Castleford Tigers have released a statement to outline their lofty ambitions for the future now a board is in place.
The Tigers have been struggling at the bottom end of the Super League table this season and recently made the decision to part ways with head coach Danny McGuire, who led the club to just four league wins all season.
As such, director of rugby Chris Chester is on the hunt for a new man to take over at The Jungle. However, it seems any incoming head coach will be forced to contend with big expectations, with the board outlining their desire to claim a top six finish next season.
The target is made clear in what is set to be a series of communications regarding the club’s new business plan and strategy, put together in the hope of seeing Castleford take big strides forward on and off the Super League field.
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The board’s first steps will be to bolster ‘financial resilience’, with improvements to their ground and facilities being seen as key to that. And, the hope will be that such steps will lead to further investment and improved performances on the pitch, with play-off spot desired.
The club’s academy, women’s team, communications, match day experience and connection with its local area and supporters has also been targeted by the board for growth over the next five years with Martin Jepson and his fellow board members determined to see Castleford re-establish themselves among Super League’s elite.
Castleford Tigers statement in full
The statement published on the club’s website, read: “Following the announcement of the new Castleford Tigers Board members a series of communications regarding our new business plan and strategy will be released from the board of directors over the coming weeks.
“The business plan and strategy has been developed to achieve both long and short term targets and objectives to ensure that we achieve success at all levels both on and off the field. We have recently started the first phase of the plan which is to build financial resilience, this will allow sound financial investment and improved performance on the field next season. As part of this initial phase, we will significantly improve the grounds facilities which will support getting the best out of our coaching staff and players and improve the overall experience for our fans.
“As part of our business plan and strategy the following areas will be targeted and developed:
- First Team performance (top six finish for the 2026 season).
- Academy and Scholarship programme investment and development.
- Women’s team investment and development.
- PDRL and LDRL team investment and development.
- Engagement with both schools, colleges, local amateur rugby league clubs and community engagement.
- Ground, stadium and facilities improvements.
- Increase revenue and operating cost reduction.
- Improving match day experience for supporters.
- Investment back into the communities.
- Communications & marketing.
- Increased future financial investment.
- Player welfare – Life after rugby.
- Our DNA – Standards, behaviours, and accountability.
“The implementation of our business plan and strategy is not short term, it will be implemented over a five-year period, but at the same time we have set some tough but achievable targets for years one and two by where both the club and fans will recognise positive results across the spectrum. The timeline and the “how” we will deliver will also be communicated over the coming weeks and months.
“The current on field performance and results are definitely not where we need them to be at present and we recognise that, but as a board and through the implementation of our plan, we are not only confident of making this club great again, but we will also make it financially resilient and a sustainable business model.
“To support our business plan and strategy we ask that you as fans get behind the club, there will be frustrations along the way, but this journey will define us as both a club and community and nurture success.”
