Hunslet RLFC can confirm that Head Coach Alan Kilshaw has decided to leave the club at the end of the season.
Alan has stressed that his decision was not a rugby one, but one he has made for personal reasons. He already has a young family and his wife is expecting a baby imminently, meaning that the two hour journey time to and from Leeds would reduce the time he, quite rightly, wants to spend with his family.
Outside of rugby Alan has also had a new teaching job since May, which has further intensified his already challenging travel requirements. Alan has, therefore, taken the decision to take a job closer to home, and will become Head Coach of Swinton Lions for the 2024 season.
Chairman Kenny Sykes said; “We are obviously sad to see Alan move on, but he does so with our best wishes and thanks.
“Hunslet RLFC has always been a family Club and so we fully support Alan in his decision to put his family first. The Board are already working on options and are receiving applications for a new Head Coach.
“The Club are in a great position, on and off the pitch, to attract high calibre individuals who will be able to work with a competitive playing budget (for League 1 & the Championship) next season, and who will inherit a talented and successful group of players.
“We hope to be in a position to announce Alan’s replacement before the 8th September.
“In the meantime Alan remains our Head Coach for the rest of the season, and he is as determined as ever to finish second in League 1 and achieve promotion via a successful playoff campaign.
“Let’s all get behind the team over the remaining games and push them on towards the Championship.”
While I’m gutted I can totally understand the reasons Killer has decided to leave . That m62 is a nightmare the best of times , thanks Alan for your efforts , Swinton have got a good coach .
Sad to hear this news – he has made a really big impact and improved our fortunes. I knew the M62 was proving a problem for him – I know just how bad it can be!
All of us are sad to see him go, but he has made a huge difference in his time as our coach. I wish him well. PS Just get us into the Championship before you go!!
Alan’s weekly post-match comments tells us much about the honesty and integrity of the man. He’s clearly a demanding standard setter with a justified confidence in his approach to coaching. All this topped off by great communications skills.
His impact in South Leeds is obvious and he deserves all the plaudits he receives.