Gridiron rolefor Yates

Clyde Valley Blackhawks have appointed a new head coach in David Yates.

It’s a case of the pupil becoming the master, as Yates started playing at the American football club under Richard Orr, who is stepping down.

Yates officially takes over on October 1, having been at the club since he was 16, progressing from Clyde Valley Hawks to the senior Blackhawks team within two years.

Yates said: “I’m very honoured to be adding my name to a very distinguished list of men who have been head coach of the Blackhawks, the likes of Davie Z, Gareth Cowie, Gordon Lockhart and, of course, my predecessor Richard Orr.

“I’m really excited and looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

Yates has coaching experience, having started at UWS Pyros, where he trained offensive line and defensive line, before achieving the role of defensive co-ordinator.

Yates added: “I can only see positive things on the horizon for the Blackhawks.”