Local players secure contracts
Coventry Bears have completed the signing of four players currently within the clubs system for the 2015 Kingstone Press League one season.
Matt Cooper (Utility forward), Reece Needham (Utility forward), Stephen Coleman (Centre/ 2nd row), Alex Beddows (Prop), Chris Dixon (Wing/Fullback) have all secured contracts for 2015.
Coventry Bears Tom Tsang Commented on the signings;
Matt Cooper
"Matt is a phenomenal athlete and has a great attitude to training. He has had interest previously from other clubs in League One as well as playing in France's Elite competition for Villeneuve. Matt has needed an outlet to display his obvious talent for a number of years and I am sure he will thrive in this competition. He can play a number of positions due to his athletic ability however we will be looking at Matt primarily as a mobile second row or loose-forward."
Matt commented; 'I am very happy to be part of the Bears debut season in League one. Coventry is my home town club and to be welcomed back after my time in France was amazing its going to be challenging but I believe with the team and coaching staff we have we will flip the League on its head. Roll on pre-season and the start of summer'.
Reece Needham
"Reece is a tough and uncompromising second-row or loose-forward with the skill set to also play in the dummy half role if required. Reece has come through the junior system at Nottingham Outlaws where I know he has received very good coaching, as well as brief stints with Wakefield Wildcats and Sheffield Eagles. I am really pleased to have Reece join us as he is one of the best young talents I have seen come out of the Midlands."
Reece said: "It means a lot signing for the bears as I have a passion for the club and it is a very professional set up so it will bring the best out of me as a player. My aims for the season are to improve a lot as a player and eventually play week in week out."
Stephen Coleman
"I am pleased that Steve has agreed to stay at the club and sign for our first season in League One. He has been one of the most important players in our squad over the last few years and will bring experience to the team for next year. Steve was born in Australia where he represented the famous South Sydney Rabbitohs among other clubs. He is a very tough and skillful player who can play either centre or back-row and I am confident he will step up in League One."
Stephen said; "Coventry is a home away from home for me and I am delighted to be able to sign for the club and be part of this fantastic journey. I am really looking forward to the challenges ahead next year and having a great preseason."
Alex Beddows
"Alex played only a handful of games for the Bears last season, but made an immediate impact in our NCL team, scoring 5 tries in 6 games. He is a strong mobile front rower with a great engine and work rate. Alex has been playing Rugby League for less than 18 months, however the potential he has shown in such a short space of time, with his natural instincts with the ball in hand and his great attitude and willingness to learn make him a great prospect."
Alex said: "I am looking forward to competing at this level and developing as a player in a professional environment, It will be a huge step up form last season. The league season can't come quick enough and when it does I just want to keep my head down and focus on the fine details, if I do that right, first team honours should hopefully follow "
Chris Dixon
"Chris has been one of the most hardworking players in our squad over the last 2-3 years and his rate of development through a dedication to training has been great to see. He is an elusive and fleet-footed wing or fullback and will add great depth to our squad. I expect Chris to continue to flourish in our environment and at League One level."