Coventry coach Hayes happy to continue pitch battle

EVERGREEN playmaker Tommy Hayes insists he is happy to pull on his boots for the Coventry cause long after he thought he had hung them up. The backs coach turned in a vintage tactical kicking display to help secure Friday night’s season-opening win against Rotherham Titans. He had also been pressed into action in pre-season by the late arrival of Tongan fly half Fangatapu Apikotoa and the

unavailability of loan player George Crook.

The Worcester youngster has had to return to Sixways to cover an injury to Joey Carlisle which has left Hayes, temporarily at least, as Phil Maynard’s number one No 10.

But Hayes says he’s more than happy to answer the call to arms and says he’ll willingly play even after Apikotoa has proved himself.

The 35-year-old played a full part in pre-season preparations and fitness-wise he is ready to turn out.

“I am really excited about playing this season, I am viewing it as just another challenge,” Hayes said.

“If I end up playing half a season, a quarter of a season or just the odd game off the bench I’m more than happy to do that.”

But he accepts the passage of time means he is a different player to the one that fulfilled an important part in Worcester’s National One title campaign in 2004.

“By this age I would have thought my playing days would have been done but I still really enjoy playing.

“I cannot quite execute the game I have got in my head anymore which is frustrating when your body won’t do what the brain is telling it.”

And even though he has not played a complete part in the summer contact sessions, his aching limbs tell him he’s doing more than enough.

“I have got tired legs, tired ankles, tired feet – tired everything. But I am doing all the right things to recover.”

As well as leading his side on the pitch, he has to prepare them off it and he is pleased with the many new faces that have arrived at the Butts Park Arena.

“I am excited about the personalities we have recruited this summer,” he said.