Whitehaven name new head coach

Whitehaven have appointed their all-time top try scorer David Seeds as their new head coach.

Seeds, 36, replaces Ged Stokes who was sacked at the end of the season following a dismal campaign which resulted in Haven’s relegation to Championship 1, a woe further compounded when the club recently entered administration.

Seeds has named Les Ashe as his number two, and their first task will be putting a squad together for 2011 in light of increasing speculation that a number of key players have agreed deals with local rivals Workington.

Craig Calvert, Graeme Mattinson, Scott McAvoy and Marc Jackson are all believed to have signed deals with Town after their contracts with Whitehaven became null and void last week after the club’s financial problems.

Whitehaven Rugby director Ralph Calvin said: “David was the natural choice of the board to be given the chance to coach the team and we are delighted he’s agreed to do the job.

“He had a long playing career with the club and has since served his coaching apprenticeship.

“David picked his coaching team and we are delighted with the set-up.”