Craig Lingard has made a quick return to coaching following his shock axing by Castleford Tigers.
Lingard, 46, was today confirmed as team boss of Betfred Championship side Sheffield Eagles. He spent a season in charge at Tigers, but was dismissed in October.
The former Keighley Cougars and Batley Bulldogs gaffer replaces Mark Aston, who is currently appealing against a coaching ban imposed by the RFL. Lingard joined Tigers in May, 2023, as assistant-coach, combining that role with working as team-boss at Batley. He was promoted to head-coach ahead of the 2024 season and guided Tigers to 10th place in the table, one place higher than the previous campaign.
Lingard took charge of Batley – where he spent his entire playing career – in 2019, masterminding their shock march to the Championship Grand Final in 2022 and an appearance in the following year’s 1895 Cup decider at Wembley. “I’m really pleased to be here,” he said of his latest appointment.
“I’m excited to get going and see what next season can bring for the club. I want to be at a club that is ambitious and at a club that can see themselves in the longer-term pushing for Super League. I really feel my ambitions align with the club and I can’t wait to get going.”
