Castleford Tigers Appoint New CEO

July 8, 2012

Following the resignation of Richard Wright, adiposity Castleford Tigers have appointed Steve Ferres as their new chief executive with immediate effect.

An avid supporter of the club throughout childhood having grown up in the town, Ferres has a considerable CV including more than 41 years in the professional game as a player, coach and administrator. He has notable experience in the chief executive role having held the post at York City Knights and Wakefield Wildcats.

On the appointment, Jack Fulton, Tigers chairman said: “I am delighted to appoint Steve as our new chief executive. He is extremely passionate about the club and that is a definite positive, however his contacts and vast experience in the game enable me with confidence to say that he is the right man to lead us forward.

“As a club we are currently experiencing an extremely tough time on the pitch and I can assure everyone that the entire club are doing everything we can to address this. It is vital supporters, players, staff and directors now unite and get behind Steve – and Ian (Millward) – in order for the club to push on and reach its potential.”

Ferres said: “I am delighted to take on this role and thank Jack and the rest of the Board of Directors for the opportunity.

“I have had a number of different roles within the game over many years, though my affinity and passion for Cas has never waned. It has always been a dream of mine to play for Castleford, and that opportunity having passed me by, my professional aspiration has been to lead the club and to drive it forward and I will do my utmost to deliver good times at this club.

“Like Jack, I’d like to acknowledge the efforts of Richard Wright. It is a very difficult, often-thankless role; I have no doubts about that. To have stayed in the role for 15 years is a real credit to him and his family.

“The club faces many challenges; that is the way it always has been for Castleford as a club and the people of the town. Whilst Castleford have rarely had the luxuries that other clubs and areas have had at their disposal, this hasn’t prevented it from continually punching above its weight. Castleford is unique in that it has the largest support per population within Rugby League and I want to harness that.

“The solutions to the club’s problems are in the hands of the people within Castleford. When my time in this role comes to an end I’d like Castleford to be unrivalled as the best Community club in the game.

“Changes won’t happen over night, I have to gain a thorough understanding of what structures are already in place at the club before generating a plan to move forward.

“Castleford has always been a club that is centered around its supporters and fans will be heavily involved throughout the process.

“I will be attending the game today though I won’t be addressing the crowd. I see that as an in-personal way of meeting you all. Instead the club will stage a barbeque at the ground in the very near future where I can spend more time meeting you all face-to-face.”