Catalans give up on Kear

John Kear’s immediate future lies at Wakefield after Catalans Dragons today withdrew their interest in the former England Coach.

Kear, who joined the Wildcats in 2006, is under contract until the end of the 2011 Engage Super League season.

John had not made any decision regarding his personal future and that process would not have started until the two clubs agreed his potential release.

Faced with the possibility of having to pay the Wildcats compensation for Kear’s release, the Dragons today decided to switch their attention away from their favoured choice of new coach to replace Kevin Walters at the end of this season.

Wildcats Chief Executive James Elston commented: “John has been a key component of our club since he joined us during the 2006 season and is contracted to the Wildcats until the end of next season; his fifth full season in charge of our club.

“As a member of the club’s Board of Directors, John is playing a major role in helping us secure a new RFL Super League licence, and establishing a recruitment programme for 2011, together with a flourishing youth development operation.”

Kear added: “I was flattered to be identified by Catalans Dragons and interested to hear of their plans for the future.  However, more than four years of my life have been invested in the Wildcats’ progression.

“We are achieving Super League recognition with our regular top eight status, including a best-ever top-five spot last season, and our extensive development of young players.

“We have already launched our recruitment programme for the 2011 season and are looking forward to providing a solid rugby base for the club’s RFL licence application to complement the progress being made with the plans for a new stadium.”