Booth the Exiles' new head coach
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:02
London Irish appointed Toby Booth as their new head coach on Friday, following Brian Smith's move onto the England coaching staff.
Smith was appointed England's new attack coach on Monday and Booth, his number two at the Madejski Stadium, moves into the top job with the Exiles.
Mike Catt will also take on greater responsibility as part of an expanded player-coach role.
Booth, 39, is viewed as an innovator with a bright future and he helped establish the Exiles' line-out as one of the most formidable in Europe.
"We plan to operate an integrated approach among the coaches with each supporting and challenging the other," Booth said.
"The positive approach to playing the game that has been the hallmark of London Irish in recent seasons will continue."
Catt added: "There comes a time in every player's career where he has to look to the future.
"For me moving into full-time coaching is a natural progression and I'm pleased to have the opportunity of doing so."
Announcing the new coaching set up, Andrew Coppel, Chairman of London Irish said: "It was always our preference to promote internally provided we had the right calibre of staff, reflecting capability, experience and potential.
"I am delighted that Toby has agreed to become Head Coach, supported by Mike. These appointments also provide vital continuity as we seek to build on the momentum of the last two years to enable us to consistently challenge for honours and become the club of choice."
Commenting on his appointment Booth said: "I'm delighted to have the chance to be Head Coach at this great club and am excited about working with the new coaching set up and our playing squad.
"The new season will bring fresh challenges, not least the introduction of the new Experimental Law Variations [ELVs], however we're ready to embrace them and take the club forward. Our priority will be to perform well in the Guinness Premiership and in Europe and win some overdue silverware."
