Mike Cooper’s new role – with Latchford Albion

WARRINGTON and England forward Mike Cooper is take over as director of rugby at Latchford Albion RLFC.
The club has announced the appoint which will see the Wolves star overseeing a complete restructure of the club and the introduction of a new youth section in which Lee Smith will take a pivotal role.
Current director of rugby Mick Byron will become chairman of the club with the committee’s full backing.
The club feels the new structure will provide a clear pathway for players to develop and progress.
Mike Cooper said: “I made it clear to the club that I would help any way I can and I’m proud to oversee the development of future players wearing Latchford’s colours to hopefully full time professionals.”
Mick Byron added: “Latchford has a fantastic tradition in regards to player development with current England internationals Mike and Kallum Watkins both coming through the ranks. Added to this current players Ryan Hickman and Danny Brown have both represented England Lionhearts in the last 18 months.
“Connor Muir was an Albion junior and in his first full open age season he received the  players player of the season so it shows we offer a great player pathway.
“Having Mike on board can only improve this. We had an initial chat on his return from Australia and I was impressed with his vision and commitment which fits perfectly with the ethos of the club.
Over the last five years the club has changed dramatically with a forward thinking committee, aided by local supporter Lee Birchall, allowing us to provide one of the best sporting facilities in amateur rugby which we are proud to call our home and also provides the perfect environment for players to prosper.”
Latchford’s open age squad are currently in pre-season training ahead of a return to the NWML premier division in 2017.
Any players, coaches, volunteers who are interested in joining Latchford’s journey should contact the club via their website or social media pages.