Widnes assistant Mick Cassidy to replace Matty Peet as Wigan head of youth
Photo belongs to Widnes Vikings
Widnes assistant coach Mick Cassidy will leave the club at the season’s end to take up the role of head of youth performance at Wigan.
Cassidy will leave the Vikings at the end of the campaign after a decade of service to the club.
The 45-year-old played for Widnes between 2005 and 2007 and joined the club as assistant coach in 2009. He will remain at Widnes until the end of the season.
On his decision to move to Wigan, Cassidy said: “I’ve been connected with Widnes Vikings since 2005, so this club means an awful lot to me.
“I also know what the club means to its supporters and local community too. I’m determined to sign my time at Widnes Vikings off on a high, by supporting a successful Qualifiers campaign.
“I would like to thank Widnes Vikings for giving me the opportunity to build a career in coaching. I have learned a lot at the club and worked with some brilliant people, so I am very grateful for the experience that I have gained here.
“Having been in this role for some time, I feel ready to change the focus of my coaching career and take on a new challenge. Although I am announcing this move now, I would like to reiterate my absolute commitment to the Vikings until the end of the season. I’m looking to leave the club on a high, by helping to ensure that Widnes Vikings retain their place in Super League for 2019.”
Cassidy will replace Matty Peet at Wigan, who will move to rugby union side Sale Sharks at the end of the Super League season.
Peet has been at the Warriors since 2006 and has overseen the development of junior players at the club. He has headed up their reserves, Under-19s and Under-18s teams.
On his decision to leave Wigan and join Sale, Peet said: “It’s been a privilege to have been part of such a successful period for the club during my time here, and I’ll leave my role with a huge amount of pride, having seen so many of our youngsters develop into top-level rugby league players and quality young men.
“It’s a decision that took a great deal of consideration, but I feel the development and experiences I have gained during my time here will put me in good stead for my next challenge.”