Cole steps down as Brods coach

John Cole watches as Brods' Matty Hoyle is tackled against Heath

Cole, a coach at the Hipperholme club for 11 years, could not commit the same amount of time to the role due to increasing work commitments and his family.

The news is a blow to Brods who have developed markedly during the course of the recently-completed season, adding style to their play after initially showing an ability to grid out results.

The Woodhead men finished fourth in Yorkshire One, their 16 victories in 26 league games including successes by 3-0 away and 18-17 at home against derby rivals Heath.

Cole has coached the senior side for the last two years, having controversially replacing Ian Armitage, and four years in total.

In 2009 he was an important part of the team that achieved promotion from Yorkshire One and he has also coached a junior side at the club from minis to under 19 colts.

That team achieved great success by winning the Yorkshire Premier Division and getting to the Senior Colts National cup final at Northampton in 2012.

Chairman Richard Turner said: “During the whole period of his involvement with coaching John has shown massive commitment to the club.

“I would like to thank him for all the work and time he has devoted to his role.”