Bramald and Berry leave Hornets roles
ROCHDALE Hornets have confirmed that assistant coaches Paul Berry and Matt Bramald have departed the club ahead of the 2018 season.
Paul has played an integral part in the club’s success in both the 2016 and 2017 seasons, but due to family commitments his time at Hornets has come to an end.
While he welcomed a second new edition to his family Matt came in to assist Kilshaw at a crucial part of the season, and moves on with Rochdale’s best wishes.
It was tough for the head coach to see Paul end his time with the Hornets, but he thanked him for his contribution during two seasons at the Crown Oil Arena.
“Paul’s input and commitment over the past two seasons has had a huge influence on the team’s success,” Kilshaw commented.
“I am sorry to see him leave but it is totally understandable with a young family and demanding job.
“I’m sure when he dips his toe back into the coaching arena he won’t be short of offers.
“I can’t thank him enough for the role he has played since November 2015.”
He also thanked Matt for his short spell as assistant, and has tipped him to land a head coach role in the not so distant future.
“Matt came to us on a short term basis at the end of the season and unfortunately budget restrictions mean we can’t offer him a more permanent role at the club.
“Although he was only with us for the back end of the season, his attention to detail and preparation was second to none.
“I have no doubt he will move on to a head coach role again in the future.”
To fill the void left by the departing duo, Rochdale have appointed Lee Westwood as assistant coach for the 2018 campaign.
He is a full-time community coach at Warrington Wolves and has coached a range of ages and academies at the club too.
Lee has experience as coach of both Bank Quay Bulls and Woolston Rovers, and Kilshaw is delighted to have added him to the team.
“I’m really happy to have Lee on board this season,” he continued.
“We had a certain criteria of coach we wanted to bring in alongside myself and Jason (Viller), and Lee ticked all the boxes.
“He is technically a very good skills coach and has a great background in player development.
“He has some great ideas and his appointment will freshen things up for the group.
“He is also a great character to have around with an infectious personality.”
Jason Viller will continue as assistant coach for a third season, alongside Dave Ramsbottom who combines his coaching commitments with the Player Welfare Manager role.
Miles Greenwood will once again be working as strength and conditioning coach alongside his playing role. Steve Wordsworth continues as Head Analyst, Lauren Pilkington-Steele will remain as Physio with Andrea Buckley head of Rehabilitation and Massage, and Ian Sampson as Club Doctor.
‘We had a certain criteria of coach we wanted to bring in’