Coaches Comments
With preseason launched last week we spoke to Coventry Bears coaches Mark Hyslop and Alex Brown.
Assistant Coach
You played for the Bears and enjoyed great success as a player and now will be joining the club as a coach. What are you looking forward to the most?
Mark - Being part of the Bears again! it’s not often you get to be a player at a club then become the coach when you retire. I’m looking forward to bringing the youth through and getting the Bears back to being the top team in the Midlands again.
How does it feel to work alongside a former team mate in Alex Brown?
Mark - When Alex phoned me and asked me it took me seconds to jump at this opportunity I have huge respect for Browny as a player who always put in 110% at training and playing so I know as a coach he will do exactly the same.
You have had a really successful season as Head coach in rugby union. What is your coaching style or philosophy?
Mark- I had a great season with Coventrians RFC my first season as head coach and we got promoted.
Mark - I believe in playing for each other, having good discipline, and a positive attitude. If you get those 3 things right then you have a good platform to work from.
Are there any exciting new players locally that we could see in a Bears shirt this year that you have recruited?
Mark - Dan Gover , Sean Roberts , and a few more local experienced players I know are coming to give it a go in pre season for us those guys will add some real value.
Could we see you on the field this year?
Mark - No, the body is far to beaten up now I’m double the age of these players now so I will be quite happy on the sidelines shouting instructions!
Are you aware and do you have any opinions about the opposition this year in the competition?
Mark - Not really, last time I met any of the teams in the Midlands competition I was in charge of Coventry Dragons that was over 5 years ago and it will be interesting to see how they have all developed since then and what the standard of rugby league in the competition is like now.
Its 25 years of the Bears this year do you have any top moments that stand out in your mind that you are proud of?
If I had to pick three massive moments in my career at Coventry Bears they would be:
1 Winning the national 3 comp
2 Being player of the tournament at Kilkenny 9s
3 And being asked to be assistant coach to Alex this season
Head Coach
Pre-season starts soon. What are you looking for from the players this year?
Alex - I'm looking for players who bring the right attitude to training and show they are hungry to earn a shirt for the 1st game.
Last season we had a very talented but inexperienced squad. How are things shaping up this year with the squad?
Alex - Im excited about this year because we have retained the majority of the squad from last year but added some really experienced players in key positions which has both strenghened us and added more depth to the squad.
Do you have a coaches target or goal this year that you would like to share?
The goal for me is to win games and build the clubs community legacy. Our focus will be on beating whoever we are up against week in week out while consistently building through the season to the playoffs and final. I believe the club has reached more Harry Jepson Trophy Finals than any other club so has a history of high standards it’s down to me now to keep up that great legacy while developing younger players and being the very best community club we can be.
Could we see you on the field this year?
Alex - not planning on it but if duty calls!
It’s 25 years of the Bears this year do you have any top moments that stand out in your mind that you are proud of?
Alex - my best memories are from 2004 being part of the team that won the National League Div 3 Grand Final v Woolston Rovers, it was just an amazing team, season and final with many great players.
Personally one of my favourite games was playing Kells away in Whitehaven in the NCL and almost beating them in Cumbria for 1st time in years I also picked up the man of the match that day, Not many clubs can compete in the NCL and gain the sort of respect we did as a club over a consistent period of time.
In general I’m really proud to be part of the clubs journey over the majority of those 25 years as a player and now coach. The club is buzzing once again and everyone is buying into those community values and culture all the way from Juniors to First team. I also can’t wait to support our new women’s & girls section this year. It’s all really exciting.
Do we have any matches planned before the season we can look forward to?
Alex- Yes we have a pre season game planned against Elmbridge Eagles from London who are another great club and we may also be looking to get another game in place. I’m really looking forward to putting the lads through their paces at pre season towards our first games in May.
Full Fixture List: