DARYL Powell says he is moving “from one special club to another” as he prepares to take charge of Warrington Wolves next year.
The Wire have confirmed the 55-year-old as their new head coach on a three-year deal starting from 2022.
Powell was already known to be leaving Castleford at the end of this year, announcing his impending departure a matter of weeks after current Wire boss Steve Price had done the same.
He believes getting the news out now will enable both parties to focus fully on finishing on a high.
Powell also says fans can expect him to be "fully embedded" into the town during his time at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.
“Warrington is an outstanding club with a rich history and the opportunity to coach the club from 2022 onwards is a very special one. I’m looking forward to the challenge,” he said.
“Wherever I’ve been as a coach I’ve fully embedded myself into the club and the town.
“I think it is really important as a coach that you do that and I’m looking forward to meeting all the Warrington fans next season."
Powell enjoyed a stellar playing career with the likes of Leeds Rhinos and Sheffield Eagles and was capped 27 times by Great Britain.
As a coach, he has taken charge of Leeds, Keighley and Featherstone before joining Castleford midway through the 2013 season.
Under his charge, the Tigers have had three Man of Steel winners – current Wire hooker Daryl Clark in 2014, scrum-half Luke Gale in 2017 and hooker Paul McShane last year.
“My coaching philosophy is to support players to achieve special things and I think everyone knows and can see what I like to do with my players and teams," Powell said.
“I feel like I’m moving from one special club to another.
“I think it’s important to get it out in the open now so I can focus on the year ahead and there’s certainty from both sides at this stage.
“Hopefully there’ll be an excitement at Warrington and an excitement at Castleford that I can finish off there in a really positive way this season.”
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