John Kear signs deal to take charge at Championship outfit Batley Bulldogs - Rugby
The former Wakefield Trinity Wildcats’ coach, John Kear, has inked a new deal on Wednesday, September 14, with the Co-operative Championship franchise Batley Bulldogs to succeed Karl Harrison as their head coach from 2012 onwards.
Harrison is leaving Batley to move to another rival franchise, Halifax. Kear had announced his departure from Wildcats in July. Prior to his exit from the club, the Super League license until 2014 was already acquired by his franchise because Crusaders pulled
out of the licensing process.
Crusaders’ withdrew from the process on account of a financial crisis which prevented the club from taking part in future Super League games.
Kear did not worry about coming down to the second-tier games after serving in the first- grade games for so long. While acknowledging that he will be exposed to more challenges serving in the second-tier games, Kear stated, "I'm used to the luxury of full-time
athletes at my beck and call. Well, now it's a different challenge. I'm looking forward to being out of my comfort zone and attempting to adapt to that challenge and attempting to improve what's already a very good situation here."
Kear is returning to the Co-operative Championship after a very long time, which dates back to 1989. However, the coach is not at all worried about his latest move and mentioned that he was flattered when he was approached by Bulldogs with their offer. He
accepted the offer only three days after he had coached the last match for the Wildcats.
While speaking highly of his future franchise, Kear stated, “It's a club that has progressed markedly in the last couple of years. It's a different challenge and that appeals to me. It's taken me out of my comfort zone.”
Kear has a brilliant profile which is studded with honours of taking Hull FC to Challenge Cup success. Under his five-year coaching stint with Wakefield has managed to march them into the play-offs at the end of this year’s regular season.
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