HONOURED coach Mark Airey feels that schoolboy Robert Read is a hot prospect.

Airey, himself revealed this week as the winner of a Lawn Tennis Association national award, could not hide his delight after the Knutsford Tennis Club starlet reached the knockout stages of the Powder Byrne Mini Tennis Trophy national finals.

The Manor Park Primary School pupil came through a qualifier in Bolton last month to book his place in the U8s mixed singles play-off at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre.

“Robert won three round-robin matches and qualified for the knockout stages,” said Airey, Knutsford’s head coach of four years.

“He then lost in the quarter finals. He played brilliantly and in a manner myself, his parents, school and club are very proud of.

“He is definitely one to watch for in the future, and he should be very proud of himself.”

Airey’s success has been marked with the Aegon Coach of the Month award for November, recognising his work in increasing membership and expanding programmes at the club.

He said he was ‘touched’ at being nominated by Knutsford’s committee and members.

“I am taken aback and very proud of the award,” he said.

“We have come on in leaps and bounds and we continue to provide an excellent and accessible environment for all ages and abilities to compete, enjoy and develop.”