Rugby: Ex-Lions coach Adamson moves from Bretton Park to Fengate

Top coach Lee Adamson has just put one city club into the National League – now he’s looking to do the same with another.

Former Saracens stalwart Adamson steered Peterborough Lions to two promotions during his four years at the club culminating in a step-up to National League Division Three after they ran away with the Midlands Division One title race last season.

But when former Northampton Saints star Darren Fox joined the Lions last month, Adamson left Bretton Park to seek another challenge.

And it didn’t take long to find one. At the weekend he was appointed head coach at Borough following the shock resignation of their South African player/coach Darian Uys due to work and family commitments.

Adamson will take up his new post at Fengate on August 1.

Borough vice-chairman Archie Bennett said: “After hearing of Darian’s decision we felt we had to move quickly due to the timing of his departure and the knowledge that Lee would be snapped up by another club if we didn’t approach him.

“The committee had a short-list of names, but Lee Adamson was by far the most outstanding candidate.

“He brings a record of success at our level, and we hope that he can help restore Peterborough Rugby Club to the level it should be operating at.

“I’m sure Lee will quickly settle in at Fengate.”

Borough were themselves a National League club four seasons ago and played at that level for almost a decade.

Bennett said Uys would remain at the club as a player and added: “I would like to thank Darian for all his hard work and effort. He has been a great servant to us during his two spells at the club.”

Lions chairman Andy Moore was quick to wish Adamson all the best.

He said: “Borough need someone like Lee to give them a lift. I’m sure he’ll be good for the club and hopefully players thinking of leaving might now stay put.

“I really wish Lee all the best and hope he pulls it off for them. He certainly knows the territory at that level.”

In another appointment, Borough have announced that former Stamford Rugby Club captain Matt Albinson has joined the coaching team as backs player/coach.

Training is now underway at Fengate on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and new players of any ability will be made most welcome.

Anyone interested in taking part should contact new first team skipper Sam Crooks on 07872 337442.

Former Borough first team stars are back on board

Two former first team stars have taken on important behind-the-scenes roles at Borough.

Recently-retired Ian Hamilton, who turned out for the senior side in the back row and on the wing in the 1970s and 80s, has returned to the management committee as secretary.

Andy Croson, a first team captain in the 1980s and one of the finest scrum-halves the club has ever had, has taken on the job as membership secretary.

Archie Bennett has made a move “upstairs” from club captain to vice-chairman with responsibility for the senior playing side of the club.

Club chairman Dick Clark believes the team represents an ideal mixture of youth and experience.

He said: “To be strong on the pitch we need to be strong off it. It is my belief we have assembled an excellent off-the-pitch team to move Peterborough Rugby Club forward.

“We welcome back some familiar faces with many years club experience and have made adjustments that were needed to hopefully embrace some new ideas and methodologies.

“I am really looking forward to next season.”

Borough club officers for the 2014/2015 season

President – Derek Watkins.

Chairman – Dick Clark.

Vice-chairman – Archie Bennett.

Secretary – Ian Hamilton.

Treasurer – Margery Beuttell.

Mini and Junior Chairman – Matt Throne.

General Manager – Nigel Cook.

Social chair – Gemma Cade.

Communications Officer – Ross Fudger.

Club Captain – Andy Barringer.

Ladies chair – Jen Sothmann.

Sponsorship Phil Dunn.

Grounds – Carl Greenwood.

Fixtures Secretary – John Smalley.

VP Secretary – Stefan Davison.

Hunts and Peterborough Rep – John Sismey.

Membership Secretary – Andy Croson.

Chairman of the Playing Committee – Hugh Burnham.

Assistant Secretary – Karen Crooks.

Coaching Co-ordinator – Darren King.

Referee Co-ordinator – Darren King.

Volunteer Co-ordinator – Neil Pretsell .

Safeguarding – Jen Pretsell.

Discipline Secretary – Darren King.

Schools Liaison – Martin Pearce.

Special Projects – Steve James.

Article source: http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-local-players-make-england-debuts-1-6005709

Rugby: Ex-Lions coach Adamson moves from Bretton Park to Fengate