The following passages were published within the 1XV programme and the later 1XV match report so it was felt that they should be reproduced to a wider audience!

It is with deep regret that I have to inform you that on Thursday evening I was informed that our Coach and redoubtable Number 8 Mr. Keith Young, will be returning to South Africa in the near future. This was bitter news bearing in mind how well we are playing of late.

Keith has behaved the perfect gentleman in all his dealings with the Executive. I'm not so sure how he behaved during some of the back to the wall defences we have witnessed on the pitch over the last few years, but whatever was said and however it was put it certainly worked.

In like manner the results during the majority of the last four years speak volumes for his total commitment to the club and players. From late 2006 until the present, the 1st XV under Keith's tutelage have been extremely successful; Lancashire Plate Champions 2007 and 2008; unbeaten Champions in the North Lancashire League 1 in 2008; 4th place in the North Lancs/Cumbria League in 2009 and 6th last year. These few words cannot properly express the gratitude we owe to Keith Young, who has been largely responsible for one of the most successful periods in this club's long and honourable history. There will be a presentation to Keith in the Club House after the game.

Tony Murton (President)
At 4.29 pm today the game v Fleetwood finished and both the Heaton Moor Third and First team provided a tunnel to mark the end of the career due to having to return home to his native South Africa of without doubt, the finest coach in the clubs 111 year history.
Better players there probably has been, particularly in the glory days of the early 70’s but no one will ever convince me, or any of our respected senior members that there has ever been a better coach at this club and in that comparison I include a former international coach. I apologise to anybody from outside of the Heaton Moor Club for the next few paragraphs that are going to be a Keith Young love in.
When I say he is the best coach ever to have been at this club, that opinion is mine, however it is backed up by far better rugby pedigree than I shall ever possess. Even a few weeks ago when Sale Coach Mike Brewer ordered Sharks Players to attend every club in the Northwest and we were lucky enough to get Mark Cueto and Pete Anglesea in our quota.
Pete & Mark came down and Keith ran a normal session. Midway through the session Keith approached Mark and asked him if there’s anything he’d like to comment on. Mark immediately started floundering. Such was Mark’s initial impression of watching Keith Coach that the last thing he expected was Keith to seek his views. Mark mumbled some crap about maybe you could bring your 12 onto the ball more! Keith nodded in agreement and returned to the session. Mark immediately turned to me and said “why the hell is he asking me? First I’m a winger and haven’t got a clue and if I ever took up coaching I’d never be as good as him.”
Another ex-England International and current Sale Academy Coach Pete Anglesea who also took part of the session commented afterwards “what the French Connection UK have you got on him Kirky? “ Why is this man at your club? Such was Pete’s level of amazement at finding a man of Keith’s calibre at this level of rugby.
For those of you who don’t know how Keith came to the Moor, he came over to see how Brazilian Internationals Nick Smith & Felipe Silva were getting on in their rugby at the Moor. Keith at the time was one of the Brazilian National Coaches and came over to see how they were doing. Luckily for us the Brazilian Federation weren’t doing themselves any favours and Keith decided to stay and play a few games for us.
At the time we were being coached by a decent guy, Steve Mather brother of Barrie Jon and Steve worked out Keith’s qualities very quickly. Steve would give a couple of indications of what he wanted and then would turn to Keith, “Keith is there anything you would like to add?” Feeling slightly embarrassed Keith offered his advice. It was quite embarrassing how everyone hung onto his every word.
When it appeared Keith would not be returning to Brazil, Steve took me to one side and said “Kirky without being funny, there is no way I can coach in that man’s presence!” He wasn’t being awkward or funny he was just relaying the facts. We gratefully accepted his resignation and the rest is history.
Keith in your almost five years at the club it has been my honour and my privilege to be part of your team and you are truly irreplaceable. It is a crying shame that the court room session in the dressing room after today’s game managed to do what no player or team in the league has managed to do in taking you out. We the lads have had a wonderful night whilst you have been comatose at Hux’s.
Tony Kirkam (1XV Manager)