Castleford Tigers head of rugby Chris Chester has shed light on the search for a head coach, including when fans can expect an announcement.
Chester had only been in his role at the Jungle for a matter of weeks before he was tasked with that he has described as his most important task in his time at the club, appointing a new head coach.
Danny McGuire’s shock sacking has seen a host of candidates apply to take the reins at Castleford with Chester previously confirming that over 20 candidates applied.
That number is now down to five and interviews will be conducted over the coming days with a likely appointment and potential announcement made next Friday, with Chester speaking to the media about his ‘busy few days’.
He explained: “I’ve spoken to certain individuals over the last seven days. I’ve got a couple more calls to make and a couple of interviews at the back end of this week and early next week.
“I’ve narrowed the search down to five and we’ll interview those five over the next few days. We have a board meeting next Friday and I’d like to think by next Friday we will have announced a head coach, that’s certainly the plan. It’s been a busy few days.”
Chris Chester explains Castleford Tigers head coach timeline
With such a large number of applicants, Chester admitted that it’s been very difficult to narrow the pool down, particularly given the quality of those interested in the job.
He said: “It’s been very difficult to narrow that down to the number we’ve narrowed it down to but we’re very optimistic and very impressed with the candidates we’ve had apply for the job. Some surprising ones. I’ve been really happy with the quality of candidates we’ve had.”
As for the timeline, Chester explained that an announcement is what the club hope to do by next Friday but with the majority of the final five in jobs at the moment, he doesn’t expect the new head coach to take over until pre-season.
The Castleford Tigers interim coach explained: “We’d like to get an announcement in, but a lot of these guys are already contracted to clubs. I’d say probably four out of five are contracted overseas, and I think they would like to do the right thing and finish the season off at their respected clubs.
“It will be an appointment, but the guy will be here for the first day of pre-season. I’ve just got to manage things next probably seven or eight weeks.
“Whoever that coach is going to be, I’ll be in dialogue with that coach and asking him for advice on plans and working on certain game plans for the rest of this year as well.”
It’s been quite a swift process given the number of applicants and it’s not the only positive news that is set to come out of Wheldon Road in the coming weeks, with Chester speaking passionately about the state of the club at the moment and what is to come.
“I’m excited about what’s going on behind the scenes and the announcements that we’re going to make,” he declared.
“There’s going to be a lot of positive news that comes out of this club over the coming weeks, and certainly the head coach will be at the forefront of that. Like I said, I’ve got to make sure it’s the right guy and the right fit for the club, and I’ll make sure that I do that.”
Chester will oversee a third game in charge on Friday night when the Tigers travel to face St Helens. It’s already been confirmed that they’ll be without Innes Senior who had season-ending surgery on his ankle earlier this week, whilst Jeremiah Simbiken is another who misses out through suspension.
