The search for a new Head Coach at Sudbury Storms concluded this week with the appointment of Paul Cook. Club chairman Gary Milsom said: “Paul comes with an impressive coaching background spanning 20 years at the top level.

The search for a new Head Coach at Sudbury Storms concluded this week with the appointment of Paul Cook.

Club chairman Gary Milsom said: “Paul comes with an impressive coaching background spanning 20 years at the top level. At South Lincs SC he coached the current S9 1500m world record-holder Laura Bellars, as well as Chloe Hannam, who took second overall in her age group at the nationals last year. He is passionate about swimming and is well known for his work coaching disabled swimmers, and this aspect of his experience is something we particularly welcome.”

Paul's impressive coaching background follows an equally impressive career as a swimmer. By the age of 15, he was 100m backstroke county champion and was competing at the nationals.

Acting head coach Paul Murray said: “Paul's time as a competitive swimmer, brings with it a great deal of empathy with the swimmers he coaches. He has told us that he wants to create a team of swimmers who excel at what they do, and to achieve this he will work with them on perfecting their stroke, and making sure they enjoy their training.”

Prior to being appointed to the position, Cook attended training sessions at the Kingfisher Leisure Centre, and observed Storms' swimmers at both team and individual open meets.

“His feedback to the club's management has been very enthusiastic and he has shared with us some very exciting aspirations for the club and its members,” said Milsom.

“The club will provide him with the support he needs to fulfil this philosophy with our swimmers.”

Milsom also paid tribute to Paul Murray, for his time as acting head coach. “Paul has given up an incredible amount of time to SDSC over recent months,” he said. “He has done an amazing job developing the training programme and session plans, from which the swimmers have all benefited immensely.”

The club will take its largest ever squad - 36 - to this year's county championships.

Storms are also embarking on a recruitment drive, looking for new members of all ages. Anyone interested in joining, can find further details on the club's web site www.sudburyswimming.org.uk