Aston to focus on-field as Sheffield appoint new CEO

Sheffield Eagles have appointed a new chief executive to enable Mark Aston to fully concentrate his efforts on the on-field operation.

Aston had combined his role as head coach with the top job, and will now take on the mantle of Director of Rugby.

Business consultant Ken Jones, until recently a director at Featherstone, comes in as chief executive as part of the re-structure, with the club working towards the move to a new stadium in 2016.

Aston said: “Ken’s knowledge and experience will help catapult the business side of the club to a different level.

“Going into the new stadium, we need to hit the ground running. As soon as we open the door on that first day, everything needs to be in place.

“It allows me to do what has always been my passion, and that is be a director of rugby, but also a coach.

“I want to coach for as many hours as I can, and develop the structures within the club through the scholarships and the academy.

“It allows myself and Nick Ward to strategically plan the long-term development plan from the first day they come into contact with this club, to when they make their first-team debut.

“It doesn’t mean I won’t be doing work with the business, I will still be going out there and will always be an ambassador. It’s been a huge part of my life and always will be.

“The new structure is upon us. We would love to be the first Championship team to be promoted.

“It will be difficult, but the money at stake by finishing higher up the competition will give us the opportunity to get closer to being a full-time outfit.

“To become better we need to have more time with the players.

“It’s really exciting, because that has always been the dream for the club; to have our own home and to be playing at the highest level possible.”