IF you didn’t already know that Lee Radford was no longer head coach of Castleford Tigers, then you must have been living under a rock.
The former Hull FC boss left The Jungle last Monday by mutual agreement following three losses from three games at the start of the 2023 Super League season.
Upon losing a job, it can be difficult to take, but interim Tigers head coach Andy Last has backed Radford to recover.
“He’s taken it as the man he is, he understands the club’s reasons,” Last said.
“I don’t think he will be out of the game for long, his stock is high at the moment after his exploits with the World Cup.
“He’s a hard worker and a big personality and whoever makes the decision to take Lee on they are getting an exceptional person.
“I’ve spoke to him a few times, he’s alright. We remain good friends and we have been since we were 14 or 15, he is ok. He’s a little bit disappointed like we all are.”
Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet had wished Radford all the best upon his exit from The Jungle in a classy gesture.
“I just know he is a quality coach and well-respected,” Peet said.
“He has built numerous teams over the years and it’s someone who won’t be out of a job for long unless he wants to be.
“I certainly wish him all the best, I just hope he’s alright. It’s Castleford’s and Lee’s prerogative but I hope he’s alright as a fella.
Radford took over at The Jungle ahead of the 2022 Super League season and was within a whisker of guiding the Tigers to a play-off position last season, only to be on the receiving end of a hammer blow in the last minute against Leeds Rhinos.
There has been talk of Radford potentially going to the NRL as an assistant coach, but his future is yet to be confirmed.
