Leeds Rhinos fans have reacted to the appointment of Ian Blease as the club’s new Sporting Director, joining from Salford Red Devils.
Blease was announced in a press conference today, after spending seven-and-a-half years in his role with hometown side, Salford.
He joins Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers in moving to Headingley from the Red Devils – two players he sold for significant sums.
Former Super League referee Richard Silverwood was quick to praise the appointment, saying: “This is a great appointment for Leeds.
“Knows the game, very smart business man who was an agent so knows a good deal for a player. Some loss for Salford but great move Leeds.”
However, since the news was confirmed, many Leeds fans have also been reacting to Blease’s appointment.
Quiz: Can you name all these former Leeds Rhinos players?
Leeds Rhinos fans react to Ian Blease appointment
Credit: Imago Images
In his new role, Blease will have significant control over the head coach role – and who holds it.
Head coach Rohan Smith has been under a lot of pressure this year, with many calling for him to follow his uncle Tony through the Super League exit door.
Leeds Rhinos fans were quick to use the appointment as another opportunity to call for his head:
Now sack Rohan, Ian. 👍🏼
— Oli Warman (@WarmanOliver) June 10, 2024
First job sack smith 💙💛
— Richard Hardy (@Richard84392138) June 10, 2024
Despite this, it seems that Smith will be remaining in his role.
Blease said in his press conference today: “I won’t pick out any individuals to hone in on. He [Rohan Smith] is a good guy.
“I don’t know intimately what he’s been working on behind the scenes but I’ll spend time in the coaches room with him to see how he works.
“Gary [Hetherington, CEO] tells me good things about him, and it’s too early for me to judge him at the moment.”
Fans also pointed out that this marks yet another person moving from Salford Red Devils to Leeds Rhinos, after the huge signings of Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers ahead of this season.
They commented:
We’ll be changing the kit to red next!
— Paul Moran (@MD_Leeds) June 10, 2024
— Graeme Roberts (@G11Roberts) June 10, 2024
However, some merely gave their thoughts on whether it was a good appointment or not, with overwhelming excitement.
Welcome to the club Ian. Excellent appointment.
— Bradley Asquith (@BradAsquith7) June 10, 2024
A sensible appointment, Ian is someone who knows the game through and through from being a player, agent and Managing Director.
The key message I took from the press conference was that there won’t be any hasty decisions, so let’s just get behind the lads home and away https://t.co/Mv5pcRRVFE
— Stat Man Rhys (@statmanrhys) June 10, 2024
It’s something we’ve needed, it’s a positive appointment for the club. Let’s see where it takes us. https://t.co/fsKzXzIdqX
— Dan (@CuppaBrew) June 10, 2024
They’ve certainly been in need of good news for a while, Leeds Rhinos fans – they’ll hope it continues.
