Castleford sack head coach Lingard

Castleford Tigers have sacked head coach Craig Lingard after one season in charge.

The Tigers announced last week that director Martin Jepson had agreed a deal to take over the Super League side and he has moved quickly to make a change in the dugout.

Former Keighley and Batley Bulldogs coach Lingard won eight of his 29 games in all competitions as Cas finished 10th.

"Craig is a really decent guy and is well liked by our fans but I felt it was time for a different direction and a new voice in the dressing room," Jepson said.

"The players are due back in a few weeks and I wanted to give a new coach the opportunity to shape pre-season and create a winning culture of his own.

"The search for a new head coach is under way and we hope to make an announcement soon."

Lingard was appointed head coach of the West Yorkshire side last October after a spell as assistant.

They finished second from bottom in 2023 with six wins from 27 matches, one fewer than they managed this time out.

Jepson said last week that he was confident that the Tigers would retain their Super League place next season when the IMG gradings are revealed in the coming days.

The gradings will determine which clubs will make up rugby league's elite division next season based on support level, performance, finance, stadium standard and community involvement.

BBC Sport's rugby league reporter Matt Newsum

If there was ever a decision which proves sport is ruthless and slightly cruel then it is this one, as Craig Lingard's time in charge of Castleford comes to an end.

With one of the lowest budgets in the division, and inheriting a side which required an overhaul, Lingard stabilised Cas in 2024 and established a stronger culture.

He didn't get everything right, as their 10th-placed finish and 19 defeats suggest, but the players all spoke of the positive environment created at Wheldon Road.

Martin Jepson is the man spearheading the new direction at Castleford and it is his prerogative completely.

Turning the Tigers into the competitive side they were under Daryl Powell just a few years ago will take a force of nature to go with his investment.

As for Lingard, his reputation and stock remain sufficiently high to make him eminently employable, although Super League opportunities are at a premium.

He arrived at Cas initially as an assistant and that might end up being his best route back in.