WORKINGTON TOWN will be coached by former Super League forward Brad Singleton next season, with current team chief Jonty Gorley taking a newly-created role as head of rugby.

Singleton, 33, is currently playing for his hometown club and Town’s Championship rivals Barrow Raiders, having joined from Castleford Tigers in June and relocated to Cumbria.

Before that, the Ireland international was with Leeds Rhinos, with whom he won two titles, Toronto Wolfpack (briefly), Wigan Warriors and the old Salford Red Devils.

After more than 300 career appearances, Singleton is ready to start his coaching career, and will succeed ex-Workington player Gorley, who is in his second year at the helm.

Prior to that, the 55-year-old coached Whitehaven for almost three years, after two as assistant to Gary Charlton.

Much-respected Gorley was under contract as coach for a further year, but says work commitments mean he can no longer commit the necessary time to the task.

“I was thinking about stepping away from rugby completely, but I didn’t want to leave the club,” he said.

On his new position, he explained: “Let me be clear – there will be no coaching involved.

“I am there to support the new coach and it’s also about building bridges and relationships with community clubs.”

Singleton said: “It’s my first coaching gig and I’m excited about working with the club and how much Workington gets behind the team. There are going to be tough moments and big moments.”

The development comes with preparatory work on the £17.8 million, 5,000-capacity Cumberland Sports Village, which will house Town and Workington Football Club, getting under way.

The new venue will be on the site of the football club’s Borough Park base, and both teams will use Town’s current Fibrus Community Stadium in the interim period.