Betts backs Agar for Coach of the Year

Widnes coach Denis Betts reckons Wakefield counterpart Richard Agar should be in the running for Coach of the Year.

Agar, a former Vikings player, has guided the Wildcats in to the play-off picture with two games to play, and the Wildcats will be looking for a win over Widnes on Sunday to keep alive their top eight hopes.

After arriving from Hull in the close season, Agar started recruitment late, and virtually put together a brand new squad ahead of the 2012 Super League season, which started with a win over Widnes in the opening game of the season back at the Stobart Stadium in February.

Betts told the club’s official website: “In my mind, Richard Agar has got to be up-there in the reckoning for Coach of the Season. He’s done a sensational job with what he has pulled together. His team are well coached with loads of structure and some really good players in there.

“Wakefield have also been fortunate with injuries and aside of losing Paul Aiton, they have benefitted massively through having consistency in their selection process. If you can keep that in your side then you won’t go far wrong.”

In contrast, Betts’ side has struggled with injuries throughout the campaign, although they do hope to welcome back Chris Dean, Steve Pickersgill and Joe Mellor in to the squad for the televised clash at Belle Vue.