Whitehaven Rugby League club has been re-united with former full-back Gary Broadbent who has returned as assistant coach to James Coyle.

Broadbent, 39, was involved for the first time last night in training at the Recreation Ground and will be on the touchline for Sunday’s home game with London Broncos.

A respected professional throughout his career with Widnes, Salford, Whitehaven and home-town Barrow he had cut his coaching teeth with former Cumbia Men’s league champions Walney Central and the successful Cumbria Amateur open age squad.

The appointment is initially until the end of the current season and delighted chairman Tommy Todd said: “Gary is held in so much respect within the game and with the fans, he is a firm fans’ favourite and he is just the filip the club needs.

“His experience within the game will be a great help to James Coyle. If he is as successful in his coaching role as he was as a player we will certainly be delighted.

“He is a Cumbrian lad and that can only help us as he has great contacts with the amateur community.

“Once again the club would like to thank the Vice Presidents’ Club for their financial support in this matter.”

After Sunday Whitehaven fans have the opportunity to meet Broadbent in person when he appears alongside Eorl Crabtree next Friday at a Vice Presidents’ event in the J J McKeown Bar. Tickets are available at the club office.

Coyle was left without a number two when Peter Williams was forced to stand-down from his role early in the season because of increased business commitments.

Broadbent’s playing career spanned three decades and totalled 464 professional games, including one cap for an Emerging England team.

One of the best quotes on Broadbent the player came from a man wh0o coached him at three different clubs – Steve McCormack.

He said: “Gary is one of the toughest, most professional players I have coached.

“I was fortunate to coach him at Salford, signed him up at Whitehaven and coached him at Barrow and during that period I can’t remember Gary ever letting the team down.

“He ranks amongst the best players I have coached.”