England and Salford ace Andy Ackers sets up sideline in Bolton barber’s shop
ANDY Ackers can be a cut above on the rugby league pitch – now he is off it after setting up in a barber’s shop.
And the England hooker admits the pressure of cutting someone’s hair is above that of producing plays.
Ackers has established himself as one of the country’s number nines as he dazzles for Salford, making England’s World Cup squad last year.
But when he picks up the scissors at Daley’s Barbers in the Farnworth area of Bolton, that counts for nothing – he has to do the job.
“I’d rather play rugby all day every day,” said Ackers, 29, who works until 6.30pm on some days.
“It’s a lot different and very challenging. Every head isn’t the same and people want different styles.
“Customers come in and tell me what they want. Up to now, touch wood, I’ve had no complaints. It keeps me busy and it’s an extra wage on top of rugby.
“And it’s about having something to fall back on when I finish playing rugby, When I was with Toronto Wolfpack, I was put on a college course and qualified. I cut my team-mates’ and family’s hair, now I’m in a shop.
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“I do two days a week cutting hair. I do the walk-ins, my mate, who’s shop it is, does appointments only.
“This is the first time I’ve been in a shop, it’s experience. You never know what might happen, I’m enjoying my barbering and my rugby even more.
“Danny Addy at Salford is also a barber but I’m giving him tips!”
Ackers may be lining up things for when rugby ends but there is the pressing matter of beating Warrington today to keep their play-off hopes going.
And it promises to be an emotional occasion as the Red Devils honour late dual-code legend David Watkins.
They may also receive a million-pound boost for next season, courtesy of the government.
The Red Devils always spoke of their ambition of turning the £367,000 invested by fans to keep the club alive into £1 million through the Levelling Up Fund.
But bosses have now been told they can access up to £2 million after number 10 decided to up the figure.
SunSport understands the club will attempt to secure the money towards the end of the year as they look to place themselves on a much firmer financial footing.
As things stand, Sale Sharks RU are the primary tenants at the Salford Stadium, with talks over a naming rights deal continuing.
Eventually, Salford City Council will own the ground as they seek to buyout partners Peel Holdings – meaning a long-term lease, seeing extra funds kept by the rugby league club, will be rubber stamped on completion.