We are delighted to confirm the appointment of new first team physio Stephen Hayward.
Stephen joins the club with many years of physiotherapy experience having spent 22 years in the Military and then most recently with Rugby League side Featherstone Rovers where he enjoyed five years.
Stephen spoke about his new role:
I am delighted to join this fantastic club. I am a local lad so I know the area and I know how much this club means to the town. I was at the Harrogate game and it was incredible to see how passionate the Poolies are. I am looking forward to taking on the first team physio role at the club. I know how great Buster has been for many years and I know he will help with the easy transition. My first few days at the training ground have been great. The lads have been very welcoming and i'm looking forward to what will be an exciting season.
Dave Challinor spoke about Stephen:
I’d like to welcome Steve to the club. Great to have him in. A new face with new ideas. Great to come in on the back of a win and see the place in good spirits.
The first few weeks for him are going to be in more of a watching brief in terms of the habits and the routines of players, the schedules of ourselves and ultimately him taking ownership of that side of things and put into place his plans of how he sees that department running.
Everyone will run it differently but ultimately the responsibility will be with him. He’ll have ownership of that. I’m sure he’ll fit into the group. It will be a really positive appointment and hopefully he’s really unused! Not having lots of injuries and he finds it quite an easy role. I’m sure that won’t be the case and there are challenges but I know it’s certainly one he’s looking forward to.
Coming across from predominantly a Rugby background into this environment but an opportunity and a job that he’s really looking forward to getting his teeth stuck into.