The move brings Puglsey back to the club that he represented with distinction before playing professionally with Whitehaven, Leigh and Rochdale.

"I'm really looking forward to it, and in fact the lads have already started back in preparation for next season." Pugsley said.

He continued, "I've got to pay credit to their previous coaching team. Thanks to them we have a really good base to move from and after they won their league last season, I know they are a talented group. They only used seventeen or eighteen lads, so I'm looking to bring more players in which will add a little competition and keep us healthy.

Joining Stuart Pugsley as an assistant coach is David Maloney while Josh Woods will also continue to assist. In addition Pugsley is also keen to introduce a number of "floating coaches" who will assist at various points. Former Centurions players Neil Turley, Martyn Ridyard and Harrison Hansen will all join Stuart at times over the coming season.

"I'm pleased all three want to help. Neil, for example, will work with our kickers while Harrison commands so much respect in the game. Ridy has said he will turn up in his Miners gear!"

"Different voices can pep it up and provide fresh ideas. These experiences will be good for the lads."

Pugsley continued, "The chance to come back to East appealed to me and you can say that I've come full circle. I've already chatted with Dave Coyle and want to make the pathway into the first team better. We should be aiming at moving two or three lads each year into the first team and that's what I will be looking to do, helping them integrate into that group." 

East would like to place on record a huge gratitude of thanks to both Simon Reynolds and Dave Rudd for all their efforts and commitment over the years.