Kear To Stay A Wildcat

John Kear will remain head coach at Wakefield Trinity next season whether the Wildcats remain in the engage Super League or suffer relegation to LHF National League One..

The former Hull boss was appointed on 24th July until the end of the current season after the dismissal of previous coach Tony Smith but has now signed a new deal until the end of 2007.

The news will be greatly received by the club's fans as Wakefield face a battle next year to either stay in or get back to Super League.

"John has put some good structures in place since he was appointed," said chief executive Steve Ferres.

"The short-term appointment gave everyone at the club a chance to find out more about John's coaching philosophy and John has had a chance to have a good look at the club.

"I am pleased to announce that in both cases the response has been extremely positive as the level of performance on the pitch has shown."

The Wildcats are currently second from bottom (above Les Catalans Dragons who cannot be relegated) one point away from Castleford Tigers and two away from both Huddersfield Giants and Wigan Warriors.

The club faces a tough task in the next three games, having to face St Helens tomorrow night and Bradford Bulls next week – with a crunch derby against Castleford on the final weekend.

But Kear remains more than confident that his side can stay in the top flight, and that the club has the ability to make progress. 

"I consider myself a Super League coach and will give all my best endeavours to ensure that I am still a Super League coach next year," he said.

"But if we have to take a step back to take two steps forward, so be it. However, the infrastructure is right for progress at this club."

Wakefield have also confirmed that main sponsors Eric France and Son will remain with the club in 2007, allowing them to retain a full time squad if relegated.