Official West Hartlepool RFC

It was 21 years ago that i began my association with the West jnr section. Theirs been some significant changes in that time. From premiership rugby , through the bad years,and now, when things are really looking up. I ve seen 4 different chairmen of jnr rugby at the club and id like to thank Messrs Dickens .Corkin. Cole and Mills for their support and tireless work.I d also like to pay tribute to the my collegues involved in the 2 teams i have tried to help steer through their formative years. Namely Messrs Brash and Waggot with the 1st team and latterly Messrs Martin , McMurdo and now Corbett with the current group. I have saved 1 name for special mention. Graham Southern has had a tremendous influence on both these teams and id like to thank him from the bottom of my heart, also on behalf of the players for his tutorage in the finer skills of the game. This season has ended with a league title and a county final win for the 18s. I think on that note its time to bow out. I became a grandad 6 wks ago and i think i rather fancy the idea of pushing the pram about. On a final note , id like to thank every single player who has turned out for me in a West shirt. ITS BEEN A F**KING PLEASURE AND A F**KING GREAT RIDE .TA...:?-( PSgod ill miss it..

Well done Ian, very well deserved. Enjoy your 'retirement'

All the best Ian,

THANKS

Barry

Sad news really but all the best Ian. Without the likes of you there would no longer be a 'West' and that is a fact!
Hope we still see you at the club reguarly, i'm sure we will!

Oldge

sad loss to the coaching set up and to west. I have known ian alot of years since i first ever started playing at the age of 8 and wass still a misrible bastard then haha only joking.And thanks for all the work oyou put in over those years. Hope to still see you around the club ian and also just to echo what oldge wrote.

cheers
tonesy

How about a game between the 2 teams as a 'retirement party'? I would imagine that the older team still have enough regular players to make it competitive although I would think that the current u18's team would win comfortably. I'm not too sure if there would be able to get a front row out, bearing in mind Hodgy played prop at colts!

Just an idea though.

cheers for all your work over the last 10 years or so. it is very much appreciated, we wouldn't have been half the team we are/were if it wasn't for you. took alot of sh*t over the years and just kept on going, you and the father have made a great team with two very successful teams at junior level and topped off with a great few seasons with the stags recently, i am sure your work has meant as much to the likes of scott ryan and jonny who have also been there since the age of 6ish.

thanks and enjoy your retirement peart you miserable man!

Was pleasure working with you and the lads over the years. Hard work, but most enjoyable and rewarding. A fine bunch of lads there.

Congratulations on Carolyn and yourself becoming grandparents and have fun changing all those nappies!

See you around Grumps :oD

Yours, "Uncle Brian" aka "Your conscience".



Post Edited (03-05-09 13:51)

Re Here"s an idea...

That would be an interesting challenge. The " original flock " would probably have the guile but would they be able to catch the "young uns". Could the originals raise a team? It would be a highly entertaining encounter... POSITIVELY MOUTHWATERING IN FACT...

Enjoy your retirement Ian. Fantastic serevent to the club. Congratulations.
Carlo.

I have discussed the idea of a game between the 2 teams ian coached with hendo and we reckon we could field a competitive team to play the u18s if they are up for an exhibition match? If yes i will volunteer to be our team manager seein as i cant play and will try and get as many of our old squad out as possible. Think it would be a good day if we could and sure ian deserves it as he is a west legend.



Post Edited (04-05-09 18:50)

Ian it has been a pleasure working along side you during our junior rugby years. long may it continue with the seniors. having seen Laycock & Kerr go on to greater things & Dash, Panda, Hodgy,Hendo & Mash to name a few from the first group all play a big part in the clubs resent up turn of form .
I can only hope that the latest bunch Scotty,Ryan,Ben,Zac,Will........can also go on to play at high level .
Well done mate and Thanks for all your effort over the years.
Sos.

Gilly
Nice one mate I'll get the word out to those still playing at the club i'm sure there will be enough willing bodies & Hodgy would love to prop again.

What a great servant to the club and excellent example of commitment. Think ive been around for the best part of your involvement and shared some great times. Gilly is going to sort out the team if the u18 feel upto it! Given that we've still got a few good players kicking about then i dont want them to get their little hopes up only to be shot down in flames.
All the best buddy and i'm sure you'll still be up the clubs on a regular basis.

Come on lets get this game sorted :D well done ian nice being 'under your wing' youv been ace for the last four years fella x

I Have used that stalking tool aka facebook to message just about all off the "original flock" already we almost have a team sorted which is quality. Still no definate reply from the U18's....... (scared?)

Need to just check out what the score is ie playing it, making sure everyone is covered insurance wise etc etc (how sensible??) and also getting a decent ref to do the game too.

'Tis on then Master Turnbull. I shall confirm a date as soon as practicable.

yeah gilly, we are up for that i should think. just give us a date and we will get a team sorted mate.