Noble appointed

By Chris,
October 14 2009

The Celtic Crusaders confirmed their biggest ever coup on Wednesday evening as Brian Noble was unveiled as the team's new Head Coach. The former Bradford, Wigan and Great Britain boss has been announced as John Dixon's successor, with Jon Sharp set to be confirmed as his assistant.

Iestyn Harris called it the "worst kept secret in Rugby League" - and finally, after months of speculation, Noble had been named as new boss of the Celtic Crusaders.

The 48-year-old parted company with Wigan after the DW Stadium club bowed out of the play-offs after losing in the semi-finals to St.Helens.

Leighton Samuel and Mike Turner have been quick to act - and Noble was unveiled as new head coach of the club at a press conference at the Celtic Manor in Newport on Wednesday.

The appointment marks a real statement of intent from the Saders and will have fans across the M62 heartlands sitting up and taking notice.

The club are also set to confirm John Sharp, the former Huddersfield boss, as Noble's deputy; whilst new Welsh boss Iestyn Harris is also in the frame to join a new star-studded backroom staff that have the potential to revolutionise the club's fortunes.

Noble and his new team will bring a host of contacts to Rodney Parade. The club are well behind schedule with next season's recruitment programme, but hopefully some more great news - regarding player signings this time - is just round the corner.

Welcome to the club, Mr.Noble!

Fantastic! Noble confirmed as head coach of the Saders

Discussion started by CruXIII (IP Logged), 14/10/2009 12:21

CruXIII
14/10/2009 12:21

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swanseablue
14/10/2009 22:45

Atlast , a good statement of intent by the club, placing a very experienced backroom staff.I just hope the clubs finances and Noble's connections among others can finally see the likes of Greenshields and players of real calibre signing up for the vision.

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Terrace-Culture
15/10/2009 00:36

I am full of excitement and hope about the future of the club now. I've just watched the BBC interview online with Noble, and the man talks a great deal of sense and knows the task that lies ahead.

Some of the flat-cappers who hate the Crusaders will be a bit worried now. This is fantastic for Rugby League in Wales, especially when Noble talks about getting good young Welsh lads playing the game and aiming to be involved at Super League level.

To have Sharp and Harris involved too is also brilliant. Sharp has loads of experience and had 5 pretty good years at Huddersfield. To have a man of his calibre as #2 is great work by Mike Turner and LS. And I'm a big fan of Harris, and this assistant role will work well alongside his work with Wales. Let's just hope he can get off to a flyer and succeed in the European Nations Cup.

The trio will have superb contacts all over Britain and abroad. Recruitment will be difficult, but the motivation will be there and Leighton Samuel has already hinted that we'll be aiming to sneak in the top eighth this season. That'd be amazing! The only mystery would be where any home play-off ties would be played!

RL is a great sport and has a real chance in Wales now. People have to take it seriously. If it doesn't succeed with men like Noble in charge, then it quite probably never will.

I've never been so optimistic. Up the Saders!!

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40:20
15/10/2009 14:32

If we don't succeed next year we never will.

I will be buying two season tickets and fully expect a Wembley or Old Trafford appearance !!!

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stevec
21/10/2009 16:46

If you are serious 40-20 the early bird price looks very attractive.

Let us know

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Terrace-Culture
21/10/2009 23:54

If employment hasn't taken me away from South Wales, I'll be getting one on the Early Bird. £108 for students - and match-day prices are very steep, so it's worth committing to the season ticket.
MT is hoping we sell 1000. Including complimentaries, we had 227 season tickets holders last season.

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