Giants announce Anderson appointment
Huddersfield have today confirmed that Assistant Coach Paul Anderson will be promoted to the position of Head Coach for the 2013 season.
40-year old Anderson, a former Great Britain International Prop Forward, will take over the role from current coach Nathan Brown on a three-year deal when the Australian returns home after his contract expires at the end of the 2012 season.
Commenting on announcement, Brown said “It was a difficult decision to make as the players, the club and the whole local community have been very accepting and supportive of myself and my family.
“We remain 100% committed to the Giants in 2012 but the management and myself decided it was in the best interests of everyone that this decision was made early and announced now to save all of the speculation.
“We can therefore now fully focus on 2012 and the job ahead. We have an exciting squad for Super League XVII who are looking to continue to improve and grow together as a group.”
Brown went on to say “I’m personally delighted that Paul is taking over at the helm. The past four years have in my opinion seen Paul grow as a coach and he is as ready as he is going to be for the top job.
“He has served a great apprenticeship here along with playing at the highest level at winning clubs and so he knows what is required to be successful.”
Giants Managing Director Richard Thewlis said “By making this announcement now it gives clarity to everyone and stability for the long term.
“Next year we look forward to working towards giving Nathan Brown his most memorable year yet at the club as we continue to build upon what we have achieved.
“Now is not the time to reflect upon the wonderful achievements we have made under Nathan Brown as we will enjoy another year where we want to make more memories but it is the time to plan ahead as we always do and in Paul Anderson we believe we have a top class successor to Nathan.”
“He will inherit a great bunch of players with some tremendous structures in place for development. This is the job he has been working towards ever since his illustrious playing career ended and many things have been done by himself and the Club to assist him in getting to this point in his coaching career.
“We have always viewed Paul as having more than just the traditional assistant role and his responsibilities and input into many areas of the club has grown year on year.
“His own coaching development process under Nathan will continue of course for one more year and like all our supporters I wish both men every success next year and in the future.”
Anderson added “I am naturally excited by my appointment. However my focus at the moment is solely on the immediate task in hand which is assisting Nathan and the other staff in getting us ready to play in next years Super League.
“The people that I’ve been fortunate to work at the Giants firstly Jon Sharp & Kieron Purtill have had an influence on my path as a coach, and secondly the impact Nathan Brown has had on me as a coach and a person will be long lasting.”