23 September 2023 , 14:02
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Businessman Matt Ellis has spoken for the first time about taking over Wakefield Trinity - and confirmed he will appoint ex-Castleford and Warrington boss Daryl Powell as head coach once a deal is completed.
The millionaire owner of DIY Kitchens has not been put off by Trinity’s relegation from Super League. In a letter to fans, he said: “I am sure just like myself and everyone associated with the club you are feeling deeply saddened by the club ultimately failing to maintain Super League status for the first time since 1999.
“This is not through a lack of effort from (coach) Mark Applegarth but ultimately we haven’t been good enough. We now need to move on to the next chapter in the club’s history. It is my intention to complete the takeover of the club in the next 14 days.”
He has vowed to sign Powell on a four-year deal, invest finances to maintain a full-time playing squad in the Championship and then challenge to be a top six Super League club in the coming years and also appoint a recruitment and salary cap manager to ‘ensure we have fully researched every new player signing for the club.’
Ellis has also promised to create a winning culture at the club where everyone involved gives 100 per cent effort and ensures the youth setup and youth scouting setup delivers the best players coming through the Academy/Scholarship and once they reach first team level keep them at the club.
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Outgoing chairman John Minards said, “I am delighted that we have reached agreement with Matt for this deal to go through following months of discussions and working together through what has been a very difficult time on the field. Please join me in welcoming Matt and his family as the next custodians of the institution that is Wakefield Trinity.
“Despite the disappointment of relegation, the club is in a great position for success in the near term. The East Stand is almost open for business and its completion marks the end of a significant phase of our stadium redevelopment, following the new floodlights, screen and playing surface as well as the rebuilding of the North Stand.
Outgoing chairman John Minards is delighted to have reached an agreement with Matt Ellis“In addition, our recent submission to the RFL in respect of Grading contains very positive metrics, particularly in the areas of financial strength and fandom. Put together with the impact of the new facilities which will be included in 2024, we anticipate a very favourable outcome when Grading comes in for the 2025 season.
“There are so many reasons to be positive and optimistic about the future of our great club.”
Ellis added; “I have been working with Michael (Carter) and John over the past few months regarding the takeover of the club and now terms have been agreed and the deal is at the final stage I feel it is appropriate to write a statement to our loyal supporters.
“I have supported the club since going to watch a game at Oakwell in 1999 where we successfully beat St Helens. I have always been a sports fanatic but since that game Rugby League was the game for me and Trin were the team for me. I am originally from Barnsley but I have lived in the Wakefield area since 2010.
Daryl Powell will be confirmed as head coach once the takeover is fully ratified“The journey of owning the club in my mind really started in 2020 when my company DIY Kitchens agreed to become the club’s main kit sponsor. Ultimately ASUS came back in and the deal fell through but ever since then it has been in my mind to takeover the club. 2020 wasn’t the right time due to work commitments but when (CEO) Micheal (Carter) expressed a desire to leave the club earlier this year I felt the timing was right this time.
“It is vital that future success on the field and initiatives off the field in the areas of Stadium, Finance, Community and Fandom are fully geared to our eventual successful pursuit of IMG Grade A status.
“Plenty of work ahead but what I can guarantee is that I will give 100% to achieve all the above at the club. I love a challenge and whilst relegation is not what anyone wants we can turn it into an adventure.
“Let’s get the feel-good factor back at the club whilst going to visit some grounds we haven’t been to for many a year. Let’s prove to everyone in the Championship what a big club we are and support the team in numbers home and away. Daryl will put together a team that will give its all and make you proud. We will organise a fans forum with myself and Daryl once the deal is completed and we will be announcing new signings in the coming weeks/months.”
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