Eccles RFC are pleased to announce that former Club Captain Paul Makinson will return to the club this summer as Men's Defence Coach.

Commenting on the appointment Eccles RFC’s Director of Rugby Sam Simpson had this to say. 

"As one door closes other doors open, that is my view on life and once you know your desired destination, picking which door to walk through next not only becomes easier but you can’t help but get excited about the next chapter of the journey coming your way. The appointment of Paul Makinson as Defence coach is very like that for me. After two great seasons, the deparature of my good friend Andrew Selby left a hole in my coaching team that many coaches would of liked the opportunity to fill. However, going forward, we needed someone capable of taking us to the next level again. I believe Maky can absolutely do this, so I’m truly excited about his appointment.

As a former Club Captain Maky is passionate about Eccles RFC. He’s been developing high level leadership and coaching skills for over two decades and ask anyone who has played with him or for him for a character reference and the responses you'll get are 'Hardest player I played with', 'Never took a backward step', 'Very aggressive in his approach', 'Demanded a lot but gave everything', 'Made me a better player' , 'Didn’t say a lot but always worth listening to when he did', 'Massive respect for him'... I’m sure you will agree all of those comments scream Defensive Warrior. I know the lads will not only appreciate Maky's appointment but will reep the benefits of having him on hand to support not only their collective defensive strategy but the individual skills of tackle technique".

Speaking about his return Paul Makinson commented 

"It’s a great honour to be returning back to Eccles as men's defence coach . My association with Eccles began back in 1988 and over the next 15 years I played , captained and in the later years began coaching at the club , making friends for life and having some great times along the way.  Since then I have been coaching at Leigh Miners Rangers right through from juniors, under 18s and open age, and am now really excited to be back at Eccles.  The progression at Eccles from my early days both on and off the pitch, is unbelievable and the club must now have the facilities and playing standards ,that many would not have thought possible.  I am now looking forward to working with the men’s coaching team and helping to push the standard of rugby played as high as possible".

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