It is with mixed emotions that we announce that our esteemed Head Coach, Phil Cavanagh will be stepping down from the Men’s Head Coach position. Phil has been a driving force behind the success of the Telford Raiders Men’s Senior Team, leading them to become Midlands Champions once again. However, due to health concerns and important family commitments, Phil has made the difficult decision to step down from his role as Head Coach.
In a heartfelt statement, Phil shared, “I haven’t been well for some time now, and tests are ongoing, but I’ve been assured it’s nothing serious. However, it has left me shattered to the point that I can’t give the 100% the role requires. I also have a lot of important family commitments coming up, meaning I could potentially miss half the season. I have, therefore, made the difficult decision to step down from my role as Head Coach of the Telford Raiders Men’s Senior Team.”
Despite stepping down from the coaching position, Phil reassured everyone that he will remain involved with the club. Talks are underway with Chairman Fred Baker regarding the specifics of Phil’s continued role within the Telford Raiders family.
Phil’s Full Statement:
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and assistance during last season in helping us become Midlands Champions again. From supporters cheering us to victory home and away to family members who helped get players to match days, especially Oxford away, to Telford Hornets and especially Beck and Karla for the use of their facilities.
A special thanks to Karl and Craig and RL Outsiders for their great work highlighting RL in the Midlands. A big thanks to my backroom staff, Martin Foskett and Joe Furlong and Rachel and John for giving up your time to photograph our matches and my leadership group of Denz, Nathan, Jamie and Liam for your help throughout the season.
Finally, a massive thanks to everyone in the squad who turned up and put their bodies on the line on a regular basis to help take this great club back to where we belong: Midlands Champions. I’m happy in the knowledge that I’ve helped the club get back to the levels of pre-COVID with great numbers and real squad depth and, as importantly, held in high regard by our competitors.
I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy 2024 and hope that all teams that play under the banner of Telford Raiders continue to grow in strength and numbers and continue to build on their successes of last season.”
Chairman Fred Baker’s Thank You Message:
“On behalf of the entire Telford Raiders community, Chairman Fred Baker extends a heartfelt thank you to Phil Cavanagh for his outstanding contributions to the club. “Phil’s leadership has been instrumental in our journey to help rebuild the strong men’s side. We are grateful for his dedication, hard work, and the positive impact he has had on our players and the entire Raiders family. While we’ll miss him as our Head Coach, we look forward to continuing to work together in his new role within the club. Thank you, Phil, and we wish you all the best in your health and future endeavours.”
Club Captain Denham Samuels Added:
“Thank you to Phil for his commitment to the squad over the last few years and last year in particular when he took over as head coach from Fred. It has been a pleasure to play under you and an honour to have been captain for you last year. Hope you enjoy your time after stepping down and still come cheer us on with your no nonsense motivational speeches. Cheers, Denz”
As we bid farewell to one chapter, we eagerly anticipate the new opportunities that lie ahead for our new head coach, of which details will be released soon. Let’s continue to grow stronger together.
Sincerely,
