Wakefield boss Mark Applegarth was surprised assistant coach James Ford quit - but is now looking forward to seeing his squad play with more freedom.
Ford departed Super League’s bottom club earlier this week to become director of rugby at Championship leaders Featherstone. He left his role as York head coach at the end of last season to work as Applegarth’s No2, primarily in charge of Trinity’s attack. They have failed to win a game all season heading into Friday night’s Challenge Cup tie against Leigh and scored just 77 points in 12 games.
Asked if Ford’s decision had taken him by surprise, Applegarth - who has seen star scrum-half Mason Lino sign a new three-year deal - said: “Yes, it did. When we found out we acted swiftly. Fordy had told me he’d agreed to move to Featherstone so we put plans in place to move on quickly which we’ve done. We’ll leave it at that.
“I’m speaking to a couple (assistants) now. But we’re just looking firmly forward, first of all against Leigh on Friday, then attacking the next 15 games and keeping the group tight - which we are - and making sure we get where we want to be, which is off the bottom of the league. And to start playing some more rugby that is more Wakefield Trinity DNA.
“I’m head coach. I take responsibility. But now it’s me looking at both aspects of it. I just want to loosen the lads up a bit, be a bit more fluent with the ball in hand and more attacking-minded. I want to see lads play without as much fear. Not as rigid. It’s up to me to make sure all aspects are firing. It definitely gives me a chance to mould more how I want it to look.”
Applegarth, who said there will be some “good news” about some more out of contract players in the next few days, insisted Ford’s move wasn’t disruptive to their bid to avoid relegation. He added: “It probably needed something. It was obvious it wasn’t working at this moment in time. We wish Fordy the best. He’s made his decision. I won't’ go into any more detail. I don’t need to. All I’m focused on is 100 percent on Wakefield. It’s happened. We move on.”
And he revealed he will give two debuts in tomorrow’s Cup tie with teenage centre Oli Pratt and second-row Dane Windrow, 20, set to feature after being recalled from loan spells at York and Newcastle respectively. Applegarth said: “They’re both in line to play. Pratty’s another exciting talent who I signed when he was 14 so it’s really exciting to see him here over the next few years and Wakefield Trinity fans should be, too. He’s athletic with plenty of pace on him. We’ve just been waiting for the right time for his first go at first-team rugby
“I thank York for helping him and tomorrow night seems the right time to do that. I’m going to play Dane as well with Tache (Matty Ashurst) out with his finger injury. Dane has all the attributes to be a top level back-row forward. His leg speed and explosiveness is ridiculous. I’m looking forward to them expressing themselves and there’s no pressure on them whatsoever.”
