“Westerman was his downfall” – How social media reacted to Radford’s Castleford departure

Castleford Tigers have stunned many in the rugby league community by parting company with coach Lee Radford three weeks into the new season after three losses.

It has certainly divided opinion across Super League fans with the decision coming so soon into the new Super League season.

It comes after only scoring six points in their last two games – which came from a penalty try – and also after they were nilled by Wigan Warriors on Friday night with the Warriors running in 36 points for Radford’s heaviest defeat at the Jungle.

The former Hull FC boss has had to deal with the incident with Joe Westerman with the loose-forward involved in a video that was circulated around just prior to the season.

Radford chose to start him for the trip to Hull in Round One which in the eyes of several people backfired:

A Neutral and Yes three game lost at the start of a season in a row coming of the back of a culture that allows the westerman incident to occur means it a logical decision. Leight winning on Friday may have contributed too.

— JustJohn (@John_1865) March 6, 2023

Three losses and the Westerman debacle. Had to go. No discipline and no points.

— The Boss (@Phil_30000) March 6, 2023

Yeah definitely dealt with the Westerman situation wrong, But he can 100% get a team playing, they weren’t far off Play-Offs last year.

— Hull FC Fanpage_ (@Hullfcfanpage_) March 6, 2023

Starting Westerman in R1 was his downfall I think. Otherwise it’s really weird letting him put a squad together and sacking him after three tough games. #RugbyLeague

— Gavin Wilson (@GavWilson) March 6, 2023

Meanwhile, Mark Wilson believes the now former Cas boss could be headed to pastures new and have something in the pipeline. He also believes that it will take some turning round at the Jungle.

Interesting from @CTRLFC this morning. The wording of the statement intriguing too. Wonder who will get that gig? An experienced squad but will need turning around over next couple of years.

— Mark Wilson (@MarkWilsonRadio) March 6, 2023

One fan meanwhile was adamant that Radford wasn’t interested in this new season.

You could tell pre season he didn’t want to be here! Right call, let’s take this next appointment seriously and plan for the future

— Matt Dunnell (@mattdunnell) March 6, 2023

One felt Radford’s dismissal was harsh given their tough start to the season.

Hull Saints and Wigan in the first 3, what did they expect 6 points?

— Thomas Stirk (@TomStirk1992) March 6, 2023

Meanwhile, another supporter felt the decision was sparked by Leigh Leopards winning making the prospect of relegation all the more real.

Leigh winning a game put the spooks on everyone but he can’t argue with that based on the start they’ve had. https://t.co/zELUMHlL6t

— JamesSaintLatic (@JamesSaintLatic) March 6, 2023

Others slammed the culture at the club and called for Danny Orr to come in and fix things.

https://twitter.com/LJ_YH2/status/1632672423760756738?s=20

Get Danny Orr at the helm to put some professionalism and pride back in the jersey

— John (@jcw_72) March 6, 2023

Another person called for Super League’s most successful coach and former Leeds Rhinos boss Brian McDermott to take over. He is currently working with Newcastle Knights in Australia.

Bring in Brian McDermott. Perfect fit for Cas.

— Hunters Monkey (@Monkeymagic22) March 6, 2023

Another called for ex-Castleford player and current York Knights coach Andrew Henderson to be given a shot.

Andrew Henderson I’d give a call now

— Brad Shaw (@shawbradfit) March 6, 2023