“There’s a small group of really bad coaches” – Jon Wilkin has his say on Andy last departure

Castleford Tigers are widely believed to appointing former Leeds Rhinos star Danny Ward after parting company with Andy Last after their defeat to Huddersfield Giants.

Last had replaced former Hull FC boss Lee Radford earlier this year as he did at the Black and Whites in 2020.

Initially interim coach, he guided the Tigers to key wins over Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity and he was given the job full time.

However, the rise of Wakefield Trinity in the second half of the season and Castleford now level on points with their rivals led to his exit and now Jon Wilkin has had his say on the exit saying that Last is not a bad coach just unlucky:

“I am surprised by it. There was a big study in 2016 and it showed that there was a small group of really good coaches, a small group of really bad coaches and then a middle group and what quite often determines success in that middle group is luck.

“I think Cas have been unlucky and Andy Last is a victim. There is some evidence that you get a boost from changing a coach but it is desperate times and quite often clubs react to what fans are saying whether they are right or wrong, if the fans aren’t happy they are usually the reason a coach gets sacked and that is probably the case with Andy Last after that protest.”

After the defeat to Huddersfield fans stayed in the stands as a form of protest as mentioned by Wilkin.

The Tigers then cancelled Last’s post match press responsibilities and then a statement confirmed his departure.

The club then made a statement confirming Andy Last’s exit from the club with some huge games waiting around the corner.

That had read:

“Castleford Tigers can confirm that Andy Last has departed the club with immediate effect.

“The club will make a further statement after the weekend.”

It is vitally important that Castleford Tigers find some wins soon having made some big signings to turn their season around such as Blake Austin from Leeds Rhinos.

That game at Wakefield Trinity is huge.