There are some huge clubs in the Championship including sides who have previously contested World Club Challenges and competed with the likes of Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves at the top of Super League or back in the days of summer rugby.
The two teams I’m talking about met this week in the shape of Bradford Bulls and Widnes Vikings.
The two teams are huge clubs and are scrapping their way out of Super League.
Going into the game there were problems at Widnes which resulted in the exit of former Bradford boss and ex-Hull FC and Wakefield Trinity coach John Kear.
Speaking on Viaplay, the club’s Head of Operations Chris Hamilton said:
“A couple of weeks ago now we obviously dispensed with the services of John Kear which obviously sounds a bit harsh but we had been on a bad run of form and we still are but we felt we needed to do something about.”
Hamilton also addressed the search for a new coach:
“We have an interim head coach and Neil has stood up and come to the plate and we got a reaction off the players last week in Toulouse.
“With regards to getting a full time replacement, we’re on with that and we have had quite a number of applicants that we have been working through and we’re also conscious that we are competitive for the rest of the season but also we need to get the right person in so we can look forward not only to the end of this season but moving forward.”
There have been suggestions, especially after the move of Jordan Johnstone to Castleford Tigers, that the club are struggling financially like Whitehaven and Workington Town.
However, Hamilton slammed these “ridiculous” suggestions:
“It is ridiculous. There are no budget clubs, no financial problems. In fact I would say that a lot of clubs within the Championship would be envious of our position so that is just total rubbish.”