Bradford Bulls appoint new head coach on long-term deal from 2024: ‘It’s a huge honour’
Eamon O'Carroll has been appointed the new head coach of Bradford Bulls from 2024
Bradford Bulls have appointed Catalans Dragons assistant Eamon O’Carroll as their new head coach on a three-year deal from 2024.
The 36-year-old has been an assistant coach to Steve McNamara at Super League table toppers Catalans Dragons for several years, as well as leading the club’s reserves.
O’Carroll also had a head coaching spell with Newcastle Thunder between 2020-22, overseeing their promotion to the Championship from League 1.
The former Ireland international prop will finish the current season with the Dragons before linking up with the Bulls in pre-season ahead of 2024.
On becoming Bradford head coach, O’Carroll told BullsTV: ““It is a great feeling, I am really looking forward to it, it is a huge honour everyone knows the proud history of the club so to be a part of that moving forward is a really proud moment for me and my family.
“There were a number of things that appealed about the job, I have always had aspirations to be a head coach. I wasn’t particularly looking but when it came up it turned my head, the club has big aspirations and I am really looking forward to getting started.
“I have been extremely lucky to work with Steve McNamara and the staff here at the Dragons and hopefully some of those good traits I’ve learned will come out in what I bring to Bradford as a head coach.”
Bradford Bulls chief ‘delighted’ to welcome new head coach Eamon O’Carroll to Odsal
O’Carroll made more than 150 appearances during his playing career for Ireland, Wigan, Hull and Widnes. He represented his Irish heritage in two World Cups.
On O’Carroll’s head coaching appointment, Bulls chief executive Jason Hirst said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Eamon O’Carroll, as our new head coach on a three-year contract from season 2024.
“Following our recruitment process, Eamon was our number one choice, so to secure his appointment for that length of time is great news for our club and gives us stability and consistency at a pivotal period for the sport of rugby league.
“For Eamon to decide to leave not only Super League, but the team that currently sits top of that elite competition, speaks volumes to the attraction, potential and ambition of our great club.
“As well as coming highly recommended, he impressed tremendously throughout our discussions and interviews. His knowledge, enthusiasm, work ethic, professionalism, articulate nature and hunger to build and succeed shone clearly through.
“We look forward to him joining us for the 2024 pre-season, with planning for that and the actual season, well underway with Eamon, Lee Greenwood and Brian Noble.
“Before then, everyone at the club remains fully focused on a successful end to the current season under the leadership and guidance of Brian and Lee, who I’d like to publicly thank for their loyal, continuing and greatly appreciated support, endeavors and results.
“Finally, thank you, to all of our loyal fan base, your support is greatly appreciated and never underestimated.”
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