New head coach can take Worksop Swimming Club to the next level

Head coach Giannis Valkoumas has already had a massive impact at Worksop Swimming Club.

Valkoumas - a former Greek international swimmer - has already played a key part in overhauling the club.

And McLauchlan believes the club has pulled off a major coup in landing their man and are set to feel the benefit for years to come.

“I don’t know how we managed to get him,” he said. “Greece is quite good as a swimming nation and he was coaching some top swimmers at international level.

“He was the guy that we wanted if he wanted to take the job.

“He had applied for the job previously before the previous coach decided to stay on.

“His credentials are extraordinary. He was a coach of considerable status in his own country.

“He knew there was a lot of hard work to be done at the club. It answered all our prayers when he said he would take the job.”

Valkoumas moved to Worksop with his wife and two kids after his family liked what they saw around the area.

And since joining the club Valkoumas, who is working alongside assistant coach Bailey Hurt, has been quick to implement new training ideas and show a great attention to detail.

“Right away he came in and changed things,” added McLauchlan. “We have been a very good club in the day and had individuals that did really well.

“He knew what was ahead of him and said to the committee how we are at rock bottom.

“He thinks and plans ideas. He schedules well ahead. He doesn’t live for the next week, he is living years ahead.

“The training schedules he is giving the swimmers are far superior to what they had before. He keeps coming up with new ideas and he is planning big-time for our club. And he will do it, he will lift our club up again.

“I have every confidence that, if we keep him because he is very talented, he will make our club attractive.

“Everyone has put their trust in him and he has the full backing of the committee.

“The swimmers will swim through a brick wall for him. The parents are delighted because their kids are getting taught really well.

“He is also bringing on the coaches as well and Bailey is learning a lot from him.”

Worksop Swimming Club operates out of the pools at Worksop Leisure Centre and Worksop College and hope to return to training on April 12.