A HORWICH powerlifter is excited about being in the background helping Great Britain to medal success.

Joe Bullock has been named as the team manager for the upcoming Western European Championship in Spain in September.

The 44-year-old has a key job in getting the squad of six men and six women ready for the competition and hopefully give words of encouragement to get podium spots.

Bullock said: "It is a great honour after 20 years as a lifter to be asked to be manager at an international competition.

"I am really looking forward to this and looking after the team and hopefully bring home some medals.

"I have been a coach before but to be give such an important role is even better.

"There will be teams from the UK, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands in action."

Among Bullock's main responsibilities will include ensuring the team arrive on time for the weigh-in and cater for their needs.

He said: "I have to take the pressure off them.

"The reason I was asked was because I have a great record as a lifter and have competed internationally for 10 years.

"I know a lot about travelling as you lose a lot of water on flights and it will be really warm in Spain.

"So it is my role to ensure they have taken on nutrients and enough water so they are hydrated for the competition.

"I am hoping to help impart my knowledge on them.

"I know how things work abroad and I have a good network of people who will be able to break down language barriers."

Despite moving into a management role, Bullock insists he has no desire to stand down from his competitive career.

He said: "I was hoping to be competing in the tournament but they asked me to do this instead.

"I am still training and competing as I won the Lancashire/Cheshire Championships in Colne earlier this year in the 93kg class.

"It will just be nice to know the pressure is off trying to meet the weight etc but I have to ensure all the bags are being carried which could be even more tiring than the lifting itself."

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