Delport can help Pats hit new levels – Eddie
OLD Patesians can build a long-term vision for the first time – thanks to new head coach Thinus Delport, believes Dan Eddie.
Former South Africa full-back Delport's arrival has allowed Eddie to step into the director of rugby role at Everest Road.
And the former Doncaster and Leeds player believes the robust coaching line-up will allow Old Pats to plot their course for at least three years ahead – planning for the future in detail for the first time.
Hailing the recruitment of former Gloucester and Worcester favourite Delport, Eddie said Pats can now strive for higher levels than ever before, a timely step during their centenary year.
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Chris Downes has stepped up to the assistant coach role, with Rob Fidler continuing as forwards coach and Rob Nock working as skills coach and taking charge of the second XV.
Old Pats are aiming to field four senior teams this season, and Eddie is excited to help usher in a new era at the club.
He explained: "These changes mean I will now be able to take an overview role.
"Thinus will be hands-on and in charge of the first team from a day-to-day perspective.
"And it's fantastic to have a coach of his calibre on board, I'm sure that will help us hit new levels.
"We've done well in the past at Old Pats, but I think now this can take us to new heights.
"We have always had a good set-up but I don't think we've had the depth to be able to plan a long way into the future.
"And now I think we have the personnel to do that."
Eddie said his day job ought to provide invaluable experience as he starts a far more wide-ranging role with Pats.
He continued: "My role now will be to handle planning for things like sponsorship, playing structure, player welfare, to look at coaching qualifications and coaching standards, and help build a clear long-term vision and outlook for the club.
"My work role as customer services director for Axa Wealth will be a huge help with that, because there's lots of transferable skills, and so I think I am in a pretty good position to handle the transition and help the club move forward.
"I will still dip into the coaching as and when I am needed, but Thinus is definitely the lead on that.
"Whatever he needs me to do I will, but he's in charge day to day and that's a great move for the club.
"I will be able to take some one-on-one sessions and look at player development in more detail, so that's an exciting change for me.
"I will spend time now looking at everything at the club behind the scenes in detail, and examine where we can make changes and improvements that will stand the club in good stead in the years to come."
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