LIFE AFTER DEAKIN

IS POSITIVE

WARRINGTON Wolves coach Darryl Van de Velde has confirmed he is not about to be appointed the new chief executive of the club.

Speculation in the media and among fans has been mounting of an upstairs move for Van de Velde since the GUARDIAN exclusively revealed last week that Peter Deakin would be resigning this week.

Deakin quits the club today, Thursday, to take up his new role as Sale Sharks' chief executive.

Van de Velde said: "I have heard the rumour of me becoming chief executive and Alfie Langer taking over as coach. It would be a good partnership, but it isn't going to happen."

For the short term, Deakin's workload is to be spread between the other members of the Wolves' management board. They are chairman Lord Hoyle and directors Ian Clarke, Neil Dowson, Pauline Quayle and Van de Velde.

Clarke, the director who liaises between the management board and the owners Warrington Sports Holdings Ltd, was guarded over any future chief executive appointment.

He said: "That's under review and there is no formal announcement at this stage."

Media manager Dave Swanton has also resigned and decided to join Deakin at Sale although his leaving date has yet to be confirmed. Community development manager Adam Jude revealed he has an option to join Sale but would appear to be staying at Wilderspool.

The Wolves have released a statement to fans through the GUARDIAN confirming the departure of Deakin.

Lord Hoyle added: "The board of Warrington Wolves acknowledge the very significant contribution Peter has made to the club over the last two seasons, particularly in raising our profile, increasing our fan base and extending our community development programme.

"We wish Peter every success in his new role.

"Our ambitious plans will continue to be developed and received a major boost last week with the approval locally of our plans for a new 12,000 capacity stadium in the town.

"This tremendously exciting development will ensure our future as a major force in Super League, will provide state-of-the-art facilities for our loyal supporters and visitors and will be a major community amenity for the town.

"The positive stadium decision should also allow us to grow our fan base, strengthen our team and develop further our relationships with our commercial partners and sponsors.

"We continue to be extremely enthusiastic about the prospects for the club in the future as a major force in Rugby League operating at the very centre of the Warrington community."

On the field, Academy full back David Alstead is on stand-by for a possible baptism of fire against his home-town club Wigan Warriors at Wilderspool on Sunday, kick-off 3pm.

The 17-year-old former Ince St. Williams player may be called for his debut if Lee Penny or winger Jamie Stenhouse do not recover from injury in time.

For such a tough 'derby' game Van de Velde would probably have preferred to have switched centre Alan Hunte to full back should Penny not get over his calf strain but the Wolves boss is short of centre options. Van de Velde could elect to put a back rower, such as Ian Knott, in the centres if he needed too.

Van de Velde will leave it as late as possible for Penny to pull through for what is always the biggest game on Warrington's home calendar.

The Wolves coach said: "Wigan are the form team. But any game against the likes of Wigan brings out the best in good players who want to rise to the challenge.

"It's our last chance of the season to have a crack at a top five team and to indicate what we have let slip."

In a Wigan squad stacked with internationals Van de Velde admires Mick Cassidy and admitted he tried to sign him last month before the Great Britain back rower elected to stay at Wigan.

Van de Velde said: "He tidies a lot of loose play for them and I like his workrate."

Warrington are aiming to break their record Super League crowd of 9,086 set against St. Helens on April 24 this year.

Gates will open at 12.30pm for the curtain-raiser between Great Britain Women and England Wildcats and pre-match entertainment will include special guests, a singer, gymnastics display, mini-rugby match and the Starlites.

A special promotion in association with Super League sponsors Tetley's Bitter will see vouchers on the turnstiles for adults wishing to buy two pints of Tetley's Bitter to receive a third one free.

A supporters' survey will be taking place too with forms being handed out for completion.

Talks are continuing with a number of possible new recruits for next season plus deals with current players Jerome Guisset and Lee Briers are still to be struck up.

An improved offer has been put to London winger Rob Smyth to join the club for next season but he had not responded by the time the GUARDIAN went to press. The sacking of London coach John Monie following Warrington's win at The Valley could delay Smyth's decision.

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