Hamilton Rugby Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Dale Lyon as their new Head Coach. Dale will fulfil his commitments to his current Club until the end of this season, but will take every available opportunity to get involved with Hamilton in readiness for next season.Dale has an outstanding pedigree as a player and a coach. In his playing career he was a Scotland under-18 trialist, played for many years for his home Club Grangemouth, and was vice-captain of the Edinburgh Borderers invitational side.He has also represented Scotland at Rugby League before going on to coach and manage their Development squad.He has coached Rugby Union at senior level at Grangemouth, Allan Glens and Falkirk as well as Scottish Universities. He is though perhaps best known on the Scottish Rugby circuit for his excellent recent work with Edinburgh University, steering them to becoming the first University team to reach the Premiership – quite an achievement for a team who were all under 23 years old.Hamilton Secretary Kevin Rodgerson said “We are not known as a „fashionable? club, but once through the doors everyone seems to be impressed by what we have, what we do, and the way we go about our business.Currently we have very strong mini and midi sections and last year employed a full time Club Development Officer to support the age group coaches. This is starting to provide a real conveyor belt of young talent coming through to the Senior Teams but we need to channel that talent.Therefore, it is important that our next coach is someone who can develop young players capable of playing senior rugby at Premier level and Dale quite clearly has a track record of doing that.Dale also impressed us with his down to earth manner and enthusiasm for the game, and we feel that his outlook and approach is a very good fit for what we want to achieve. He is already talking about getting involved with the youth sections as soon as possible, and that can only be positive for the future. We are delighted to have him on board and everyone is excited about what he will bring to the Club.”Dale commented “I have had a great time working with Edinburgh University but all good things must come to an end. This opportunity has really rekindled my enthusiasm and I am excited to be joining a forward thinking Club like Hamilton. At the University I had the use of facilities that were the envy of many Premier One clubs. Hamilton is currently a bit short of training areas, and I have to admit that was initially a concern. However as we discussed the role it became clear that they are in the middle of a massive grounds development that will see three newly drained and re-laid pitches complete with floodlights ready for next season, so I will have be no excuses on that front! IPresident: Donald Woodrow, Secretary: Kevin Rodgerson, Treasurer: Sandy Cruickshank,Club Manager: Nick SchaschkeFor further information or to find out what is happening at Laigh Bent check outwww.hamiltonrugbyclub.co.ukwill bring new ideas to the Club but it is important to recognise that they have actually not been doing a whole lot wrong recently and do not need a major overhaul to be competitive.They look like finishing in a fairly healthy position within Premier 3, and from what I have seen already they have a committed group of players. I am sure that we can quickly be in a position to challenge for a return to Premier 2.”Hamilton Rugby Club welcomes new players and supporters at all levels. The „Bulls? run three competitive Senior Teams and teams which cater for all age groups from 5 years upwards. For more information and contact details visit the club website at www.HamiltonRugbyClub.co.ukFor further information or comment on this releaseContact : Mike Marron on mobile – 07952816243 : email – [email protected] Kevin Rodgerson on mobile – 07971614925 : email – [email protected]