Jon Wells reveals the real reasons why Daryl Powell left Castleford and says Radford left for the same reasons

Last night Jon Wells, who formerly worked for the Castleford Tigers, provided fascinating insight into why the Tigers parted company with Lee Radford.

But in doing so he revealed that the reasons he feels Radford left were the reasons why Daryl Powell left the club before him to join Warrington Wolves and if the Tigers aren’t careful could be the downfall of their next coach.

He said it was all about investment:

“The simple fact is this: substantial change in any club needs two things – a will and a way and the way to be frank is investment and money.

“That is the crux of the matter for Lee Radford and the club. All coaches want investment, they want warm weather training camps, the best strength and conditioning, and the club has a limited budget to do that.

“The salary cap is £2.1 million and the central distribution is £1.5 million so there is a £600,000 shortfall to make up before a ball is kicked and that is before we talk marquee players.

“Any club would want to develop homegrown players like Wigan and Saints and have the best environments. They’re frustrations. The club is working very hard to get over the shortfall and give the coach what he wants. You need money to re-position a club.

“It is a massive challenge for clubs without a wealthy benefactor. The route to change is long term investment especially in an academy environment.

“I think they are the frustrations more than anything else that have faced Lee Radford, they certainly were for the coach before and if they don’t change it will be for the next coach.”