Thames Rowing Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Al Heathcote as the Head Coach of Men's rowing and Simon Fieldhouse as Head Coach of Women's rowing.

Al was appointed temporary Thames Men’s Head Coach earlier this year. He is a silver medalist from the 2008 GB Olympic VIII, holds a World Championships bronze medal and several World Cup medals, and has twice won at Henley Royal Regatta. Simon has one juniors and five senior international vests for GB, and a Henley Royal Regatta winners medal. He was until recently coach at Latymer Upper School.

Al and Simon's appointments have been carried out by the club’s coaching performance group. This group will continue to provide support and direction, helping the coaches achieve the long-term success that is the goal of Thames RC. The Head Coaches will work with volunteer coaches to provide club athletes with the means to compete and win at all levels of rowing.

Club Captain Will Pressley commented: “The appointment of Al and Simon provides Thames with an integrated team of Head Coaches who will help drive the club forward and achieve the wide-ranging success we desire. Thames wants to build on recent successes to help celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary next year, and develop competitive squads with strength in depth to sustain this success into the future”. Simon Fieldhouse said: “I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to coach at a club with such great history behind it and exciting future ahead”. Al Heathcote added: “This a great opportunity to build on the success achieved thus far and take the men’s group forward. I am looking forward to working with Simon and the coaching group at Thames in the coming 150th anniversary year”.