Archive for June 30th, 2009
Millward back to lead Leigh’s Super League quest
He’s baaaack!
Yes the man who brought you the “He’s f**ked. They’re f**king all f**king, f***ked.” press conference is heading back to the UK.
Leigh today confirmed that former Leigh, St. Helens and Wigan coach, Ian Millward, will take the reins there as Chief Coach in 2010.
Announcing the three year contract a delighted Leigh Centurions Chairman Arthur Thomas said: “Ian took Leigh from a lowly placed club to the top four before being released to take over at Saints in the 2000 season, he created history at Saints winning 2 premierships, 2 Challenge Cups and a World Club Challenge in a six year term.”
Thomas also thanked Paul Rowley for his services during the interim period and confirmed that “he will continue at the club as a coach working alongside Ian”
As for Millward, he too was delighted, saying (from Australia): “Leigh gave me a start back in 1999 and I will endeavor to repay the club and its supporters with success in the coming seasons.”
And Millward admitted a secondary reason behind his taking up the appointment: “… the opportunity if affords me to be closer to my three children who still live in England and to allow my wife Marion to live closer to her parents”.
Whatever your opinions about Ian Millward – and few will have none – you can be guaranteed that interesting times lie ahead for the Centurions.
At least this time their new coach won’t have to don the overalls and paint the dressing rooms. Although whether he can make Leigh and attractive option for Super League is a debating point that we’ll no doubt return to another time.
Let’s see … Leigh or Toulouse? Leigh or Gateshead? Leigh or Widnes? Leigh or back-of-beyond city that fancies rugby league oh, say, Exeter? See, I’m not convinced I’d pick Leigh over anyone of those. What is it they can offer Super League, except a decent stadium?
The area is already well served by easy access to three – and every other year or so – four super league clubs (Saints, Wigan, Warrington and yo-yo-Salford). So why put another Super League club there? The RFL would be barking mad to do it … although that’s not a foregone conclusion is it?
