Castleford Tigers moved quickly after parting ways by hiring his assistant Danny McGuire as head coach, something that has got fans talking.
It came as somewhat of a shock when Craig Lingard was relieved of his duties as Castleford Tigers head coach but it came as a clear sign of intent from new owner Martin Jepson.
Jepson had bought out the shares of the Fulton family to assume near-100% control of the club and with his first major action, he made plans to bring in his own head coach.
Ironically, that new head coach was within the organisation already as Cas confirmed today that assistant coach Danny McGuire would be Lingard’s replacement.
Whilst McGuire has worked as an interim head coach before and now served two years as an assistant, at each of Hull KR and Castleford, the Tigers are potentially gambling on him as he has no certified head coach pedigree.
What he does have is one of the finest playing resumes that you will ever see as well as plenty of respect from all those within the game. He’s now tasked with taking Grade A club Castleford Tigers forward with the hope being that on-field performances can catch up to their off-field ones.
What fans said about Castleford Tigers new head coach
Following the appointment, fans have had their say on the appointment with the debate encompassing plenty of points, be it McGuire’s inexperience, his excellent playing career or those who are still left baffled by Lingard’s exit.
Serious About Rugby League asked fans if they believed Danny McGuire would be a success at Castleford Tigers and there was plenty said on the matter.
Alan Poole was one of those surprised at the Lingard exit and held reservations over the appointment, explaining: “Time will definitely tell. I have to say I didn’t see the Lingard sacking coming, but the new owners think that a new voice in the dressing room is what’s required for progression…. I’m a Cas fan and love the club, but I have reservations over the ‘progress’ under an untried individual taking the helm, regardless of his playing prowess.”
Some noted the fact elite players don’t always make elite coaches.
Steve Smith said: “History has proven that ex players don’t always cut the mustard as a first team coach.”
Dave Wright said: “Time will tell, being a great player doesn’t automatically make you a good coach.”
Paul Done put forward a different argument: “Everyone said the same thing about Sam Burgess at Warrington and they had a decent season in his first year. Give Danny a chance.”
Many pointed out the finances and whether or not he would be afforded a team that he could be successful with.
Ryan Wheeler said: “Just like in Australia, you can be a good coach and man manager but if you inherited junk it takes a while.”
Nigel Ledger said: “Same anywhere in sport, depends on finances available.”
Phil Studholme claimed: “Don’t think anyone would be a success at Castleford, probably the hardest job in Super League.”
Rival fans sniped as well with Craig O’Neill stating: “Won’t take much to be successful at Cas.”
Peter Bateson argued: “At least now there’s going to be someone at Cas with some winners’ medals.”