Wakefield Trinity have named their new head coach as former Head of Youth Mark Applegarth.
The 37-year-old has taken the reins from departing coach Willie Poching who many felt had done enough to earn another deal at Belle Vue.
However, when asked about the appointment on Sky Sports News this afternoon for the weekly show the Rugby League Verdict, pundit Jon Wilkin – who is not afraid to speak his mind – confirmed he had no idea about who Applegarth is.
“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.”
However, Wilkin’s comments have created quite the stir on social media with Catalans Dragons’ new signing and former Wakefield stalwart Tom Johnstone one of them.
Johnstone tweeted: “Could probably just do a little bit of homework before being interviewed like a pundit’s supposed to.”
Who knows how Applegarth will get on? Sky Sports, however, received such a backlash that they deleted the tweet.
Wakefield Trinity Chairman John Minards said, upon the surprise appointment: “We are delighted to have appointed Mark as our new Head Coach. He is well respected across the whole club and widely regarded at one of the most talented young coaches in the game. His appointment comes at pivotal time for the club as we are undertaking a major redevelopment of our stadium and celebrate our 150th anniversary in 2023.
“We are looking forward to working with Mark as we complete our coaching team and playing squad for the coming season.”
Wakefield managed to avoid relegation after spending most of the season flirting with the idea.
Brian Miles
September 14, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Is there no limit to the stupidity of the Sky lot ?