Last updated at 11:32, Tuesday, 14 August 2012

Whitehaven today handed the coaching reins for another year to Aussie Don Gailer – right on the back of the weekend’s promotion celebrations.

Don Gailer

At a special board meeting last night, the directors gave him a vote of confidence to stay on and take the side into the Championship next season where Haven will compete with neighbours Workington Town and Barrow.

His new contract is the icing on the promotion cake for the straight-talking Queenslander who now wants to see Haven finish the regular season on a high but also take the Championship One top-six play-offs by storm.

The club’s aim is to reach the Championship One grand final.

Gailer said he was proud of his players and the Haven fans.

“The board of directors have been sensational and seen fit to back me for another year. I am delighted.”

Chief executive Barry Richardson said: “Every one of our directors say they want to get behind Don and give him their full support.

“Don’s remit was to get us promoted, he achieved that. He came here from Australia and inherited a team, new players have come in and the side’s performances have steadily improved culminating in some outstanding displays of late to clinch promotion against Gateshead before our own fans on Sunday.”

Reflecting on the season so far, Gailer said: “There’s been a few ups and downs, at times it’s been pretty tough but we’ve got together as a team and reached the No.1 goal – promotion. Now we need to focus on the play-offs, we’re playing some good ‘footie’ and there’s no reason why we can’t do well and finish the season in style.

“Over the last few weeks the team and my fellow coaches have done a special job. I am proud of their performances and especially the way players have increased their ability. Everybody not least our supporters deserves a pat on the back.”

Don said that following last night’s board meeting he had just a few “minor details” to work out to tie up the deal.

“I’ve said along that I would really like to stay at Whitehaven, my wife Gayle and I really love the place and the people.”

“Next season playing in the Championship we will be moving up to another level but I am sure the boys will rise to the occasion.”

Whitehaven are continually monitoring players with a view to bolstering the squad in order to compete in what will be a very competitive and challenging Championship campaign.

Richardson said the club was committed to making new signings.

“We want to retain our present players and also strengthen the squad,” he said. “We have managed our finances really well this year and the club is in a strong position. We will try to build a squad capable of staying in the Championship but at the same time stay within our means. As there will be promotion and relegation, we don’t want to go up and then come straight back down.”

First published at 11:28, Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk