Rugby Coach Advises Bolton Players

Last updated : 22 October 2004 By Mark Heys
Rugby Union coach Dave Aldred has been brought in to Bolton Wanderers to help the players improve their kicking skills.

Aldred is a recent addition to Sir Clive Woodward's backroom team for the forthcoming Lions Tour and has worked with England rugby captain Jonny Wilkinson and Manchester City goalkeeper David James on a number of occasions.

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce was disappointed with the number of shots on target during last weekend's win against Crystal Palace and believes the help and advice of Aldred will be of benefit to his team.

"Our shots-on ratio has been diabolical. Dave has been with us a couple of times and I'm hoping he can give us one or two extra tips on the techniques of striking a ball."

"We brought him in to work with the keepers but moved him up to the front end and I hope the lads take notice of what he shows them because he can improve that ratio."

Bristol based Aldred has already attended a couple of training sessions with the Trotters and Allardyce feels that the influence of the rugby coach will help his players become more excelled in their chosen field.

"We are working with Dave to try to get the best out of what we've got. Just look at how much technique a golfer needs, and that tells you how much a footballer has to do to perfect the striking of the ball.

"I think the guy is superb because he has taken a part of the game and totally focussed on it. When you can operate on small specifics, you can gain quality information and he's good at passing it on.