PETE ECCLES: 'IT MEANS A LOT TO BE GARY’S NUMBER TWO'

Hornets assistant coach Pete Eccles talks about being given the opportunity to be Gary Thornton’s number two and previews the game vs London Skolars in the Challenge Cup.

Eccles, who was working as an assistant to Thornton alongside former coach Mike Grady. Since the latter’s departure to the Widnes Vikings, Eccles has been given the chance to step up to be the assistant coach and it’s something that ‘means a lot’ to him.

 The former Thatto Heath Crusaders youth coach expressed his delight at stepping up to being the number two at the Hornets, he said: “It means a lot. Gary [Thornton] is a great bloke and one of my main reasons for coming to Rochdale.

 “I had glowing references from people I knew about Gary. I’m really looking forward to assisting him with whatever he needs of me throughout the year.

 “I will offer my views on all team and player matters and I can’t wait.”

 Grady leaving was a big departure but a natural transition for Eccles to step up into the role left by the new Widnes assistant, but Eccles was ‘gutted’ when Grady left.

 He said: “I was gutted when Mike [Grady] left. I got on well with him in the couple of months I got to know him. I’ve stepped up in the title of number two but to be honest, it’s the same role I was doing anyway.

 “We were a coaching team, me and Mike were always there to share the work assisting Gary so I’m still doing what I was doing before.

 “Having said that, being trusted to be Gary’s number two is a big honour and one I will take with both hands. I will repay the trust shown in me.”

 This weekend, Eccles and the squad take on the London Skolars in the second round of the Challenge Cup which will be the first competitive game of the season for the Hornets. The 39-year-old is looking forward to it after a long pre-season.

 Eccles added: “The London game is our first competitive match since I’ve been here. The matches in pre-season are always run outs for all players to get some much-needed game time.

 “High playing numbers on match days means many substitutions which makes it tough for combinations to work.

 “As a staff I feel that we’re most looking forward to seeing the combinations get used to each other and hopefully we click well.”

 Many people go from the amateur game to the League One level, Eccles is no different. He said: “Joining Rochdale was a progression for me which came out of the blue. 

“I love the game and coaching is a big passion of mine. I’ve done some coaching at Wigan Warriors on the future environment made me always want to permanently join the professional game and Rochdale was perfect for me.

“All the staff were all so welcoming towards me. Gary, Mike, Rammy [Dave Ramsbottom], Chairman Andy [Mazey] and CEO Steve [Kerr], along with Jason [Seddon] Director of player development, all made it easy for me to settle in.”

Heading into the game with the Skolars Eccles wants the lads to be switched on.

He added: “I’m hoping the lads are really switched on. It’s been a long pre-season and they’ve worked hard with it all building up towards this week’s game.

“The season, we’re taking it week by week. We have a young squad, but from what I’ve seen in pre-season I’m expecting us to be very competitive in every match we play.

“I’m excited, it’s a new environment and I’m looking forward to seeing the standard of League One while we try to play as well as we can.”