Tony Smith signs new Warrington deal
Tony Smith has signed a new two-year deal to stay at the Warrington Wolves as head coach.
Smith has pledged his future to the club until the end of 2018.
The Australian has been with Warrington for seven years and he is the longest serving current head coach in Super League.
He joined the Warrington club back in 2009 and has gone on to lead the team to three Challenge Cup final victories, two Grand Final appearances and a League Leaders shield.
Smith said: “I’m delighted and excited about the upcoming two years. I think we have been a good fit for each other as coach and club, and it’s the ambition of this club that has kept me here.
“I think we have come through a period of rebuild over the last couple of years and we’ve got some terrific young players with experience now. I think some of our best times are to come and hopefully some of that will be this year; certainly into the next couple and beyond.
“I’m excited to be part of it. We are making some really big inroads off the field as well as on it now too. We are engaging with our fans and I think that’s a real positive and makes us a much stronger club.
“I am enjoying being part of watching this grow and it’s important for us to keep developing. We’ve been ambitious for a long time but are now getting our act together in many respects so it’s a good place to be.”
Warrington Wolves chief executive Roger Draper said: “We are delighted that Tony has renewed his contract for a further two years. He is a man of principle, who lives and breathes Warrington Wolves. He has established Warrington Wolves for its exciting playing style, continues his commitment to young players and has the ability to bring top-class players to the club.”
Draper, who was appointed chief executive in March 2015, has confirmed that he has also extended terms with the club.
Draper added: “I want to stay and continue to develop the club and the team. We are entering a very exciting period. We have a strong squad, financial stability, an outstanding Board of Directors and huge support from our brilliant fans.”
Warrington Wolves chairman Professor Steven Broomhead said: “The excellent news that Roger Draper is also extending his contract shows we are totally serious about establishing the club to be the best in the world.
“In the past year Roger has demonstrated both vision and delivery to continually improve our club off the pitch and alongside Tony, he has brought about a total culture change here which is being appreciated by our fans, sponsors, players, community clubs and our Board.”