Player-coach Arnold to quit Fylde

Fylde RFC player-coach Paul Arnold is standing down from the role at the end of the National League One campaign.
Arnold - standing downArnold - standing down
Arnold - standing down

He is quitting the job he has had for the last two seasons, citing family and other reasons.

Now Fylde, who have had a fight to stave off relegation for much of the campaign, must search for a successor.

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Arnoold had been considering his future for some weeks, but Fylde officials said it was a surprise to them when he made the announcement,

It will end an association going back to 2010-11 when Arnold came to the Woodlands as a player.

Arnold said: "There are a number of reasons for my decision but, essentially, the time is right to move on and spend some time with my young family and look for a new challenge.

"During seven fantastic years here I've been lucky enough to have played with some unbelievable players. Most importantly, I have gained some true friends and have memories I will cherish.

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"Taking the reins at a club with the prominence of Fylde was never going to be easy. Moving from a player to player/head coach has been a stressful learning curve at times but it was always fun and I believe it's made me a far more effective coach.

"I'm proud of the many achievements of the last two seasons, helping to maintain National One status on a limited budget and not least driving the development of a genuinely competitive second team. We now attract the best young talent in the county and I believe some of these players will achieve great things at Fylde.

Fylde chairman Dave Young said: "Paul's decision to relinquish the head coach role has surprised us.

"However, we understand his reasons and thank him for the immense contribution he has made as both player and coach since 2010. He's a big character in every sense."

Spearheading the search for a successor, who will have a challenging job on his hands, will be former Fylde second row forward Roger Banks, who is the new chairman of rugby.

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