Spence retires from Blue and Golds

The Blue and Golds Head Coach Tony Spence has decided to call time on his 28-year coaching career in amateur rugby league. Spence came to the club in 2019 as assistant coach to Scott Taylor. He assumed the Head Coach position in 2020 just before the beginning of the Covid pandemic. Only 4 league and cup fixtures were played that year before lockdown began. The following season in 2021 saw only 11 fixtures played in a very Covid interrupted campaign.

Although the club were taken aback by his decision they would like to express their thanks. Spence brought a commitment, dedication and professionalism rarely seen in amateur sport. They are only disappointed that he did not get a full crack at what hopefully would have been a full and ‘normal’ season in 2022.

The club has acted swiftly to the news and have appointed Trevor Penrose as their interim Head Coach. A former BARLA international in his playing days, Penrose played his final season at Beverley during their 2018 Division 3 Championship-winning campaign. He will take charge of his first training session on Thursday, January 6th.

In the meantime, the club will look to appoint a new permanent Head Coach. The appointment is an important one and will not be rushed. It comes at exciting times for the club as they look to move forward alongside the Beverley Braves junior set-up.

Nick Robinson

17th December 2021