Unbeaten run brings rewards for Glover at Wakefield

Regardless of what happens in tonight’s elimination play-off at Headingley, owner Andrew Glover will look back on 2012 with immense pride.

“We set off together knowing we’d be chuffed if we won more games than the seven we got last year,” he told the Yorkshire Post.

As it happens, they have won their last seven matches alone – their best run since 1976 – in a total of 13 to date, marking a terrific first full season at the helm for the local businessman.

Glover had taken over troubled Wakefield in February last year after a period of administration.

They had sold three of their best players by that point and the remainder of 2011 was largely a period of steadying the ship.

At the season’s end, he brought in Richard Agar as coach and so began the rebuilding process.

Seventeen new players were recruited and, though dividends were most clearly reaped in this late surge to take eighth, Glover insists he was always confident.

He recalled: “We played Castleford in a friendly right at the start of the season and I could see just from that there was some gems in this side, people who could do some amazing stuff.

“I kept nudging (CEO) Jimmy (Elston) to say ‘Can I get excited yet?’ but he told me it was early days. We realised then though if they could all come together we’d some great selections.”

Indeed, Tim Smith, Danny Washbrook, Paul Aiton, Kyle Wood and Andy Raleigh have all been inspirational captures.

Augmented by later arrivals such as Paul Sykes and Lee Smith, the chemistry has been stunning.

Of course, defending champions Leeds Rhinos will be favourites but Glover insists he just wants to see Trinity “throw the ball around again” and it does not matter what occurs next.

Wakefield’s long-suffering fans rose to applaud him in the second half at Salford a week ago.

“I was sat with the wife who was saying “Andrew, stand up!” but I was too embarrassed to start with,” he laughed.

“It’s always nice to know you’re appreciated though and we’re really happy with the way the fans have got behind us. Crowds are up 25 per cent and our away support has been massive.

“We’re not at the point where things are paying off yet but we can see it’s possible to do what we intended – make it a viable business. And we’re having fun.”