Flattered Kear staying with Wakefield Trinity

The French club had earmarked Kear - who is under contract at Wildcats until the end of 2011 - as their first choice replacement for Kevin Walters who will return to Australia at the end of the season.

He spoke to Catalans about the prospect of linking up with them but, as the Perpignan-based outfit could not agree a compensation package with Wakefield, the potential move has gone no further.

Kear, 55, admits he is now anticipating seeing his long-term plans for the West Yorkshire club come to fruition.

"I was flattered to be identified by Catalans Dragons and interested to hear of their plans for the future," he said.

"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."

Wildcats chief executive James Elston added: "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."