Wakefield appoint Webster as Agar leaves
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have a new coach today, as James Webster takes over from Richard Agar.
The club currently lie 12th in the First Utilty Super League table, with four wins to their name this season.
Agar was in charge for 75 games at Trinity in total, and took the Wildcats to the play-offs in 2012, on the back of an impressive seven-game, club record, winning streak.
“I’d like to thank Richard for all he has done for this club. Reaching the play-offs in 2012 given where the club was when he arrived was a remarkable achievement and gave the fans some terrific memories,” said Wildcats Chairman, Michael Carter
“He faced a similar situation ahead of the coming campaign and put his hand up to once more assemble a squad on a very limited budget. He has put together a group of players which we are fully confident has the quality to achieve our main objective of survival in the First Utility Super League.
“Throughout all of the tribulations the club has endured during his tenure he has handled himself with superb dignity and worked tirelessly for the cause. We fully respect his decision to move on and all parties were in agreement that the timing was right for James Webster to take charge.
“In James we have a hungry young coach who knows what the club is about from his time here and obviously knows the squad of players he is inheriting. He has learnt from Richard during the past few years and has our complete support.
“We are sure that he will continue to do an excellent job for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, just as he has since he joined as assistant coach.
“I’m certain that all the fans will join me in getting behind James and the players for the remainder of the campaign as we strive to achieve our primary objective of remaining in Super League.”
Agar himself requested the release from his contract. He and the club decided that it would be better for him to step down immediately, rather than waiting until the end of the current campaign.
“I spoke with the board of directors a number of weeks ago outlining the reasons why I had decided to look for another job within the game at the end of the season and therefore requested a release from the remaining two years of my contract,” the coach explained.
“All parties felt that with a new coach being decided upon and the club entering the recruitment period, it would be hard to continue in the role, especially with the players knowing I was going. It would also allow James to start putting into place his plans for next season.
“The club has recently faced some extremely difficult and uncertain times and hopefully will be in a position in the near future to provide stability and consolidate their position in the top flight and give James the resources he needs to be successful.
“I have been extremely honoured to coach this famous club and am grateful for the support of Michael Carter, Chris Brereton and Kath Hetherington during my time there.
“The club has a tremendous spirit about it and I would like to take this opportunity to wish Michael and Chris all the very best for their future ownership of the club.
“I’d like to thank the players and staff for their unwavering support, in particular James, who is an outstanding coach and I know he will make the most of this opportunity. Finally, thank-you to the fans who continue to stick by the team through good and bad. I wish the whole club every success for the future.”