Wakefield Trinity might have had a torrid 2023 campaign but the club is now in a period of hope and excitement as it has been confirmed that the takeover has been completed and with that new head coach Daryl Powell has been appointed.
It was confirmed earlier in the day that 2023 head coach Mark Applegarth had been relieved of his duties, and there had been long term speculation that Powell would be taking over.
Chairman Jon Minards provided a key hint that the takeover was imminent with his farewell letter, posted through his own social media and club channels, and it’s now officially confirmed.
Trinity have been taken over by local businessman Matt Ellis who has become the club’s sole owner and in one of his first actions he has appointed former Warrington Wolves boss Daryl Powell.
Powell also went through a difficult 2023 season, eventually being sacked from his job at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, but he boats great experience and is being backed by Ellis as the man to restore Trin to Super League.
Within Wakefield’s statement confirming Ellis as the new sole owner, the appointment of Powell is the first thing to be announced following the initial confirmation.
The statement, shared on the club’s website, reads as follows:
“Daryl Powell has signed a 4 year contract as Head Coach
“We believe Daryl Powell is the best possible choice to lead the club into an exciting new chapter. His wealth of experience will be crucial in bringing together the best coaching and playing squad.”
Ellis said: “Having had many conversations with Daryl over the last few months, I can assure you all that he he is hungry for success and both my own and Daryl’s ambitions are aligned. I feel this is the perfect role for Daryl, with a big re-build and he will thrive in the challenge. I know that we will see the best Daryl has to offer.”
One noteworthy element is that Powell has signed a four year deal, a huge statement of faith from Ellis in him and also from Powell in the club’s goals and aims.
That immediate goal is no secret, a return to Super League, and Ellis noted the fact that the ambition’s of his were shared with the former Warrington and Castleford coach.
He will now get to work with Steve Mills as ‘Recruitment and Salary Cap Manager’, also on a four year deal, whilst the statement promises “big investments” to the playing squad.
“With Daryl and Steve now having joined the club, we will be announcing new signings in the coming days to bolster the squad for the 2024 Championship campaign. We are also looking to retain certain players from the 2023 squad, with deals close to being signed.”
Trinity will certainly be an exciting side to keep an eye on in the off-season it seems.
