General Manager Paul Matthews and Player Coach David Longstaff oversee the warmup session. Photo by IceHockeyMedia.
General Manager Paul Matthews and Head Coach David Longstaff have confirmed today that they will leave Whitley Warriors after a number of years with the club. They have enjoyed a very successful tenure managing and coaching the team, making sure they were competing for silverware every season. The two former players will leave the club at the end of this season.
David returned to Whitley Warriors in May 2015 as player coach, prompting a buzz around the club and its supporters. At the same time, Paul was named the club’s Operations Manager, a role he would play until May 2019 when he became General Manager. Their best season was 2019-20 when they lifted the NIHL North Division 1 league title and reached the final of the NIHL North Cup.
“It’s been an honour managing Whitley Warriors and I have had a fantastic time with a club so dear to me and my family,” Paul Matthews said. “Playing for the Warriors and then later managing the team filled me with immense pride.
“I now feel the time is right to step away and end this era and let someone else take the reins. Since taking over we have built the Warriors setup on and off the ice to a very sustainable level and we leave the club in a solid position but feel we have taken this team as far as we can.
“I will look forward to spending some quality time with my family and friends away from the sport. I would like to thank the rink management for their belief and support; all the players and staff over the years who have been part of the setup under David and myself; all our current and previous sponsors – their generous contribution allowed us to compete at the level we did; the game night operation team for all their dedication and hard work; Warriors TV and Bay Hockey Radio; Andy McGregor, he’s a huge help to me; and lastly the amazing Warriors fans – your support is unrivalled.”
David Longstaff said, “I’ve loved coming back home coaching the team I started my career with and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. Every season year on year we were competing at the top end of the table and made Whitley a daunting place for opposition teams and long may that continue.
“I also feel I need to spend more time with my family and watching my boys, Sean and Matty, playing their football.
“Paul and I made a pact years ago that if one of us decided to leave, we would both leave. We compliment each other in many ways and have been great friends on and off the ice for years. We both know that together we have taken the team on a great journey and now is the time to leave and wish the Warriors further success in the future.”
Whitley Warriors’ Equipment Manager Phil Gosling, who plays a pivotal role within the organisation and is highly thought of by Paul and David, will also step down at the end of the season.
Whitley Warriors Ice Hockey Club would like to wish Paul, David and Phil the very best for the future.