head coach's cap was passed to Alastair Rodger, a Scottish coach who had previously worked with the Clydesdale Colts. Another change in the league set-up saw the club compete in the Combined Gridiron League (Premier Division) in 1989. 1990 saw the arrival of the British National Gridiron League. The Pirates had a 0–9 season, but this year was to be remembered for all the wrong reasons. During a game at the Dundee Whalers, Pirates' linebacker Kenny Hodge received injuries from which he later died. This was the first ever fatality in American Football in Britain, and if any good can come from such a set of circumstances, then the tightening up of player insurance and ambulance cover which followed was one such benefit. After much soul searching within the club, the Pirates decided to carry on. The Player of the Year Award was renamed in Kenny's memory. 1991 saw the return of Nick Fantini as head coach, with Nick having returned to Scotland. A 3–5–1 season ensued, but the club was again rocked by the loss of another player. Cornerback Barry Nunn died from a congenital heart disease, and although his death was not football related, the loss was just as great. A new Most Improved Player Award was created to commemorate Barry. In 1992, with the team still in the BNGL National Division, things started to improve on the field. A then Club record 44–0 win over the now defunct Glasgow Cyclones, and a 34–12 victory at Granite City Oilers being two of the main highlights in a 5–5 year. On to 1993, and the BNGL Premier Division. Last year's progress continued, and a first ever winning season of 7–3 was recorded. Highlights included a nail-biting win at the Edinburgh Eagles to clinch a playoff spot. Involvement in the playoffs was short, with a heavy defeat in England at the hands of a very strong Lancashire Wolverines side. The BAFA Senior League arrived in 1994, with East Kilbride in Division 2. In an attempt to improve their standing, the Club arranged to import an American quarterback, Craig Van Ness. Unfortunately, Craig damaged his knee in a skiing accident just before coming to Scotland and was not able to do himself justice. After a month here, he returned to the States. Dunoon based QB, Graeme Henry took over and steered the team to a record of 4–4 in a season