Monday, 17 July 2017

Championship Talk: Thunder inflicting Payne on League 1

fevnut's blog is absolutely delighted to have received permission to bring you a regular column from Gareth Walker.

Gareth is a top rugby league journalist who has one very exceptional distinction. He chooses to write about matters pertaining to the Championship and League One.

Although this blog is devoted to Featherstone Rovers it is always good to read opinions about matters relevant to us, but not specifically about us. We hope you enjoy reading Gareth's column each week.








Thunder inflicting Payne on League One



NEWCASTLE Thunder may have lost their first game in seven in a late defeat at Hunslet on Sunday - but they are still providing one of the stories of the 2017 season.

          When the club parted company with Australian coach Mick Mantelli in May, they sat 12th in League One after five straight defeats. Fast forward two months and they are now challenging the top four.

          Interim coach and Thunder stalwart Jason Payne is the man who has helped breathe life into their 2017 campaign to mount what could be a promotion push.

          Payne’s side is firmly in the race to finish in the top five, which offers a route into the Championship via the four-team play-off under the division champions.

          And that seemed a world away when Payne took the reins back in late May.

          “It’s always tough to put your finger on why things aren’t working out,” Payne explained.

          “Ultimately it was down to the players and possibly the coaching the way everything was going, we’re just glad we’ve managed to turn it around.

          “The biggest thing for me and (assistant) Michael Heap has just been trying to get some enjoyment back into it for the players.

          “We’re a semi-pro team, as most are in our league, and we all have jobs in the day before we have to come and train - you have to enjoy it.

          “We’re competitive in everything we’re doing and wanted to improve attitudes around the place.

          “We spoke to the players and tried to get to the root of why people weren’t performing, and luckily enough we’ve managed to make some things work.”

          It isn’t just at first team level where Thunder are being successful at present.

          “Everything is there for the club now,” said Payne, a long-term player with the club during their Gateshead says.

          “Our under-19s got their first win in the Super League academy the other day against Wakefield, and there’s some great kids working under Michael Heap who is head of youth.

          “He’s been doing a brilliant job with the next batch of kids, and we’re at the stage now where they are comfortable coming into the first team if called upon.

          “On the back of that we have some great links with Northumbria University through my day job, so there is a genuine pathway there for young players in the area.

          “I saw some dark days at Gateshead.

          “There were some great times as well - winning the comp in 2008 was one of the highlights, but for all of those there was ten fold the bad times.

          “Although I was a bit sad to leave, when we did come to Newcastle things changed for the better.

          “Now our ambition can actually be realised if we do perform and get promoted - we’re in a position where we can push on.”









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