Stafford says family environment is key to success

Joe Stafford credits Gary Pearce’s coaching skills for the improvements made by the first team this season.
The coaches’ player of the season is enjoying a well earned break from action before starting all over again in September after another gruelling pre-season.
Stafford said the ‘family’ environment created by Pearce has helped get the best out of the players.
“Compared to where we’ve come from, I think it’s been a great season,” Stafford said.
“That comes down to Gary’s coaching.
“He’s got like a family mentality with the group.
“As we say before games, we’re all a family.
“We’ll do anything for each other.”
This was highlighted by Stafford in the final game of the season.
After taking a blow to the head, Stafford left the pitch to have five stitches inserted to temporarily stop the bleeding.
Bandaged up, Stafford marked his return with his side’s first try of the 26-10 victory over Kendal to epitomise the character recognised by picking up one of the key awards last Saturday night.
“I didn’t think I was doing that well so it’s nice to get some recognition like that and I appreciate it,” Stafford said.
“It’s been a good season.
“This summer is going to be good training in Cal’s gym – The Pit.
“Losing Kiran will be a big loss but hopefully we can replace him and continue to move upwards and onwards.
“As for the injury, I picked up a cut above my eye that needed five stitches.
“It was nice to score the try after coming back on as it made up for dropping the ball over the line before that.”