Castleford Tigers have appointed Craig Lingard as their new assistant coach with the Batley Bulldogs chief saying: “It's the right time for me and Super League.”
The 45 year-old will combine roles until the end of the season before fully moving to Wheldon Road for 2024. He has earned a reputation as one of the finest coaches outside of the top-flight for the work he has consistently done with the Championship club. Lingard guided part-timers Batley to the Million Pound Game against Leigh last year after defeating favourites Featherstine in the semi-final and they have regularly punched above their weight.
He has now signed a two-and-a-half-year deal to work alongside Andy Last, who was appointed Castleford head coach last month. Lingard started working with the Tigers today and he said: “I am really pleased. It’s been good to get down and get my first day out of the way. Everyone has been really welcoming and it’s been good to get out on that field for that first session, get some drills done and watch the boys in action. It’s an exciting time for me and an exciting time for the club over the next few years.”
