Sheffield Eagles identify top head coach target after Mark Aston decision

Sheffield Eagles have made Craig Lingard their top target after beginning their search for a new head coach. Lingard, who is out of work following his surprise departure from Castleford Tigers last month, has been identified by Sheffield as the man they want to take them into a new era.

The Eagles announced a new role for long-serving head coach Mark Aston on Thursday, one that will see him return to the club as a director of rugby, irrespective of the outcome of his upcoming appeal against an 18-month coaching ban.

Within that the club confirmed that they would be looking for a new head coach, and Lingard has quickly emerged as the lead candidate for the position. An approach has already been made, and contact has been had between the two parties.

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Lingard, who earned himself an excellent reputation after a successful spell with Batley Bulldogs, moved to Castleford Tigers last year, initially as an assistant before being given the main job ahead of the 2024 season.

Despite working with a reduced budget, Lingard oversaw improvement on the field, with Castleford finishing the season in tenth place with a young squad put together with a view of executing a long-term recruitment strategy. Despite that, he was relieved of his duties following Castleford's change of ownership, with Danny McGuire taking the helm.

But he has quickly been sounded out about other opportunities, with Lingard now considering a move to the Championship club.

In a statement announcing Aston's new role, Sheffield said: "To address any uncertainty on the position of Head Coach, the changes will see the club move to appoint a new Head Coach, a process which has begun immediately, with the full blessing of Mark, and further announcements will be made in due course to ensure that Sheffield Eagles makes 2025 and beyond a success on the field for the Men’s team."

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