THE new sports psychologist to the England team used to be the deputy principal of Warrington Collegiate.

Bill Beswick had an office based in Lymm and rose from head of sports and leisure to second-in-command at the college, and also did work with Warrington Wolves in around 1996.

Gary Chambers, an assistant coach and head of the Wolves academy, was a prop forward at the time.

The Callands resident said: "We used to go up to the college once a week when Brian Johnson was coach to look at basic psychological principles.

"Bill tried to develop team spirit and teach us about positive outcomes, and the processes to achieve those outcomes. It was groundbreaking stuff at the time."

Steve Broomhead, the former college principal and current head of the Northwest Development Agency, said: "He was really thinking in different ways. Questioning your own performance, how you analyse issues and actions. I'm really pleased he has got the job, and that someone who worked in Warrington has done so well."

Bill, aged 59, also worked with Warrington Vikings basketball team and went on to become head coach to England Men's Basketball Team.

He also worked at Derby, Middlesborough and Manchester United football clubs.