Mike Gillick takes charge at Shelford Rugby Club

Dick Matthews and Gareth Evans make surprise departure

Mike Gillick has been appointed head coach at Shelford Rugby Club.

The 29-year-old utility back has taken over the reins after the departure of director of rugby Dick Matthews and head coach Gareth Evans, who have left the club with immediate effect.

“Dick and Gareth have brought considerable experience and coaching knowhow to the club that has benefitted the many players, both young and experienced, who have trained and played under them,” said Shelford president Colin Astin.

“We thank them for all they have done and wish them both the very best of luck in their future coaching endeavours.”

Gillick moved to Shelford last season after spending four years at Cambridge, and he became backs and attack coach at the Davey Field this summer.

He has had previous coaching experience with the youth teams at Cambridge and Greater Birmingham, and with the Cambridgeshire senior squad.

The Level 3 coach will be assisted with the first team by Tony Begovich and Charlie Baker, while the Nomads team will be run by Rory Finlayson, Gareth Streeter and James Herbert.

“This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a club that has been given a huge opportunity to develop an exciting brand of rugby with the new 3G pitch,” said Gillick.

“Shelford has a strong squad with a good mix of experienced players, players new to the club and young players who are pushing for starting places.

“The real challenge is to build from within to produce a squad that will be competitive in a division with no easy games.

“I’m looking forward to that challenge.”

And it starts for Gillick with a match at Dorking in National League Three, London & SE tomorrow (September 16) as Shelford bid to bounce back from defeats in their opening two games.