NORTH WALES CRUSADERS are closing in on a new coach.

And having already had four during a troubled season, the Colwyn Bay club want the fifth to last a lot longer.

Applicants have been whittled down to a three-strong shortlist, with final interviews currently being conducted and an announcement imminent – possibly as soon as tomorrow (Tuesday, July 28).

And the plan is to agree a three-year contract with whoever succeeds Mike Grady.

Since Carl Forster left in the wake of last year’s League One title triumph to join the coaching staff at Bradford Bulls, Dean Muir, Krisnan Inu and former Crusaders women’s team chief Sean Long have also been at the helm.

The club were plunged into crisis by an insolvency event in May before a new ownership group regained RFL membership, initially for the remainder of this season, albeit with a twelve-point deduction and needing to put together a new squad after a mass departure of previous players who had become free agents.

Since then, while the Championship’s bottom team have lost all nine games, they have been working hard to raise their profile and establish stronger links within the local community.

Current owners NW Rugby League 26 Limited, led by former owner Jamie Elkaleh, are optimistic over securing RFL membership for 2027.

They want the new coach to immediately start shaping a squad for 2027.

“North Wales Crusaders are embarking on an exciting new era,” said the club.

“Following recent restructuring, we are fully committed to building a sustainable, competitive and proud Rugby League club.

“As we look ahead to the 2027 season, we want a dynamic, strong leader to take the helm and drive our rugby operations forward from the ground up.”

There are five matches of this campaign remaining, the next at home to Goole Vikings on Sunday.