Danny Kirmond to play on in 2023 alongside new coaching role
Veteran forward Danny Kirmond has signed a new deal with York for the 2023 Championship season as player/assistant coach.
The former Wakefield man will take over the coaching role from Ben Cockayne following his departure, and will be assisting new head coach Andrew Henderson in his first season in charge.
The move into coaching, alongside his playing responsibilities, will see Kirmond take on his first professional coaching role in 2023.
Next season will see Kirmond play on for a 19th season, going back to his debut for Featherstone in 2005. He joined York from Wakefield in 2021, after nine seasons with Trinity.
Danny Kirmond: It’s going to be a real learning curve for me
“First of all, I’m delighted to have re-signed with the Knights.” Kirmond said. “It’s a club that’s really going in the right direction and that’s been sold to me both within and around the club.”
“I’ve really enjoyed working with Clint since he has come in. He’s got a great vision and awareness of the opportunity that the club has been presented with.
“He really sold that vision to me in the off-season. I wasn’t really too sure what I was going to do in 2023. Obviously, I’ve had a lot happen in my personal life in the last four or five months and the club has been really good with me in that period.
“It’s going to be a real learning curve for me as it’s something I’ve not really done a lot of before. I’ve been involved with reserves (at Wakefield Trinity) but it’s something that’s quite new.”
Knights head coach Henderson added: “I’m really pleased to bring Danny onto our coaching team. When I spoke with him, it was clear he had a desire to transition into coaching when he retires from playing.
“Danny is a well-respected member of this club and team. I believe he will add great on both the playing front and coaching team this season.”
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