"We're proud of our association with Hoppers and are already looking forward to next season. All teams have ups and downs and were confident of a great fight back."
Tim Haley, MD Haleys Business Advisers
Haleys Business Advisers is the main shirt sponsor of Preston Grasshoppers RFC. ‘We’re keen supporters of Hoppers and all that they do in the community,’ said Tim Haley, MD of Haleys. ‘We regularly attend matches and events, and one way or another several of the Haleys team have connections with the Club.’ Tim Haley’s son, Mike, played for Hoppers before moving to Sale Sharks.
Tim Haley explains, ‘It’s been a tough season for Hoppers first XV. A season full of disruptions and injuries, and that has led to several young players, many in their first season in the first XV, carrying a lot of responsibility. The team lost six players in the off-season and 13 more since then. Injuries to key players left a young team struggling to make an impact.’
Despite knowing they were to be relegated from National League Two North following a defeat against Harrogate early in April, the team kept their heads up and showed real determination and spirit. There have been flashes of brilliance and a few surprises that bode well for the future.
The Club is already looking forward and a number of changes have been implemented. Gareth Dyer has been appointed to the role of Head of Rugby Operations. He will re-join the club’s Executive Rugby Committee with responsibility for 1st and 2nd XV rugby at Lightfoot Green. Paul Arnold joins the club from neighbours Fylde where he has been Head Coach for the last two years. He is also Assistant Coach to England Counties Under 20’s.
Haleys is also a founder member of the Hoppers Business Network (HBN) which evolved when a number of businesses that were supporters or sponsors of the Club formalised their association into a business group. HBN holds networking events at the Club, welcoming other local businesses and entrepreneurs who can become involved with Hoppers or do business with other HBN members in a friendly and informal environment.
‘We’re proud of our association with Hoppers and are already looking forward to next season. All teams have ups and downs and we’re confident of a great fight back,’ said Tim Haley.
