SHEFFIELD EAGLES coach Ryan Sheridan says he’s invigorated by his new challenge.
The former scrum-half, who started his career at the club and went on to win Great Britain honours with Leeds, has been an assistant at hometown Dewsbury, his last team as a player, Featherstone, Castleford, London Broncos, Warrington and Catalans.
Over in France, this year he had a stint in interim charge after Joel Tomkins departed and until John Cartwright arrived.
Now the 51-year-old is looking forward to putting his own stamp on Sheffield after succeeding Craig Lingard, who left after leading the Eagles to seventh spot in the standings and stage two of the play-offs.
Sheridan’s switch followed a three-year stint across the Channel, and he explained: “I enjoyed myself in France and it was a great experience, but I had been an assistant for a long time and I needed a new challenge.
“I’m back where it all began, and it’s a great opportunity. It’s an honour to be here, and I know I can give a lot back and hopefully lead the way to some success. I feel invigorated.”
Sheridan added: “I want us to be a really fit and competitive team with players who feel able to express themselves.
“I like an exciting brand of rugby which entertains, and the obvious aim is to grow our fanbase.
“I’m big on detail, and I’ve been speaking to the players and staff and preparing for pre-season.
“Now I’m itching to put it all into practice on the training ground, where it really matters, and get the players buying in to what I want to create.”
