Taylor bids to turn the tables on Hornets
Last updated 11:48, Friday, 12 September 2008
PAUL Taylor could be forgiven if he wanders in to the wrong dugout when Wath Brow face Millom tomorrow.
After an association with the Hornets that goes back over three decades – he was a club mascot when a youngster and conditioner during their National Cup-winning years – he retains great warmth for his home-town club.
But the former international athlete will tomorrow try to plot Wath Brow’s downfall as the new coach of promoted Millom.
“Wath Brow are still my club, but I’ve moved in to a different circle now,” said Taylor, whose girlfriend lives in Millom.
“I’ve followed them for 30 years or more, but life moves on and you have top accept new challenges.
“If Millom win tomorrow, it will be our first one, if Wath Brow win, I’ll be pleased to see them do well.
“Hopefully they’ll win the title. I can see them going all the way. They have won three games out of three and are a great club.
“They’ve been through a transition period but are now back on their feet. They reached the National Cup final again last year and everything’s rosy again.”
Taylor has not played RL since he was a 15-year-old at Wath Brow, opting instead for athletics.
But after a career that has included stints as fitness co-ordinator at pro clubs Whitehaven, Workington Town and Barrow Raiders, he has picked up a tip or two along the way.
And he was quick to pay tribute to former Brow coaches Martin Amor, Alfie Gregg, Scott Anderson, Ian Rooney and Ian Rudd, all of whom he also worked alongside.
He was at Barrow last year and moved to Haven in the close season when coach Paul Crarey switched to the Recre.
Taylor left the NL1 club soon after Crarey’s departure, and has already had his old boss take a training session with the Millom squad.
He is assisted by Paul Lupton and is happy with his squad, though like many clubs, injuries at present are restricting his options.
“There’s been a bit of disruption, but things are starting to settle down,” Taylor continued. “If we survive this year, there’s plenty of youth coming through.”
Last season he assisted Steve Mossop, as the club earned promotion as Division Two champions.
And at Mossop’s retirement bash he presented Taylor with a special rugby jersey. Millom colours were displayed on the front and Wath Brow’s on the back.
“I might wear it in the club after this game. It’ll mean I get even more abuse,” Taylor joked.
Holders Ellenborough are in Cumbria Cup action against local rivals Maryport.
Paul Williamson, Maryport secretary, said: “Ellenborough have quality all over the park and there’s no way we’ll underestimate them. Maybe they haven’t got the biggest squad, but they have experience in abundance.”
Maryport have 56 players signed on this season, including ex-Workington Town pro Craig Fisher, who switched from Cockermouth after leading the club to the Division Two title last term.
“The players will take a few matches to get used to playing with him,” Williamson added. “At the moment he’s a few steps ahead of them in attack.”
Kells can steal a march on Ellenborough in the Cumberland League title race if they beat visitors Glasson. Though after Glasson’s recent win over Ellenborough, it may not be easy for Peter Smith’s team.
Cumberland League Division One: Seaton v Wath Brow, Kells v Glasson, Cockermouth v Broughton Red Rose, Hensingham v Distington
Division Two: Salterbeck A v Seaton A, Egremont v Salterbeck Storm, Maryport A v Flimby, Great Clifton v Lowca A, Lowca v Kells A
Cumbria Cup Round One: Ellenborough v Maryport
Conference Division One: Millom v Wath Brow
