Andy Last provides update on Castleford Tigers’ search for new Head Coach

Andy Last last week underlined his ambition to succeed Lee Radford as Castleford Tigers Head Coach after taking over as interim coach.

This week he is preparing for the Tigers’ clash with Leeds Rhinos and ahead of the game he was asked about the situation with the Castleford Tigers Head Coach position and gave an update revealing that the club is working through applications.

He said to BBC Sport West Yorkshire: “We haven’t had any discussions, they are working through the applications that have come in and there’s plenty of them because it is a club that is held in high regard and has great history.

“It is one that I am proud to lead at this moment in time and hopefully I will get to lead it moving forward.”

He then reiterated his desire to take over:

“The best way I can confirm an opportunity that I have got at the moment is by getting the players to play better and ultimately the players will decide if I get the job.

“Hopefully they play well against Leeds and get a result and that might get me a week closer to getting the job but the club has to do their due diligence and have a look around and make the right appointment for the club long term.

“I am excited by the opportunity, I have waited for it for a long time.

“I have learnt from some very good coaches and worked with some very good players.

“I am confident of what I can do and I just need the players to buy into some things that I have asked them to do and showcase the best of themselves.

“It is a challenge and challenges make us grow and right now we’re learning from the group how tough they can be and what it means to them personally but also what it means to us as a club to get ourselves out of this situation.”