BRADFORD Dudley Hill will have a new head coach for the 2025 season, though he is a face familiar to everyone at the club.

Former player Kenny Smith has taken the reins, having been a part of the club for the past 10 years.

Prior to that, he had a brief stint as head coach 18 years ago, but with more experience and knowledge behind him now, he is back for a second go.

Posting about Smith’s appointment on Facebook, Dudley Hill said: “We would like to welcome Kenny back to Dudley Hill to take on the role of head coach for the open age team.

“Kenny has been a big part of the club over the last 10 + years with playing and also a stint at head coach when he was just 34.

“Now at 52, with more experience, he wanted to give it another go and work with some fresh faces at the club.”

Dudley Hill added: “We are always welcoming new players for the 2025 season and pre-season will be starting soon so keep your eyes peeled for the start date.”

Dudley Hill finished third in Division One of the Yorkshire Men’s League in 2024, before losing their play-off semi-final to Mirfield ARFLC.

But Mirfield came up short in the final, losing 18-4 to Siddal Academy, denying the Kirklees side the league leaders and play-off final winners’ double.

Bradford Dudley Hill had an okay season, but they will be looking to win the title and play-offs next year under Kenny Smith.Bradford Dudley Hill had an okay season, but they will be looking to win the title and play-offs next year under Kenny Smith. (Image: Lyndsey Cunnett.)

Brighouse Rangers won Division Two in 2024, but lost in the play-off semi 18-14 to Seacroft Sharks.

The Sharks were beaten 24-16 by Moldgreen in the final.

But there was success for Drighlington in the National Conference League Division Three play-offs.

East Leeds and Hensingham went up automatically, meaning Distington, Drighlington, Beverley and Leigh East entered the play-offs to see who joined them as the third team going up.

Drig crushed Beverley 64-22 in the semi-final, then squeezed past Distington 17-10 in the final to secure promotion.

Stanningley won their final Division One game on Saturday, with a 22-12 victory over Leigh Miners Rangers sealing their dramatic survival on points difference.