Midlands Hurricanes provide head coach and stadium update 

Josh McAllister
Midlands Hurricanes

League 1 side Midlands Hurricanes have announced their head coach and stadium plans for the 2022 campaign.

Richard Squires has committed his future to the club for next season, continuing his work from Coventry Bears.

“This is the start of something special. It’s an opportunity that I’m grateful to be given,” he told the club’s website.

“It’s a new lease of life for Midlands area. And a new opportunity to continue the legacy that Coventry Bears has created but take it to a whole new level. 

“Speaking with the owners, the vision they have for the club and where they want to take it is something I couldn’t turn down. It was an easy decision when offered the opportunity. 

“Last year was a great first season for me. The squad really performed and got the recognition they deserved.

“This is a brand new club, great area, it’s not about one person. The thing I want to establish here is trust so the players can feel it’s a place they’re always going to be welcome at and build relationships with the staff and the players. 

“The better we play the better we’ll build that relationship with the community as well. If they see a team here that’s working hard every week, and putting their best foot forward, that’s what I’ll be aiming to do here, whether we win or lose you’ll see a team that’s doing their best for you.”

2022 recruitment

On the club’s recruitment for 2022, Squires added: “It’s been extremely tough for the players this last few months. 

“Left in a situation not knowing what the plan is moving forward and although we have tried to update them as much as possible it’s been a real struggle. 

“Luckily we had a really dedicated group of individuals last year. That was part of the reason I brought them to the club in the first place. 

“They bought into the culture myself and Alan set last year and have shown some faith waiting so long for the decision to be made. 

“Some members of the squad have been approached by a number of clubs and contracts on the table which we knew was going to happen. And for those who aren’t with us next year we wish them all the best.

“In regards to next year we are looking very healthy. It’s been endless hours of phone calls and messages with people but it’s always an exciting time. 

“The major advantage this year was the rebrand. We have looked for individuals who we think can take us to the next level and buy into the new beginning. 

“We have some really exciting signings this year to bring the fans. And a number of individuals who have shown a massive loyalty to the club. I look forward to being able to release these names to the rugby league world shortly.”

New ground

Midlands Hurricanes have secured a new interim home for the 2022 season at Birmingham & Solihull Bees RFC’s Forshaw Heath Lane Ground, Portway, Birmingham.

Hurricanes CEO, Alan Robinson, said: “The overarching business plan is about harnessing the power of the geographic area behind one new regional brand and one powerful cause for sustainable expansion.

“The arrangements for the 2022 season bring together our training base and playing venue; and will allow the Hurricanes to develop new commercial revenue streams which have never been available previously.”

Pre-season friendly confirmed

Midlands Hurricanes will begin their preparation for 2022 with a friendly against Championship side York. The fixture will take place at the York LNER Community Stadium on Friday, January 7.

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League 1 Midlands Hurricanes