Batley appoint Diskin for 2017

Matt Diskin is to take over from John Kear as head coach of Batley Bulldogs for the start of the 2017 season. 

Diskin is currently with the Bradford Bulls working as the U19’s head coach as well as James Lowes’ assistant with the first team, but will take over from Kear who is leaving the Bulldogs to return to Wakefield at the start of next season.

After an illustrious playing career in Super League, this will be Diskin’s first head coaching role and was the pick of the five final candidates selected by the Bulldogs board.

Batley chairman Kevin Nicholas has already expressed his delight at being able to get the man he wanted for next season.

“Matt is presently in a full-time post at a big Rugby League club and so for him to step down from thast role and come to us, in a part-time capacity, shows a big commitment from him with the support of his wife and family,” Nicholas told the club’s official website.

“I asked him how long he wanted to pledge to the club in the first instance and without hesistation he said 3 years. We shook hands on it and so for the next 3 years, at least, he will be out Head Coach.

“That was his choice which again shows to us that he is here to achieve things at Batley. If he can improve us in that time then he will leave us at some point and no doubt progress to full time. 

“In fact his clear ambition is to be England Coach and we want him to achieve that goal after he has shown to the Rugby League world what he can achieve at Batley. 

“We believe that we have exciting times ahead and despite the risk we have taken, because this will be his first Head Coach appointment, we believe, in time, this will prove to be an absolutely superb decision.”