New deal for Agar as his former boss comes in at Wakefield

And a public meeting organised by the Wakefield Trinity Supporters Trust and attended by around 500 fans also heard last night that coach Richard Agar had signed a new contract with the club, while general manager Davide Longo has departed.

Hetherington says youth development will be a priority for the club as it battles to get back on a firm footing following a series of financial crisis.

“I am not saying the youth development has been poor, but it needs more resources and investment,” said Hetherington, wife of Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington.

“You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to work out that the most successful clubs at the moment have got good youth development systems.

“It’s not so much talent identification as having the resources to make sure the talent is developed.”

Hetherington, who became the first female president of the RFL in 1994, insists the Wildcats can avoid relegation from Super League next year.

She has been out of the game since leaving Hull FC, where she was chairwoman, in July, 2011 and is part of a backroom reshuffle which has seen Michael Carter take over as Wakefield chairman from owner Andrew Glover.

Previous chief executive James Elston has moved aside, though he remains at the club.

Carter last month revealed the club is facing a £400,000 shortfall, which has since led to the sudden departure of star players Tim Smith and Kyle Amor.

Hetherington was born in Featherstone and lives in the Wakefield district.

“I have been out of the game for two years and I have had other offers,” added Hetherington. “But it has to be something that’s close to my heart. My brother played for Wakefield and I watched them when I was younger.”