Daryl Powell named Wakefield Trinity head coach after Matt Ellis takeover completed

Image source, SWPIX.com

Image caption, Daryl Powell has previously enjoyed success when coaching clubs under a Wakefield postcode such as Castleford and Featherstone

Wakefield Trinity have named former Castleford and Warrington boss Daryl Powell as head coach, after Matt Ellis completed his takeover of the club.

Trinity confirmed Ellis has overseen the necessary due diligence and resolved all legal matters to become sole owner of the Championship club.

Powell's first task will be to return Wakefield to Super League after 2023's relegation ended their 24-year stay.

"Both my own and Daryl's ambitions are aligned," owner Ellis said.

"I can assure you all that he is hungry for success. I feel this is the perfect role for Daryl, with a big rebuild, and he will thrive in the challenge.

"I know that we will see the best Daryl has to offer."

Ellis - marketing director of DIY Kitchens - had previously outlined his ambitions to appoint Powell and subsequently Mark Applegarth, who had served as academy manager and assistant before taking on the head coach role in 2023, left Wakefield on Monday along with chairman John Minards, as the takeover reached completion.

Powell's long-term associate Steve Mills will rejoin him as recruitment and salary cap manager, with David Tucker as general manager as the club look to maximise income from the newly built East Stand.

Although he was unable to bring success to Warrington most recently, Powell's work as head coach at Castleford between 2013 and 2021 turned them from a relegation-threatened outfit to a side which made a Super League Grand Final and a Challenge Cup final.

He has experience of the Championship with Featherstone, where he won the 2011 Grand Final and regular-season title four years running.

Wakefield promise reduced season ticket prices and a raft of new signings as they rebuild towards a possible Super League return, which will now depend on rankings given the return to licencing in Super League.

"Over the coming months and years, we will create a team you and the supporters across the city of Wakefield will be proud to come see succeed week in week out," Ellis added.

"I hope as many of you as possible get behind the club, enjoy yourself at the ground and have a great time on our journey together in this new era for Wakefield Trinity."