Rugby League journalist Phil Hodgson accepted an invitation to become Hunsletโs press officer several months ago.
Itโs a decision heโs had no cause to regret, even though thereโs no on-field action or selection news to currently report on because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The crisis has given him the opportunity to witness at first-hand the quality of Hunsletโs board – and gain an insight into fine work being conducted on behalf of the sport as a whole by the Rugby Football League.
He says: โItโs been my privilege, and something of an eye-opener, to have been invited as an observer to several of Hunsletโs recent `conference callโ board meetings.
โOne thing above all has stood out to me; the well-honed and complementary professional skills of the people involved, underpinned by a clear and abiding love for Hunslet as the board grapples with the complexities of circumventing the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
โThe Parksiders, largely because of that professionalism and commitment, are well-placed to negotiate the many hurdles that they, in common with all other professional sports clubs, will face in the coming months. And I suspect that other Betfred League 1 clubs, not to mention Championship and Super League outfits, are similarly blessed.
โCrucially the Rugby Football League, with Chief Executive Ralph Rimmer, Chief Operating Officer Tony Sutton and Chief Regulatory Officer Karen Moorhouse at the forefront, quickly adopted a pro-active approach in engaging with the governmentโs Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, and in holding regular teleconferences with all clubs, putting Rugby League at the forefront of handling the crisis as effectively as possible in very difficult and challenging circumstances.
โThose close links, and continuing consultation, have been key factors in informing Hunsletโs planning.โ
Hodgson continued: โThe Parksidersโ chairman is Kenny Sykes, who accepted the role earlier this year when Neil Hampshire stepped down. A former player โ indeed, a member of the clubโs Hall of Fame โ Kennyโs calm leadership has been forged over several decades as a key figure at leading National Conference League club Heworth.
โHe worked in Leeds in the early 1970s (coinciding with the launch of his playing career with Hunslet) where he was a manager at the Employment Exchange in Eastgate. He spent over 31 years in the Civil Service, and a further 13 years in local government. Very pertinently, he operated at a senior level in the Civil Service and in local government and was instrumental, during his working career, in producing and interpreting complex government legislation.
โThat vast experience is being brought to bear as the board attend to the minutiae of protecting the interests of their employees, including players.
โNeil Hampshire may have stepped down as chairman, but he has possibly never been busier. An Assistant Director for Strategy and Change Management at HMRC until taking early retirement last year after 43 yearsโ service, his knowledge of the taxation systems is, without question, priceless and, as Hunsletโs representative at the RFLโs recent meetings, his ability to provide concise summaries and analysis to the rest of the board is hugely impressive.
โHampshire is working closely, in particular, with my namesake Phil Hodgson, who recently retired, in his mid-50s, as a management accountant with Northern Powergrid and who is bringing his long experience to the cause in attending, very professionally and tirelessly, to budgetary projections.
โAnother former chairman, Ian Johnson (Hampshireโs predecessor) has been highly active for more seasons than he may care to remember in a host of capacities on behalf of Hunslet. As a former human resources manager with BT, for whom he worked in a range of roles for 46 years โ before, over the last two or three years, owning a successful restaurant – Ian also brings a great deal to the table, including ten yearsโ service as a scout leader.
โPeter Jarvis recently stepped down as heritage director but has continued to be very active as a vice-president. `Jarvoโ spent a memorable playing career with Hunslet, Bramley, Halifax and Huddersfield before โ after successful stints coaching Leeds University, Belle Isle, Milford and, at professional level, Bramley – guiding Hunslet, alongside David Ward, to the Division One title in 1986-87. The former prop forward brings a wealth of pragmatic knowledge of the game to the cause, while his long experience as a publican has been invaluable in the clubโs dealings with suppliers.
โPeter Todd, who stepped forward as voluntary manager following the recent departure of the hard-working Darren Williams, had previously occupied that role. The former teacher has ensured that the transition has been seamless and that Hunslet continue to go about their day-to-day business in a thoroughly professional manner.
โDamian Irvine, meanwhile, joined the club as a non-executive director, together with the very supportive Jason Peterkin, late last year.
โThe Australian, who was for a time chairman of Cronulla Sharks, has plenty of experience at soccer clubs in England and recently joined Kent outfit Ebbsfleet AFC as chief executive. That link-up has already been of great benefit to Hunslet as Irvine, whose forte is assessing and addressing often complex organisational issues, has been able to contribute practical knowledge gained with Ebbsfleet to discussions.
โGary Thornton is also very impressive in meetings. Hunsletโs head coach, who has an excellent relationship with his players, is a manager with BT and adds valuable contributions beyond playing matters, utilising his experience gained coaching at some excellent Championship and League 1 clubs to the full.โ
Hodgson concluded: โHunslet have, in addition to an active and very professional board, a strong supporting cast of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers. The club may currently be in League 1, from which they are targeting promotion, but those running the organisation are, it seems to me, of Super League quality. Happily for Rugby League as a whole, Iโm sure that the same can be said of other clubs that are also currently outside the top flight.โ