starting next Wednesday. His first game in charge will be the National Trophy home game against Medway Park Crusaders on Saturday, September 22. James Brame will step in this Saturday and coach Worthing in their away game against Leicester Warriors.

 

Photo courtesy Andre Nichols