Ex-Warrington Wolves assistant makes massive claim about his new club as he takes over at York

Last night newly named York RLFC stunned the rugby league community with the appointment of their new Head Coach.

After the loss of highly rated, future England coach in the eyes of the York Chairman Clint Goodchild, James Ford who becomes Mark Applegarth’s assistant coach at Wakefield Trinity, York appointed former Castleford Tigers player Andrew Henderson.

Henderson was previously assistant coach at Warrington Wolves as they reached a number of major finals with him involved.

He had Head Coach experience at London Broncos as well.

He most recently was Director of Rugby at Keighley Cougars helping mastermind their promotion to the Betfred Championship from the Betfred League 1 with signings like Junior Sa’u.

Henderson was at the heart of the club’s prep for 2023 in the second tier with some amazing signings like Ben Crooks from Hull KR as the Cougars look to make a splash in the Championship next year especially after their push back against the IMG proposals.

So, when the news came through that he was leaving to take up a five-year deal as York boss, many were surprised.

However, Henderson explained why he made the switch to York making a massive claim about the club’s potential going forward.

“I’m really excited to be on board and I’m grateful for the opportunity that the owner Clint Goodchild has presented me,” Henderson told the York website.

“I’m really pleased after having discussions with him that I feel that we are aligned with how we view the game and how a club should operate along with our aspirations and ambitions.

“York is a club with a huge amount of potential and I feel that, if we get it right here, we can be a genuine Super League club in the future that will add value to that competition. I think we have got a lot to offer and I have to give credit to James Ford.

“I think he’s left the club in a good place and we’ve got the foundations of a good team that’s competitive.

“He’s given me a really good platform to work off to hopefully take this club and this team forward.

“I’m thankful that the club have given me this opportunity and I hope I can repay the faith and trust they’ve put in me as a Head Coach to get the performances from the team to get the results and give the fans the opportunity to not only watch exciting rugby league but also Super League here in York.”