American Football

REDDITCH Arrows have unveiled Ian Hill as their head coach for the new season. He returns to the club following a year out of the game.

An Arrows spokesman said the new coach would bring vast experience and knowledge to the Arrows set-up, skills gained over the past 20 years.

Under his last tenure the Redditch side went undefeated during the regular season and won the Division Two South Western Conference.

Last year's head coach Roger Smithies - the BYAFA Coach of the Year in 2004 - remains at the club where he will assist coach Hill, taking over the responsibilities for quarterbacks and fitness.

Errol Perkins is also returning to the club and will take over the role of defensive co-ordinator/linebacker coach. He will be assisted in this area by Loz Baker as defensive line coach and Karl Dodd as defensive back/special teams coach.

On Offense Will Powell makes the switch from defensive captain to offensive co-ordinator/ running back coach. He will be assisted by Ron Gifford, Jay Smith and Smithies.

Club chairman Chris Halford said: "We are delighted to see Ian and Errol return - their presence will undoubtedly make a significant difference to our chances next season.

"We are also very pleased that Roger Smithies is staying with the club. He did an excellent job last season and the handover back to Ian has been smooth, amicable and forward-looking.

"We firmly believe this coaching team is the strongest the club has ever had and on a par if not better than a lot of other teams."