Former player Joshua Loach-Smith has been appointed Head Coach of the Old Wheatleyans following a successful application and subsequent interview.

Joe first found employment at the club at the age of 11, helping cook the post-match faggots whilst his sister ran the bar. Joe eventually went on to debut for the Wheats at the age of 15 playing alongside his father Kev who himself debuted for the Wheats in 1995 and is still playing for the Wheats now, some 25 years later. When asked for comment following his son's appointment Kev said “I'm very proud he's back being a Wheat. I might get a chance at a first team run out now! I'd better get training”.

Joe's sister, Lucy, who helps with the team kit rarely misses a fixture, her son Freddy who plays for the Mini Wheats U9’s is always on hand to run on the kicking tee when needed. With three generations all actively involved in the club, to say Joe has strong roots within the club would be an understatement. Joe's playing career for the most part unfortunately ended with the Wheats in 2016 following a back injury and he has been improving his skills as a coach ever since.

A two-year deal has been agreed commencing July of this year. He is excited to return to the club he knows inside and out. Joe commented “It’s an honour to be given the opportunity to coach the Wheats. From coming up as a young boy watching my dad, to playing great games with some awesome players, it’s now my job to support wheats on their next journey and strive for more success. This is my first step into senior coaching after spending the last 5 years coaching with Wasps, Warwickshire schools and Warwickshire U18’s which I’ll be doing alongside this role”.

The role was advertised earlier in the year and attracted several high calibre coaches but it was deemed sensible to offer the coaching role to the former player due to his strong roots with the club, as well as having represented the club in their hugely successful Midland Vase Winning team from 2013.

We look forward to starting work with Joe in strengthening the club both on and off the field. The club would like to thank the other coaches in their applications and interviews.
Co-Chair Dean Bryant said “The appointment of Joe makes sense on a lot of fronts and the Committee all believe he is the best fit for the club at this given time. He will be responsible for trying to get the WHEATS back into Mids 3 and also to successfully defend our Warwickshire Shield success so it’s a great time to come back to the club”.