Wakefield Trinity suffered the pains of relegation just over six weeks ago but the prospects and feeling of hope surrounding the club has taken a complete 180, mainly due to their new ownership under Matt Ellis who has now released an impressive statement on the club’s goals for 2024.
Since that painful night at the Leigh Sports Village when Trinity succumbed to relegation courtesy of a Gareth O’Brien drop goal there’s been a major transformation in the attitude of fans in and around the club.
The off-field work that occurred last season including the development and refurbishment of their stadium will now translate into their chances of promotion, such is the way with the new era of grading under IMG.
Last week when the preliminary grades were announced Trinity actually ranked 11th, which would secure them a place in Super League, highlighting that they lead the way among the Grade B clubs in terms of off-field matters.
Trinity’s Grade B score saw them rank as the second highest Championship side behind just Toulouse Olympique, whilst it also put them ahead of relegation rivals Castleford Tigers and Challenge Cup winners Leigh Leopards.
Despite their seemingly strong chances of being promoted from the Championship via off-field matters in this coming season, it’s been reaffirmed by new owner Matt Ellis that the club have the intention of lifting the Championship Grand Final in front of a ‘packed out Belle Vue’.
The club released a statement late last night revealing their ambitions for 2024 with the key indication being that they’re gunning for the title next season, something that’s been exemplified already by their strong recruitment and the hiring of Daryl Powell as head coach.
Ellis revealed in his statement: “Whilst ultimately it is the IMG score that will determine whether we compete in Super League in 2025 our goal for next season is to finish top of the Championship table and win the Grand Final. It would be an absolutely fantastic evening if we could host the Grand Final at Belle Vue in-front of a packed stadium.
“We want to achieve our promotion on merit by proving we are the strongest team in the Championship. We are building a squad and coaching setup capable of achieving this and with each player that we have signed or re-signed for the 2024 season knows what we are aiming to achieve.
“All the lads I have spoken to have expressed the same ambitions and are eagerly anticipating the challenge ahead. We cannot be complacent, tough games lie ahead but we need to give 100% every week to achieve our goals. Further player signings will be made and announced when completed.
“Moving forward into the 2025 season and beyond we are looking to build a team that can compete for honours. Ultimately we want to be competing in Grand Finals and Challenge Cup Finals and getting major trophies back to Belle Vue to emulate the great teams of the 50’s and 60’s. The appointment of Daryl Powell and Micheal Shenton alongside Steve Mills form the start of a new backroom team that we feel can make the club competitive again at the top level.
“We are currently talking to new backroom staff and appointments will be announced in the coming days. I want to create a settled backroom team 100% focused on delivering to our supporters and the City of Wakefield a team to be proud of.”
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