Brett Ferres 'incredibly proud' following appointment as Goole Vikings head coach

The former England international has succeeded Scott Taylor, moving into the dugout following more than two decades as a player.

Ferres brought the curtain down on his distinguished playing career last weekend after two seasons as Goole captain.

The 40-year-old has been with the Vikings since the start of their journey as a professional club and now has the chance to mould the team in his image.

"I'm incredibly proud to be given the opportunity to become head coach of Goole Vikings, a club and a town that has become really important to me," said Ferres, whose career achievements include winning the World Club Challenge and the Super League title.

"I’ve been fortunate to be part of the journey from the beginning and have seen first-hand how much work has gone into getting us to where we are today. What the club has achieved in such a short time is extraordinary.

"I've always felt I'd enjoy the move into coaching when my playing career finished and have been working towards my qualifications throughout this season. To get the opportunity to begin that next chapter here is something I'm really excited about.

"I'm under no illusions about the size of the challenge. I know I've got plenty to learn as a coach but am confident in what I can bring to the role and in those people around us.

"We've achieved a lot in a very short period of time but we are determined to keep pushing forward. I can't wait to get started."

Ferres represented as many as eight Yorkshire clubs during his long playing career, including Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos.

Vikings director James Clark is confident Ferres will be a success as a head coach after his appointment received "unanimous approval from the board".

"What he lacks in immediate coaching practice, he more than makes up for through his work ethic, dedication, leadership and experience earned from over 400 senior appearances and 15 England caps," said Clark.

"He has also spent more than two decades working with and learning from some of the very best coaches to have operated in Super League and international rugby league. Those relationships give him a fantastic support and mentoring network that he can continue to lean on as he develops as a coach.

"We've seen Brett's leadership qualities first-hand. He has the respect of the dressing room, understands what we are trying to build and, most importantly, has a real hunger to make a success of the opportunity.

"We're really excited to see Brett get to work and stamp his mark on the team as we enter the next stage of our journey."

Goole ended their maiden Championship campaign in 14th place after winning eight of their 24 games.

The play-offs begin this weekend, with Doncaster preparing to welcome Barrow Raiders for a qualifying semi-final and Sheffield Eagles set to host Batley Bulldogs in an eliminator.