NIGEL Beaty has switched codes to take on a new role as general manager of Whitehaven rugby league club.

But the 47-year-old, currently assistant coach with Wigton rugby union club, says this is as close as he will get to a dream job.

“Being on the pitch would just beat it but I might just be past that so involvement in professional sport in a management role is the tops,” he told getnoticedonline.co.uk.

Beaty is already immersed in the day-to-day duties the role entails and getting to grips with the various challenges that are presenting themselves.

Since completing his sports degree 27 years ago he has developed a wide range of sporting and business skills which he hopes to utilise at the Recreation Ground.

He’s no stranger to Whitehaven because he began his working career in the town as a supervisor at the Sports Centre after leaving University.

“I was here for three years so understand the passion there is in the town for the team. I would not have envisaged being back one day in this role!

“There is a lot of positive energy towards the club. I want to harness that energy and encourage more people to get involved as volunteers, sponsors, supporters etc. But what I don’t want are energy stealers – any negative people around the club!

“Just as on the pitch if you have a player with the wrong attitude it affects others in the team; it is the same off the pitch.

“I am aware of changes and difficulties the club has had in recent times, after all that is why I am here, to bring consistency to the club operation which has relied on the time available from volunteer directors.

We must now all move forward and learn from the past. The new board are very professional – I would not have taken on the role if I was not confident in the board.

“I think everyone in the town agrees the club has a lot of potential. The majority of people in the area want the club to do well and understand that it is good for the area - the people of Copeland are very proud people and Whitehaven RL is the flagship for the town,” he says.

Beaty has several links with the club through his rugby union experiences as ex-players Steven Wood and Aaron Lester played  when he was coaching at Penrith RUFC; he has worked with Chris Wright, who is on the coaching team at the Recreation Ground and he currently coaches Tane Manihera at Wigton.

In addition he has coached several of the Whitehaven Academy players in Cumbria or Newcastle Falcons rugby union sessions.

So what are his immediate plans – “I will be working with the board to address and number of items.

“As far as the ground and facilities are concerned work needs to be done ASAP. We will look to improve the appearance and facilities for the supporters, sponsors as soon as we can.

“Cath Giel has applied to the RFL and is hopeful of obtaining grant funding to enable work to be completed.

“Looking at the day to day operation I will, as quickly as possible, review all revenue and costs activities to ensure we are operating as smartly as possible.

“We also have to review and improve systems, procedures, promotions and personnel to ensure that in the medium and long term the finances of the club are in the black. Just as the players on the pitch work on their game - off the pitch we need to do the same!

“I also think it’s important to work with the head coach Ged Stokes and the coaching teams to ensure we provide the best environment possible for the players   -  so they develop  and deliver their best performance.”

Then of course there is the long term project of getting a Whitehaven team into Super League.

He says: “Yes of course it is an aim. How long it takes before we are in a position to apply depends on many factors, not least getting the club in a sound financial footing – and one which is sustainable.”

Penrith-based Beaty is a former national health and fitness manager with Shire Hotels, responsible for a £4 million annual turnover.

His sporting prowess has seen him play rugby union, cricket and squash for Penrith.

His first announcement as general manager will go down well with the supporters as for the first Co-operative Championship match at home to Gateshead on Sunday there will be a special family offer - children under 16 accompanied by a paying adult will be allowerd in free of charge.

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