After 25 years in Super League Wakefield Trinity suffered the pain of relegation this past season but the club have since moved into a new era, with new ownership, and that owner is now promising huge on-field spending for the 2024 season.
Local businessman Matt Ellis acquired the club following their relegation, having started a takeover bid way back in the summer, and in Ellis’ short tenure there’s already been a major shake-up at Belle Vue.
Fans have seen the appointment of a new head coach in former Warrington Wolves and Castleford Tigers man Daryl Powell, whilst this past week Powell has been able to assemble a backroom staff of his choosing including former Tigers captain Michael Shenton as his assistant.
Trinity have also managed to keep hold of a number of their star players including full-back Max Jowitt and playmaker Mason Lino, the latter having modelled the club’s stylish new shirt that was launched today.
There’s also been new deals for the likes of 2023 signing Renouf Atoni with the former NRL prop committing a further two years to the club, indicating a squad that will be incredibly competitive in the Championship.
Ellis has now taken to the club website to release a statement to the fans updating them on the club’s grading status, Trinity having been granted a B grade and therefore ranking 11th.
That would be enough to put the club in Super League for when gradings become official for the 2025 season but Ellis is determined to win the Championship on Trinity’s return to the top.
Ellis’ statement read: “I would like to start the statement with what I feel is the most important question on most supporters minds, i.e. what is the players and coaching staff budget for this season? Well, I can assure all supporters that the budget for next season is one of the most/if not the most competitive of any team in the Championship. It will be significantly more than any Championship side in the 2023 season. Our ambitions are to bounce back first time and no expense has been spared on the backroom and coaching staff. Looking forward to our ultimate goal of being back in Super League.
“My intentions, once we are there, are to spend the full salary cap and above with the addition of marquee players. If we are going to have top 6 ambitions it is essential that our salary cap spend is in line with that of the other top clubs. With the extra owner investment being brought in to the club, this will improve one of the points scoring criteria for IMG in the form of owner investment.
“Whilst extra points in that scoring category are guaranteed with my investment we still need to be aware of the IMG scoring category that is based around club generated turnover. This means every penny our supporters spend goes towards the IMG grading score.
“Season tickets will go on sale next week and hopefully the new price points and monthly payment options will make following the club more affordable to our loyal supporters and new potential supporters. I can assure you that all the income generated will be used to improve the club and improve the IMG score and obviously will assist with further investment into the playing squad and facilities at the club. You have an owner that aligns with your ambitions for the club.
“Let’s work together to build the most successful Wakefield Trinity side on and off the field since the glory days of the 1950’s and 1960’s Have a great weekend everyone and hope you all like the new 2024 kit.”
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