ASSISTANT COACH FINN DEPARTS

Halifax Panthers can today announce that Liam Finn has left the club to become head coach of Betfred Championship side Dewsbury Rams.

Halifax-born Finn joined Simon Grix’s coaching staff as assistant in the off season, and has had a positive impact on the Panthers attacking exploits throughout the 2022 league campaign, helping the club to nine wins in the previous ten matches.

Finn began his playing career with the club back in 2002, going on to make over 450 appearances in the professional game before finally calling time on a sterling 19 year career at the end of 2021. But the former Ireland captain found the lure of a head coaching role too good to turn down, and will leave The Shay with immediate effect.

Panthers head coach Simon Grix commented on Finn’s departure: “Losing Finny at this stage isn’t ideal but he is definitely ready for the challenge. I had hoped we could get at least a few seasons together as we see things very similarly, but for now we change paths.”

“Obviously, there aren’t many Head Coach jobs and to be offered the job outright is a reflection of his character and reputation as a young coach. He goes with our best wishes and won’t be a stranger, only for 80 minutes in a few weeks time.”

The Panthers will travel to Finn’s new side in just a matter of weeks, as we face the Rams at the Tetley’s Stadium on Sunday 3rd July.

“It’s funny how things work out” said Finn. “I was a Halifax fan from being born and all I ever wanted to do was play for Fax. I managed to do that and wanted to play my full career with the club. Obviously, that never happened and circumstances deemed I wasn’t needed so I left. Nearly 20 years later, I was delighted to be asked to come back by Simon and was able to work with 2 good friends and learned a lot.”

“It’s ended up being short and sweet but as an ambitious coach, I couldn’t resist the challenge of being the head coach and trying help a team struggling a bit. Give me three weeks (😉) and I’ll be supporting Halifax for the play off run in alongside my own challenge. I’d like to thank Simon for bringing me back into coaching and Halifax alongside Scott (Grix) and Ian Croad for his professionalism and encouragement to go after my goals as an individual.”

Fax Football Manager Ian Croad continued: “When Mark from Dewsbury called me, I had absolutely no hesitation in supporting Liam’s move. He is an extremely talented coach and deserves a chance as a head coach. We will miss him, however he goes with our best wishes and I know he will succeed.”

We’d like to thank Liam for his efforts with the club and wish him well for the future.

#PanthersAreInTown #ChooseFax #MoreThanAGame

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