Coach to Coach with Neil Shillingford

Former Richmond boss Steve Hill talks to Dudley Kingswinford director of rugby Neil Shillingford

Steve Hill: How and why did you get into coaching rugby?

I had been club captain for a few years at my first Club Kings Norton RFC. I then took on the position of player coach mainly because there was no one else to fill the roll.

Who did you coach/how did you arrive at your current position?

I spent three seasons as player coach at Kings Norton during which time I achieved what was then the Inter mediate coaching award. I then moved clubs as a player and joined Dudley Kingswinford. When my son started playing at DK U7s I and a fellow 1st team player who also had a lad playing in the same age group took on the coaching duties. We continued to coach the group through all age groups. They went on to become one of the most successful Colts teams the club had produced.

Following Colts, the position of 1st team coaches was available. It seemed a natural progression for us to take on the roll. We achieved two promotions in four seasons one year being crowned Midlands 1 Champions and remaining unbeaten all season. At this time, we felt a new coaching team was needed so stood down. I then took a break for a few seasons to watch my son play National League rugby. In 2018 I was asked to take on the role of director of rugby at DK and am still in the position today.

What is/was your occupation outside of coaching?

I have always been involved in construction and property in various guises which I still am.We also own and run the gym which is based at DK.

Home is a small holding of 25 acres which also fills the time!

What is your coaching philosophy?

Hard but fair, fast but fun and poor preparation equals poor performance.

So far what would you count as your most significant coaching achievement and why?

The last six seasons as director of rugby at DK. I am very proud of what the players, staff and coaches have achieved. Our league finishes have been; 4th, lost in play-off, lost in play-off, champions, 10th, champions. We are now in National 2 West.

What do you find the most challenging aspects of coaching?

Players’ commitment and egos. Compared to when I played players appear to have many more distractions and commitments outside of rugby. Level 4 is a tough level and yet any given Saturday some players will not be available for a variety of reasons. I believe the commitment needed at this level deserves rewarding, but then players still want to choose when they train or play and still get paid. My advice to any new head coach is create the environment you want and stick to it. You may have to pass on a few talented players but if their attitude is not right you are better off without them.

How do you measure your success as a coach?

Performance. Get that right the results sort themselves out.

Has anyone been an advisor/mentor/inspiration on your coaching journey and how has that helped?

I think your first coach is the main inspiration. They are the ones who plant the seed. Mark Pearson at Kings Norton was mine. The game has changed massively over the previous decade. I have met many coaches and always listen to their ideas and philosophies. If I think they will work for our group at the time I have no qualms in stealing them.

How/where do you look to keep yourself and your coaching fresh?

There is a massive amount of literature and content available out there. Coaches seem to be always looking for the next gimmick or idea especially when it comes to using technology. Sometimes revisiting sessions, you did years ago freshen things up. The game may have changed but the nuts and bolts are the same. Pass and catch. Run pass and catch.

What is the most rewarding part about being a coach?

It’s the closest you can get to being a player. I still love the feeling in a changing room and still love the banter.

As a coach what two laws or aspects of the game would you change to make it a better experience for either yourself or your players?

One of the areas that seems to always create issues is scrum time. Too many times referees appear to guess and get it wrong. Also, as an old back row forward scrum-halves should be fair game at the breakdown. They are too over-protected.

How would your players describe you as a coach and why?

To my face I’d like to think it would be: straight talking but fair. Behind my back who knows!

What advice would you give to anyone considering or just getting involved in coaching?

Give it a go. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. Make sure the coaching you are delivering is relevant to your working group and within their skill range and don’t forget the basics. Pass and catch. Run, pass and catch. Simple.