FOLLOWING a highly successful season at open age level Thatto Heath Crusaders have beaten off competition from rival clubs to land Richard Owen as their head coach for the 2017 Season.

The Crusaders, last term, secured an early return to the Kingston Press National Conference Premier League after landing the Division 1 Title under the guidance of long term coach Paul Hatton.

Mike Denning Chairman of Thatto Heath Crusaders paid tribute to Paul in saying “Paul has been a great servant to this club both as a player and Coach. We respect his decision to stand down at this time having led the Club back to the Premier Division where he vowed to take us after last years disappointment of relegation.

"I am sure Paul will still be around to help the existing Coaching Teams at open age where he can and will always be an integral part of what we do here at Close Street.”

Owen comes with a fine pedigree. A former Wigan St Patricks and BARLA International player he has also Coached the Pats at open age and has recently returned from International Duty with England Lions in Fiji where he was a mainstay of the Coaching Team for the touring party.

Owen commented: “It is the job I really wanted. Thatto are a great club and have some exceptional players I look forward to working with. Paul did a tremendous job last season and I hope to carry that on in the Premier League where every open age community player aspires to be.”

Owen will be assisted in the NCL once a again by the ever present Lee Gannon with Mike Woods and Martin Horton taking the reins again at the North West Men's League Team who will compete in the Premier League and hope to go one better than last year when they just failed at the final hurdle to score and impressive double.

Chris Frodsham former half back at the club will assist the open age coaching Team.

Pre-season Training commences at Close Street for all open age players on Tuesday the 13 December at 7pm and all players old and new are welcome.