THERE will be a changing of the guard at Bromsgrove Tennis Club as Richard Lawton will be replaced by James Griffiths as head coach.

Lawton ends 20 years at the St Godwald's-based club to take a director of tennis role at Bromsgrove School.

He was instrumental in building up the club's strong youth development section, which was named ‘Junior Club of the Year’ by the Hereford and Worcester LTA last year.

“It’s going to be a huge wrench to leave the club but it has moved on so much in the 20 years I have been there," said Lawton.

“When it started it was just a group of parents coaching now it’s a professional organisation and I believe the best in Hereford and Worcester.

“The facilities are excellent and they are producing lots of talented youngsters.

“I am looking forward to my new role at Bromsgrove School, it’s another exciting opportunity.”

Senior coach Griffiths is set to step up and fill the gap from Tuesday, July 1.

Chairman Steve Jones said: "When we interviewed James we were very impressed with his ideas for moving the club forward. The decision to appoint him was unanimous and an easy one to make." I believe we are now entering a new era for the Club and through the appointment of James and with the support of the other coaches, we aim to take coaching at Bromsgrove to the next level.

When accepting the post James said ‘I’m really excited about taking such an important role on. The Club has huge potential and with the support of the committee and its commitment to engaging with the people of Bromsgrove, I’m looking forward to the challenge.’ “It’s going to be a huge wrench to leave the club but it has moved on so much in the 20 years I have been there," said Lawton.

“When it started it was just a group of parents coaching now it’s a professional organisation and I believe the best in Hereford and Worcester.

“The facilities are excellent and they are producing lots of talented youngsters.

“I am looking forward to my new role at Bromsgrove School, it’s another exciting opportunity.”