Former CEO states who ‘could’ become new Castleford Tigers boss

Castleford Tigers parted ways with Andy Last following defeat to Huddersfield Giants last night after the club won just four games during his nineteen game tenure, two against Leeds Rhinos, one against bang out of form Warrington Wolves and another against their relegation rivals Wakefield Trinity.

The defeat saw the Tigers drop to bottom of the table, below rivals Trinity, with just six games to go and should Mark Applegarth’s side continue their fine form with another win tomorrow against Hull FC then Cas will be left adrift.

Following Daryl Powell’s dismissal from Warrington Wolves there were some Castleford fans who thought he should return to the Jungle and help save the club, and now with confirmation of Andy Last’s sacking then that talk has elevated.

One man who has previously worked with Powell, former Tigers Chief Executive Officer Steven Gill, said at the time of Powell’s dismissal that it wasn’t the right time for his return.

Just to clear things up . Would I have Darryl Powell as my head coach? You bet , would it be the right time for him to return to @CTRLFC No , now is the time for him to take a break, re-charge and evaluate. #Gotigers

— Steven Gill (@StevenG72629899) July 31, 2023

Gill tweeted: “Just to clear things up . Would I have Darryl Powell as my head coach? You bet , would it be the right time for him to return to @CTRLFC
No , now is the time for him to take a break, re-charge and evaluate.”

He has now followed up after the sacking of Andy Last suggesting one head coach who is currently available and that he believes would be a perfect fit.

I’m not in the know but could it be the JK finally coaching @CTRLFC he mentored Linners over at Batley and remained good friends , I’m sure he would relish the opportunity to save us if asked #Gotigers

— Steven Gill (@StevenG72629899) August 5, 2023

That man is John Kear, Castleford born and a known motivator of men, something that the Tigers desperately need right now.

Gill references that Kear has previously worked closely with the current assistant coach at Castleford, Craig Lingard, and believes that Kear would “relish the opportunity if asked”.

It wouldn’t be the first time that Kear has taken on a West Yorkshire Super League side and saved them from relegation with just six games of the season to go, the other time ironically being Wakefield.

That was back in 2006 with Kear replacing Tony Smith and then winning four of the last six games, including two wins over Castleford to relegate the Tigers and save Trinity.

If he were to join Cas and pull off the great escape again then it would be quite some feat.