Crusaders name Noble as new coach
Celtic Crusaders unveil Brian Noble as new head coach
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By Matthew Champion. |  |
Wednesday, 14, Oct 2009 05:31
By Michael Younger.
Celtic Crusaders have unveiled former Wigan boss Brian Noble as their new head coach at a press conference in Bridgend.
The former Great Britain coach, 48, who won three World Club Championships and three Grand Finals in his five-year reign at Bradford Bulls between 2001 and 2006, has taken up a senior role at the Crusaders after being released by Wigan at the end of his contract last season.
The Crusaders have been chasing Noble to replace Australian John Dixon, who left the club after they finished bottom in their first season in Super League.
A deal to reunite Noble with first-team coach Jon Sharp to form a new management team has also been confirmed, with Wales coach Iestyn Harris as an assistant.
Crusaders chairman Leighton Samuel said: "We are delighted that Brian has accepted the job of head coach here at the Crusaders.
"His track record in Super League is second to none and I'm sure that he will be a massive success here, the same as he has been at Bradford and Wigan.
"We know that Brian will be an inspiration to the young Welsh players who are coming through the ranks here at the Crusaders while his many contacts will enable him to build a side that can be a force in Super League in 2010 and beyond."
Samuel was equally impressed with the acquisition of former Huddersfield Giants coach Sharp, who he said has "an outstanding record with a progressive club in a similar vein to us", and the appointment of Welsh rugby legend Harris.
"I have every confidence in the backroom staff that Brian is bringing in," he continued.
"No one can speak highly enough about Iestyn's commitment to rugby league in Wales.
"We are all looking forward to next season with great enthusiasm and can't wait for Super League to return to Wales."