BLAYDON have promoted captain/ assistant coach Keith Laughlin to the role of head coach in a bid to return to the National Leagues.
Laughlin, who led England Counties in 2016, replaces former Newcastle hooker Matt Thompson who has moved on after the club narrowly missed out on regaining their Two North status at the first attempt. Blaydon finished 19 points behind North 1 champions Hull and then lost the play-off with Midlands 1 runners-up Luctonians 31-17 a fortnight ago.
“I jumped at the chance when I was offered the job,” said the Irishman, who will be entering his 12th seaso...