Wolves ringing coach changes

The wind of change has blown through Castlecroft during the summer, with former player Olly Herrmann taking over as head coach.

Herrmann has replaced Matt Jones, who was forced to step down due to work commitments with Worcester Warriors.

Club stalwart Ian Harley has taken on the role of forwards coach, while ex-Wolves colt Liam Holder has left Newport to take on a dual role combining playing with the position of backs and skills coach.

The arrival of Holder adds a touch of class and experience to Wolves’ ranks and their selection hand has been further strengthened by a number of other impressive signings.

Nathan Parker and Nathan Smart have arrived from Newport and Bridgnorth respectively while old boy Callum Wellings has returned following a stint out of the game. And the club are delighted to have secured the services of fly-half Joe Furlong, who was a member of Warrington Wolves rugby league academy and who had been playing for Telford Raiders.

“The club is much stronger than last year,” said forwards coach Harley. “All the players we targeted in the summer agreed to sign while there were a few others who came to us saying they wanted to join.

“Both the first team and second team squads will be stronger and we are very positive about the season.

“We won’t be setting any specific targets, the aim will be to go week by week and try to win every game we play. The league will be a lot stronger this year.”

Wolves start their Midlands Two West (North) campaign with a trip to newly-promoted Burntwood tomorrow and they will travel in confident mood having beaten Evesham 55-17 in the preliminary round of the Intermediate Cup last weekend.

Walsall and Stafford also face away-days with Walsall at Camp Hill and Stafford facing Leek.

In Midlands One West, Dudley Kingswinford and Old Halesonians will be looking too build on their opening day victories.

DK, who beat Whitchurch, travel to Droitwich, while Old Hales, who won a thriller at Lichfield last week, host new-boys Ludlow.