Scott Taylor reveals challenges as Goole Vikings prepare for competitive bow
SCOTT Taylor has something else to juggle now he is a coach – shifts for firefighters, windscreen technicians and car salesmen.
All that is part of his learning curve in the world of semi-professional rugby league coaching at newcomers Goole Vikings.
The Hull FC legend, a three-time Challenge Cup winner, gets his first taste of life on the touchline at the League One club, which was brought into the 13-a-side game’s pyramid, as they face London Broncos in that competition today.
To show his commitment, he has signed a full-time contract, stepping away from the car business he ran.
But juggling his part-time players’ work commitments is a new experience – and in one case, work will beat rugby league.
“When I signed players, we agreed certain scenarios,” said former prop Taylor, who had coached amateur side Beverley.
“Thomas Minns is a firefighter and I know his shift pattern means he’ll miss training sessions and the odd game. That’s very understandable.
“I’ve lads who work back-to-back nights, who deal with pensions, car salesmen and lads who fit windscreens, also some younger ones who’ve just come out of a full-time environment and are giving everything to rugby still.
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“I know commitments vary from one player to the other and I’ve that agreement with them if something comes up unexpectedly.
“That’s everyday life but if I think they’re taking the Michael a bit, chats will be had.
“We’re trying to make things as professional as possible and with that, we’ve got an app the lads have to be on on a Sunday night to update their attendance status, whether they can make training, if they’re injured or if they’re going to be late.”
Goole may be a ‘expansion’ team but, if anything, it is logical as it plugs the gap between Castleford and Hull.
Even before their baptism of fire, a trip to the side relegated from Super League last year – albeit one with only 12 senior players, the impact is being felt.
And Taylor, whose aim is to be competitive in League One, believes the Rugby Football League’s move is already paying off.
He added: “It was a very smart decision. There have been a lot of expansion teams outside the heartlands who’ve tried and failed but this is a very untapped area.
“We’re surrounded by big clubs who let players go or have lads who want a new challenge.
“Just in the last four or five months since we were announced, you can see the impact in the town. More people on the street are talking about it and when businesses and shops see our logo, they know about us.
“Before then, they didn’t. It’s building up a head of steam and in a year, hopefully those who were wearing Leeds or Hull FC shirts are wearing Goole ones.
“In a short period of time, the club’s made a massive impact in the area, Now the fun starts and the pressure begins. Now we have to deliver on the field to show it was the right choice.”