Bradford Bulls: Missus a marvel during financial crisis, says Hilaire (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Bradford Bulls: Missus a marvel during financial crisis, says Hilaire
7:30am Monday 1st October 2012 in Bulls
By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter
Lee St Hilaire admits he was 'a grumpy old fella' after being made redundant
Lee St Hilaire has paid tribute to his wife Debbie after being reinstated as assistant Bulls coach.
St Hilaire and the rest of the coaching staff worked for over two months without pay after being made redundant by administrator Brendan Guilfoyle on July 2.
Following Francis Cummins’ elevation to head coach in the wake of Mick Potter’s departure, St Hilaire has returned on a one-year deal.
But he was quick to acknowledge the support from his other half after she worked extra hours to help make ends meet while he worked for nothing at Odsal .
St Hilaire said: “It was a tough period and the support we received from the fans and from BullBuilder was very much appreciated.
“My wife Debbie had to put up with a grumpy old fella coming home every day.
“It got very tough, to the point where my wife was doing extra shifts because she was worried.
“I need to thank her and I’d also like to thank Mick for the opportunity he gave me to work as his assistant.
“He told me I stood tall this year and I’d like to wish him all the best for whatever he chooses to do next.”
St Hilaire joined the Bulls as assistant to Steve McNamara in 2006 and is now looking forward to working under Cummins.
“Franny and I have worked together for a couple of years under Mick and we get on really well,” he said.
“We’ve both worked under Tony Smith; me at Huddersfield and then Franny did at Leeds, so we are from the Tony Smith/Brian Smith stable of coaching.
“It’s about having the core skills to coach players and make them better people.
“I’ve been an assistant coach in Super League since 2001 and I’m looking forward to the challenge at Bradford next year.
“Franny and I have already had a few good conversations about putting things in place.”
Meanwhile, Cummins has promoted Tom Clough and made him the Bulls’ new conditioner following the departure of Geoff Evans.
Clough, 29, who has signed a three-year deal, has spent the past two years working with the Under-20 and Under-18 Academy players and Under-16 and Under-15 Scholars.
Comments(14)
Old Dave
says...
10:17am Mon 1 Oct 12
This organisation has been run on a shoestring for years! The result is that we dont get the best out the elite athletes we employ.
Without a sugar daddy, show me a solution, rather than just telling me the problem!
liverpoolbull
says...
10:54am Mon 1 Oct 12
Tell me how recruitment is going , who we have already signed, tell me something I want to know
vikksy
says...
11:01am Mon 1 Oct 12
theviking62
says...
12:19pm Mon 1 Oct 12
bartsbull
says...
12:20pm Mon 1 Oct 12
We now need some positive news regarding players re signing for the club and new players
This will help boost season ticket sales we will be purchasing ours
next week
BULL_SH*T
says...
1:50pm Mon 1 Oct 12
PS,BullyBoyDoneGud!.
...give the guy a chance, if he's worked at the club for 2 yrs he obviously deserves a shot, Don't make irrational comments about someone you blatently know nothing about! Let's stay positive for the future of the club!!
raisemeup
says...
2:11pm Mon 1 Oct 12
BULL_SH*T wrote:Yes too true> for example who had heard much about Karl Jennings when he joined us? And look how good he turned out to be. If Clough is employed we have to assume he's the right man for the job, at this moment in time.
Hats off to all the staff who worked for nothing last season, and their families supporting them through the tough times! And good luck to Cummins, St Hilaire, and Clough for next season! Here's to a successful 2013!! COYB!!
PS,BullyBoyDoneGud!.
...give the guy a chance, if he's worked at the club for 2 yrs he obviously deserves a shot, Don't make irrational comments about someone you blatently know nothing about! Let's stay positive for the future of the club!!
Mumby was the best
says...
7:40pm Mon 1 Oct 12
theviking62
says...
9:15pm Mon 1 Oct 12
Mumby was the best
says...
9:20pm Mon 1 Oct 12
theviking62
says...
9:55pm Mon 1 Oct 12
Mumby was the best
says...
10:01pm Mon 1 Oct 12
Poor Viking all alone and sad.
oddshapedballs
says...
11:23pm Mon 1 Oct 12
bullyboydonegud! says...
8:36am Mon 1 Oct 12