Wigan Warriors icon Shaun Wane has spoken to media for the first time since announcing that he will be leaving the Betfred Super League at the of the season.
Wane made over 100 appearances for the club as a player before taking over as Head Coach in 2011 and leading the Cherry and Whites to 2 Grand Final wins, a Challenge cup win, a League Leaders Shield title and a World Club Challenge win in his 7 years in charge.
The role was Wane’s first as a Head Coach having joined as an Academy Coach in 2003, and the former Great Britain International says that deciding to move on from the club that he has spent so much of career at was not an easy decision;
“It’s been tough. I’ve been here a long long time and I’ve had some fantastic times here. I’ve had some great dreams and walked out at Old Trafford and won a World Club Challenge in front of our own fans. I’ve had a fantastic 30 years and won lots of things but everything comes to an end.”
Having spent such a long time with the club, Wane is now looking to expand his horizons, but insists he has made now decisions about his future;
“I love every sport, and I love travelling and I like doing something else. I just feel the time is right for me. I’ve only just resigned, I’m working till October and hopefully we can get some success with the club and finish off on a high, but there’s nothing in the pipeline.”
As the fifth longest serving Head Coach in Wigan’s history, Wane’s legacy will be one that will go down in Wigan history as a defining era, and Wane says that he is satisfied with his tenure at the Warriors.
“I’m a professional coach and I’ve done a lot and I’ve worked really hard, and I’ll feel a lot better if I can leave here with some more coaches. ”
Speculation is already rife as to who will step into Wane’s shoes at the club with club legend Shaun Edwards leading the betting at 3/1, and Wane says he will be happy to help in the recruitment process;
“I know the kind of person they need to get, and if they need my help I am open to it. I will help them no question.”
Full betting on the next Wigan Warriors Coach can be found here.
