Jon Wilkin clarifies comments on new Wakefield Trinity head coach Mark Applegarth

Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin has clarified his comments made on Wakefield Trinity’s new head coach Mark Applegarth.

Wilkin previously said live on Sky Sports: The Verdict: “I could sit here and lie and say it’s a great appointment, what a fantastic guy who will do a great job,” Wilkin said.

“The reality is, I know nothing about Mark Applegarth.

“So, in some ways, that’s a surprise isn’t it, because a guy who is unknown has got the job.”

That caused consternation amongst a number of people and fans with Sky later taking down the material.

Wakefield chairman John Minards later said Sky had apologised for their coverage.

“Like many, I was disappointed with a piece by @SkySportsRL covering the appointment of our head coach,” tweeted Wakefield chairman John Minards.

“We today received an apology for the tone adopted and understand there will be further coverage tomorrow evening (in Sky’s live Friday night game).

“I look forward to a more considered and mature discussion.”

Now Wilkin took to Sky Sports once more to explain his comments following the backlash.

“I just wanted to clarify comments from the Rugby League Verdict on Wednesday,” Wilkin said on Sky Sports.

“I was asked to comment on the appointment of Mark Applegarth for Wakefield. At that point, I don’t have enough information about him as a coach.

“The track record’s just not there for me to have a strong opinion on his competency as a coach.

“From what I’ve heard he’s a fantastically exciting young British coach and Wakefield, credit to them for appointing a young British coach rather than making the easy decision.

“Just to clarify I don’t know enough about him to make a comment, but I wish him all the best at Wakefield.”