North Wales Head Coach to step down

North Wales Crusaders have confirmed Head Coach Anthony Murray will leave the club at the end of the season.

Murray, who started his second spell at the club in 2018, has decided to step down from his position. They are currently second in the League One standings, six points behind unbeaten league leaders Keighley Cougars.

He initially became Crusaders Head Coach in 2014, having previously taken charge of Barrow. He then left the club in 2016 to take the Head Coach role at Gloucestershire All Golds.

In 2021, Murray helped the Crusaders reach the play-offs for the first time in six years. However, their adventure was ended by 48-34 defeat to Doncaster in the Elimination Semi-Final. Murray was named League One’s Head Coach of the Year for his efforts.

North Wales have been able to carry on that form into 2022, and were unbeaten for the first nine rounds of the season. They lost to Keighley in round 10. Two further defeats followed against Hunslet and Doncaster, but they have since found their form again. With three games to go, they seem sure odds to clinch second place.

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Murray urges fans to support North Wales play-off push

On his departure, Murray told the club website:  “It comes with a heavy heart that I’ve decided to step down at the end of the season.

“Myself, Alan and the rest of the coaching staff would like to thank all the board members and sponsors for their support during our coaching journey with Crusaders.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have a fantastic coaching team around me who have worked tirelessly to create the right environment for our players to improve and succeed.

“We have a special bunch of lads at Crusaders and we’ve loved coaching them. Picking up some amazing victories and creating ever-lasting memories along the way.

“Please get behind the lads in the final three games as we aim to cement a good league finish. With a final push in the play-offs and wherever that may lead us.”

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