Newly promoted Altrincham Kersal have signalled their intent for the coming season by signing Premiership coach Dave Wilks.
The Stelfox Avenue club were awarded the South Lancs/Cheshire League Trophy on Saturday after gaining promotion back to North West One at the first time of asking.
And now Wilks, currently the academy manager at Sale Sharks and head coach at National Two side Sedgley Tigers, has agreed to join the coaching line-up at the club where he began his career.
Below: Dave Wilks
Wilks, whose dad John sits on the committee at Kersal, said: “It’s great to be able to come back to AK and still see so many friendly faces. I can’t wait to get cracking and help give something back to the club where some of my fondest memories and greatest friendships were formed.”
In a distinguished professional career, Wilks played for the likes of Manchester, Nottingham, Leeds, Fylde, Sedgley and Sale Sharks, and also picked up Lancashire and England County honours, playing alongside the likes of Mark Cueto and Charlie Hodgson.
He will combine the role with his responsibilities as Sale Sharks academy manager.
Director of rugby Chris Smith said: “I’m sure it will be a huge motivation to all aspiring mini and junior players at AK knowing the Sale Sharks academy manager is part of the AK coaching team.
” I expect this news will greatly assist in recruitment of youth players at all age groups. In addition it confirms the clubs ambition to build on the promotion and push further.”
