Castleford Tigers fell to a fifth straight defeat last night and slipped to the bottom of Super League with a 28-0 loss against Huddersfield Giants, with Andy Last being sacked from his role as head coach just over an hour and a half after the final hooter sounded to a chorus of boos.
It’s the second coaching dismissal within a week in Super League after former Castleford boss Daryl Powell was relieved of his duties at the Halliwell Jones last week following Warrington’s heavy defeat to Wakefield Trinity.
As always that sent social media into a frenzy and despite the news of Last’s dismissal coming at 11.15pm last night, there was still plenty of reaction, particularly given the earlier protest that was staged at the Jungle.
A number of fans refused to leave the stadium following the loss as they protested in the stands by effectively staging a sit-in, with one fan involved taking to Twitter to claim that they were staying until Andy Last was dismissed.
Staying until last is gone pic.twitter.com/m8981SI2fw
— Matthew 🍻 (@matthewxsutton) August 4, 2023
Sky Sports reported on it whilst they were still live on air covering the Warrington Wolves and Catalans Dragons game, with presenter Brian Carney making this following statement.
“Well we believe there was a protest staged by a number of fans at the Jungle post-match, refusing to leave the stadium probably in protest at their sides position.
“They have dropped after that defeat to Huddersfield to the bottom of the table and remember they have to face Wakefield in a game live on Sky Sports.
“We can tell you our cameras are still running live over at the Jungle though as there are still there those fans.”
Whilst the camera did run until the end of the broadcast at 10.15pm, the news of Last’s sacking came an hour later and per the one involved fan on Twitter, the protest didn’t end until 10.30pm, when rumours of Last’s dismissal had begun.
Moods are high as apparently last has been sacked, still no official announcement https://t.co/IN8od3Ni8M pic.twitter.com/Hm3Kt4nES5
— Matthew 🍻 (@matthewxsutton) August 4, 2023
The official club statement came through just after 11pm and read as follows:
“Castleford Tigers can confirm that Andy Last has departed the club with immediate effect.
“The club will make a further statement after the weekend.”
Castleford Tigers can confirm that Andy Last has departed the club with immediate effect.#COYF
— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) August 4, 2023
How did the rest of social media react to the news though once it was confirmed just after 11pm?
Not a nice feeling to see what’s happening at my beloved @CTRLFC just hope we get it right for the next 6 games and avoid relegation. #Gotigers
— Steven Gill (@StevenG72629899) August 4, 2023
Former CEO of the club Steven Gill reacted with sorrow to the news and the state of the club.
Should’ve never appointed him in the first place. Went for cheap and terrible option as always. Shambles of a club. Get Powell in now for a microgram of hope
— 🏆Will Beedham🏆 (@beedy92) August 4, 2023
It’s too late you bunch of clowns.
Should never have been appointed in the first place. pic.twitter.com/dCrrH99k9i
— Fatboy_Rob (@Fatboy_Rob) August 4, 2023
Multiples fans suggested Last was the wrong appointment in the first place anyway.
Too little too late. Ultimately Last was a symptom of this virus. pic.twitter.com/AaFedomZHr
— Kelvin Christopher Goodrum (@GoodrumKelvin) August 4, 2023
Others voiced frustration at the higher ups in the club.
I gather a certain Mr Kear might need a job.
— Andy johnson (@Andyjoh33116873) August 4, 2023
The rumour mill also quickly started about who will head up the Tigers for the final six games of the season.
Announce Powell
— Leeroy7 (@Leeroy7) August 4, 2023
Daryl Powell was a popular choice to return to the Jungle.
I’m sure nobody at Cas wanted to make this decision but the growing feeling has been it was getting closer. It always looked a tough challenge. Maybe one Andy shouldn’t have taken but felt he had to? Wakey’s advantage is they knew they’d be in a scrap so were prepared. Cas aren’t https://t.co/1MhUkNgYmC
— Mark Wilson (@MarkWilsonRadio) August 4, 2023
Tough times at @CTRLFC. I love the club and the ground and have met some of the best blokes I have ever come across in rugby league there. Hope things settle down. @SuperLeague
— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) August 4, 2023
Commentators Mark Wilson and Andrew Voss shared their opinions from opposite sides of the world.
What happens next is unclear but with the club statement being as brief as it was and promising an update after the weekend, then all eyes will be on what happens at the Jungle on Monday.
