Hewer quits Town to rejoin Whitehaven

By Martin Morgan

Last updated 13:04, Tuesday, 24 June 2008

Workington Town No 2 Gary Hewer has returned to Whitehaven as the club’s new head of performance and player development – with a remit to produce stars of the future.

Gary Hewer

Hewer switched to Derwent Park in October last year to link up with his old Recre boss Dave Rotheram, but he revealed the chance to rejoin his former club was impossible to resist.

“I enjoyed my time at Workington Town, and leaving the club has nothing to do with any players or coaches. I’ve left purely for personal reasons,” he said.

“The chance to return to the club where I spent seven years, to continue working with some of the players I helped develop, was too good an opportunity to turn down.”

In his new post he will provide support to coaching staff and talent spot at all levels, attract new young players for the scholarship programme and recruit new coaches for the scheme.

Hewer launched the Recre scholarship and Academy set-up seven years ago which is now starting to bear fruit, with the likes of youngsters Gregg McNally, David Ford, Marc Bainbridge, Chris Smith and Danny Barker all seeing first-team action for Haven this term.

“The player development pathway that we have put in place is a vital part of Whitehaven’s future,” he added.

“Developing homegrown talent is the way forward. Local fans always prefer to see a local lad, who was nurtured in the environment and wants to play for the club, do well.”

Rotheram wished Hewer, who he worked with for two years at the Recre, well for the future.

“He’s a great friend to me and I have the utmost respect for him,” said the Town boss.

“People think of Gary as a whiz of an administrator, and for his good work with juniors.

“But he’s also a very good coach, and I hope he gets plenty of opportunities at Whitehaven.”