The Warrington Club is the only one to be in the top flight every year since the game's inception in 1895! The team is referred to as The Wire due to the industrial process of wire drawing the town was once famous for. The mascot Wolfie was very popular and involved with some clever gags. Despite that history, winning titles has been somewhat elusive. There is a joke among RL fans that this will be Warrington's year.
Darryl van der Velde was concluding a four year coaching spell in 2000, replaced by Steve Anderson. That lasted 16 matches, as he was then replaced by Paul Cullen who was a long serving player at the club. That brought some stability and improved league placings. A poor run of results ended his 104 game tenure in 2008.
James Lowes was in charge for all of 16 games before being replaced by Tony Smith. That appointment went on for 225 matches through to 2017. It was a very successful period with a league win in 2011 and three second place results.
Steve Price is the incumbent coach but leaving at the end of the season. He has overseen over 100 games and solid league results. Daryl Powell is moving over from Castleford to replace him. It was hoped silverware would come with the change. Would 2022 be Warrington's year?
In fact, it was a poor result followed by a bright start to 2023 only to have another less than stellar season. The forward pack seemed to be where the issue lay which if you don't get right in RL will always be the problem.
A new coach for 2024 in the form of Sam Burgess will be interesting. At his peak, the best forward in the code in my opinion but will that translate into a successful coaching career? He is unproven at this level so a gamble. If it pays off then credit to the club for taking the chance.
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