Simon Deakin is one of the youngest and most exciting training talents on the circuit today. Originally an owner, he spent 18 months working for Francis O'Hare at Perry Barr before taking over the license to train in 2002. Having started with just 15 dogs, Simon is proud to have built up his kennel strength and the quality of his dogs and now has a kennel strength in excess of 70 (including pups). Simon took out a lucrative contract to train at Hall Green in February 2006.

Weatheroak Kennels are still being developed and a 300 yard uphill all-weather gallop is being installed, as well as whelping blocks from where Simon will whelp and rear up to 5 litters every year. There are of course, always pups for sale at varying ages. The establishment consists of 3 modern kennel blocks in one enclosed complex. The secluded kennels are set in 48 acres of land and are just a 15 minute drive from Hall Green Stadium.

The dogs welfare under Simon always comes first and he has all the latest physio/exercise equipment to hand. He has 4 full-time staff and two part-time, plus the help of his parents Steven and Elaine. Any followers of greyhounds should keep an eye out for any dogs emerging from Weatheroak Kennels with "Playboy" in their name, as some of the better prospects bred and reared by Simon will carry this prefix.