GOOLE VIKINGS back Josh Guzdek believes Brett Ferres is the right coach to build on the foundations laid by Scott Taylor, who has led the club through their first two seasons in the professional ranks.
With Taylor joining the staff at Hull FC, where he was a popular player, Ferres, 40, is taking the reins after ending his career with two years in the back row – and being skipper.
Vice-captain Guzdek has been playing alongside Ferres for the last four years (the pair were previously at Doncaster).
And he pointed out of the former Bradford, Wakefield, Castleford, Huddersfield, Leeds, Featherstone and England man: “Brett is a massive competitor.
“He plays tough, but also has a really good understanding of the technical side.
“He’s been part of some great sides and has played under some of the best coaches, so he’s picked up a huge amount of experience along the way.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the stamp Fez wants to put on this team. We’ve built some really good foundations over these first two years under Scott and hopefully Brett can take that forward and help us kick on again.
“I think he’ll do really well. He has all the attributes needed and, importantly, he commands respect. When he talks, people listen.”
Guzdek, 31, added: “As vice-captain this year and someone who has tried to take on more of a leadership role within the group, Brett has been a big role model for me.
“He’s someone you learn from, but he also genuinely cares about the group and the people within it.
“I think that’s a really important quality and something he’ll take into being a coach.”
Halfback or hooker Callum Rutland has agreed a one-year contract extension.