John Kear hails restructure as ‘vehicle of dreams’

Batley head coach John Kear has given his backing to the recent restructure, saying it favours clubs with aspirations of reaching the top level.

Kear, 59, has been involved with rugby league for most of his life, and the former England coach claims that the gap between the top of the Championship and the bottom of Super League is closing all the time.

“The new restructure favours clubs with dreams of making it to the big time,” said Kear.

“If you look at what Swansea have done in football, they went from the bottom division, all the way to the top, culminating in them winning a major trophy last year.

“Now rugby league clubs will be able to aim for something similar.

“Even from Championship One, there is a vehicle now in place that can take a club through the Championships and into Super League.”

Kear’s Bulldogs side enter the new season on the back of a superb 2013, in which they were beaten finaists in the Championship Grand Final, and although the club has seen some players depart, he is aiming for a similar campaign.

“We have recruited within our budget, and gone about pre-season in a positive manner.

“Leigh away in our first game will be an indication of where we are at the moment, but we will be building up our performances all season hopefully.

“Last year we had momentum at the right time, and now with the league looking even tighter, we will need that more than ever.”