Play-off final win is our aim: Hawkyard

Mar 11 2008 by David Lockwood, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

AFTER a troubled fortnight, Underbank Rangers are once again optimistic about their chances of success in the new Conference National season.

Only three months after being handed the top job and having revealed positive hopes for the side, John Byram and Paul Geener have both stepped down as joint head coaches.

But, in a turnaround in fortune at The Cross, Richie Hawkyard and Andy Boothroyd, both former Underbank junior players, have stepped in to take the reins.

In his first interview since taking the job, Hawkyard, 22, from Linthwaite, said he is extremely hopeful the team will have a good 2008 season.

Rangers open their league campaign with a trip to Hemel Stags in just over three weeks.

“We want to finish as high up the league as possible,” said Hawkyard.

“I’ve played with Andy (Boothroyd) before so, even for a coaching role, I think we will be able to work well together. I know him really well.

“He only lives down the road from me so that makes it easy if we want to discuss team affairs.

“Everyone concerned with the club should once again be confident ahead of the new season.

“I hope that the side can go one step further compared with last year and reach the play-off final this time around. Anything less than a place in the semi-final this season would be a disappointment.”

Former Bradford Bulls scrum half Hawkyard plays as stand-off for Swinton Lions – he also had an academy spell at the Giants – and Boothroyd, 23, is a hooker for Batley Bulldogs.

Their predecessor, Byram, stepped down as coach after buying a pub and is keen to concentrate on his new business.

The North of England Lionhearts coach said he also felt there was a lack of commitment shown by players not turning up for pre-season training, and this was also a factor in his decision to leave.

Hawkyard accepted he may struggle to improve this situation when he first takes charge of the side.

“The end of the Pennine League clashes with the start of the Conference National season so other players may be playing for teams involved in the other league,” he explained.

“This should be only a temporary thing while the Pennine competition ends and they can then concentrate solely on us.”

Hawkyard is excited about the new signings who will be joining the side.

“We have added to the players who we already had at the club last season,” he explained.

“They should be good and help us get high up in the league.”

Hawkyard and Boothroyd will take charge of their first training session at The Cross tomorrow.