| MARK ASTON |
In less than three months, a new club was formed that was allowed in to the Northern Ford Premiership with Aston as player/coach and a completely new semi-professional team.
Fast forward less than a decade and Aston is now Chief Executive and head coach at the new Sheffield club, who play in the Championship. In May 2011 he was named as the new Head Coach of the Irish national team.
International Challenges
Ahead of Rugby League World Cup 2013, Aston admits he is facing a significant challenge. He is unable to train his Irish squad as a unit due to their commitments with club sides and the logistical difficulties in coaching a side that is essentially in another country. Meanwhile, their main rivals are cracking on with their preparations in training camps and high-tech gyms.
The seemingly unflappable Aston gives assurances that his coaching style suits this slightly odd situation: ‘My philosophy is all about letting the lads play their own game. Rugby League is a decision-making sport and I can’t be on the pitch telling them what to do in every set piece,’ he said.
‘I coach people to be decision makers; I give them pointers yes, but then train them to play what they see. As a coach you have to release players to make their choices in a game. If not they are always going to be looking over to their coach for support when they should be in the game.’
Being drawn in Group A alongside Australia, England and Fiji, The Wolfhounds do appear to have their work cut out and Aston recognises the challenge ahead.
‘We are in it to win it,’ he said with a broad grin. ‘We want to be loud and proud of our commitment and efforts. We want to get through the group. Determination is a powerful thing. There’s a lot of heart in this squad and we are going to work hard and enjoy every minute.’
It is hard to leave Aston’s office without feeling like the underdog might just have a bite to match that bark. With such spirit and unfailing positivity, it could just be that Ireland surprise everybody on the World Cup stage.
But even if they bow out of the tournament at the first hurdle – Australia, England and Fiji is a fearsome trio of matches – you can be sure that when the Irish boys lace up their boots, they will be playing for a coach who has taught them how to remain positive, self-assured and confident.
(England will play Ireland in the only guaranteed England game in West Yorkshire at Huddersfield's John Smith’s Stadium on Sat 20 November.)
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5 ASTON’S TOP 10 COACHING TIPS
Be professional. Planning and preparation is key, you should always make time to do this –it will pay dividends on the pitch.
Analysis. This is vital, encourage the players to analyse their own game. This applies to all aspects of the game including training, preview and reviews.
Communication. A good coach is a good communicator. This means being a good listener as well as being able to get your message across appropriately and making sure it has been understood.
Enjoy yourself. If you are not enjoying your coaching then it is not worth doing.
Attention to detail. Noticing small changes in the game play or the attitude or focus of your players and others can have a big impact on making appropriate decisions.
Respect and honesty. Gain the respect and trust of players by affording them the same courtesy.
Value and encourage long-term individual development. This applies to both coaching staff and players. Keeping your professional development up-to-date gives you the edge over your competitors.
Knowledge is key. Absorb coaching as a lifestyle, learn as much as you can from watching other coaches and reading everything you can get your hands on.
Self discipline is very important. Punctuality is a virtue and is a good example to others around who can follow your example.
Always challengeand allow yourself to be challenged. Comfort zones don’t win games, tournaments or even the World Cup.
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