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Ze German
'on the bench'
United Kingdom
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 Posted - 02 May 2007 : 11:56:53
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From DET Website
BRADLEY TO TAKE CHARGE OF LAST MATCH BEFORE LEAVING
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RUGBY UNIONBY RICHARD GADSBY
RGADSBY@DERBYTELEGRAPH.CO.UK
09:30 - 02 May 2007
Derby Ukd chairman Gordon Stirling has hinted that the search for Mark Bradley's successor could spark a structural shift at the club.
Bradley, who joined Derby in 2003, will quit as head coach after the Derbyshire Cup final on May 13 to take charge of Nottingham's A team.
The decision comes at the end of a disappointing promotion campaign which saw Bradley's side slip from genuine title contenders to a fourth-place finish.
Stirling met with other senior Derby staff last night and believes the club need to focus more on their youth system in the wake of the departure.
"We're not going to panic and rush into anything," he said.
"It's that stage of the season where people are putting things in place for next year or maybe thinking about their future, so we do have a chance to sit back and consider everything.
"Obviously, we want someone in place for pre-season, so they can start to shape and build the team they need.
"When you bring in someone, it's not just that person who changes.
"We have got a team of coaches at the club and we need to be sure of the best way of making the most of what we already have.
"We're trying to bring the Colts into it more. We want them involved because of the success they've had recently.
"The whole structure will be looked at with a view to taking the club forward."
A frustrating league campaign, combined with Bradley's strong links with Nottingham, means the move is not wholly unexpected.
Stirling said he understood the reasons behind the decision and claimed there was no ill-will between Bradley (pictured right) and the club.
"I can't blame him," he said.
"It's a great opportunity to advance his coaching career.
"I get on very well with Mark. I talk with him almost every day and the club's relationship with Nottingham is good. We're building bridges.
"This could actually benefit us in some ways because if some of their players are perhaps struggling to adapt or need a new experience, there's always a chance they will come to us."
For now, Stirling is preparing for the Derbyshire Cup final with Matlock.
"It's a shame the news has broken before the cup game," he said.
"We found out he was leaving at the weekend and had been hoping to keep a low profile until then.
"We didn't want all the players saying 'what's going on' and worrying about places next season but I'm sure Mark will talk to them.
"I'm sure they'll want to send him off with a win as well."
Stirling will continue to discuss the head coach role with the rest of the Derby board next week with a view of appointing someone before the AGM on May 22.
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Good luck Bradders
