Millward to return to Leigh
Ian Millward will return to take over the coaching reigns at Leigh next season, the club has confirmed.
Millward has agreed a three-year deal to take over from the 2010 season, with current coach Paul Rowley set to remain as part of the management set-up.
The former St Helens coach began his career in the UK at the Centurions, taking over at Hilton Park in 1999.
Chairman Arthur Thomas said: “Ian took Leigh from a lowly placed club to the top four before being released to take over at Saints in the 2000 season. He created history at Saints winning two Premierships, two Challenge Cups and a World Club Challenge in a six year term.
“I would like to thank Paul Rowley for his services during the interim period and he will continue at the club as a coach working alongside Ian.”
Millward has revealed his delight at the opportunity to return to the club that gave him his first coaching appointment in England.
He said: “Leigh gave me a start back in 1999 and I will endeavor to repay the club and its supporters with success in the coming seasons.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Leigh and in Superleague and the other reason behind my decision was to be closer to my three children who still live in England and to allow my wife Marion to live closer to her parents.
“I am also appreciative of Canberra Raiders decision to release me from my current contract at the end of the 2009 season to allow me to take up the Leigh appointment.”
After leaving Leigh for Saints, Millward won every honour in the English game but was sacked for gross misconduct in May 2005.
He then went to arch-rivals Wigan, but lasted just 12 games at the JJB Stadium, before being relieved of his duties in April 2006.
His next coaching appointment was as assistant at NRL side North Queensland Cowboys, where he took over as Head Coach in May 2008 on a short-term basis following the resignation of Graham Murray.
He was appointed as assistant coach to David Furner at Canberra on a two-year deal from 2009, but this will be cut short for his return to Leigh.
The Centurions lost 36-22 to Whitehaven at the weekend which has sucked them in to an unlikely relegation battle.
With Doncaster all but relegated, the Centurions will battle with Batley and Gateshead to avoid finishing in the second relegation spot.