Thornton remains with Tigers

Castleford Tigers “highly respected” under 20’s head coach Gary Thornton will remain at the club in 2011.

Having joined the club from Co-operative Championship side Batley Bulldogs, Gary helped with the promotion of a number of young players into the first team in 2010 and is looking forward to continuing his role next season:

“I’m delighted to be staying on at Castleford Tigers. Alongside my assistant Gary Barnett, we’re really looking forward to another year working with the talented youngsters coming through at the club.

“From a player development point of view, 2010 was a huge success. We had six players pushing through into the 1st team – Milner, Walker, Holmes, Thompson, Arundel, and Davies – who all performed really well, held their places and already have lots of Super League experience between them.

“It’s great to see the development of our youngsters being recognised at first team level and that gives these young guys the hope that they can go on and achieve their dreams.”

Looking forward to the 2011 season, Gary is expecting more of his players to make their mark in Terry Matterson’s first team:

“They have to put in the hard work and show the right level of desire and commitment, but I have every confidence that the production line of local quality youngsters pushing into Super League with Castleford will continue next season and for years to come.”

Tigers head of youth development Steve Gill said of the announcement:

“I’m delighted Gary will remain at the club. He’s a much sought after and highly respected coach in the game.

“Gary shares our passion in developing young players for Super League, he did a great job with a very young side last year and the young guys who stepped up to play 1st grade were well prepared when they went into the 1st team environment.

“Our young players are in safe hands next season under his stewardship.”