“I am gutted that my time is up” – John Duffy on Leigh departure
John Duffy says he is gutted to part ways with Leigh, but will be forever grateful that he got to coach his beloved club.
The 40-year-old has left the Centurions with immediate effect by mutual agreement following a winless start to the season.
Duffy, who made 202 appearances for Leigh as a player in three separate spells, says he is thankful he got to coach the club he loved.
He said: “I am gutted that my time is up. I had a good chat with Derek (Beaumont, owner) and we agreed that something needed to change.
“We have not got the results we needed and now it is time for someone else to step in and hopefully get the first win and then some more.
“It’s a tough one for me as I love the club and the fans but I realise there have to be changes and that’s the way it goes. I started my coaching job at Leigh with nothing and we got to Super League. I always knew it was going to be a tough challenge and I’d like to wish the players all the best for the season.
“The fans have been great for me. I know they weren’t allowed to be inside the grounds for a while but when they can they follow us around everywhere. I’d like to thank Derek Beaumont and Mike Latham (chairman) in particular for all the help and support they have given me and everyone who has helped me over the last few years.
“There are not many who can say that they coached the club they loved and I am grateful I was given the opportunity.”
Kurt Haggerty will take over the head coaching role at Leigh in the short term as applications are considered by the club for the post on a permanent basis.
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