Peterborough Phantoms have appointed their new head coach from within
Nathan Pollard is the new Peterborough Phantoms head coach.
Pollard succeeds Ash Tait who was dismissed earlier this month after a poor start to the season.
Pollard played more than 400 times for Phantoms and has been working as an assistant coach to Tait when his commitments to the highly successful Phantoms II team allowed. He will continue to play for Phantoms until the club’s injury issues clear up and will be assisted by fellow players Tom Norton and Janne Laakkonen.
Pollard said: “I’m incredibly proud and excited to take on the role. It’s a dream come true at a club that means so much to me, and I’d like to thank the owners for the opportunity and the trust they’ve placed in me.
“Stepping away from playing is bittersweet. It’s been such a huge part of my life, and I’m not sure you ever feel completely ready to make that decision. But to give this role everything it deserves, I felt it was right to make coaching my sole focus and put everything into developing myself and leading this team.
“We’ve got a great group of players, and I’m looking forward to working with them, Tom and Janne to move this team forward. We’ll set high standards for ourselves, with hard work and playing for each other at the heart of what we do. There’s plenty of work ahead, but I’ll do everything I can to bring success back to Peterborough and give our supporters a team they can be proud of.”
Phantoms Director, Nicki Thomas, said: “We are delighted to confirm Nathan Pollard as Head Coach. Nathan joins the role having played over 400 games for the club over a 15 year period and after three highly successful seasons leading the Phantoms 2s. He brings a deep knowledge of the junior system and a proven track record in developing young players, something that will be invaluable given the talented group of young players we have within the organisation.”
Pollard’s first National League games in charge are at Sheffield Steeldogs on Saturday and at home to Romford Raiders on Sunday (5.30pm face-off). Phantoms are currently 10th of 11 teams.