Gregory signs 2 year deal

Wigan has announced the appointment of Mike Gregory as Head Coach of the Club until the end of the 2005 season.

Wigan Chairman Maurice Lindsay said,

"We have had several conversations with Mike over the last few weeks and it was more or less understood that we would make an announcement either at the end of the season or just before. Both Mike and I agreed that with the end of season run in and the Super League Play-Offs bringing their own pressures that discussing his contract in detail could be put on one side. We have now had one of the best runs in the clubs history and with only one match to go we are more than happy to make the announcement official. Saturday's result, whether it's a win or not, will be immaterial as far as our judgement is concerned we want Mike to continue with the good work taking place at the club."

Mike Gregory said.

"First of all I am proud and honoured to be named as Coach of my home town club. Maurice Lindsay actually sat down with Denis Betts and myself several weeks ago and I knew then that the club were not looking to appoint anyone else. We had a lot of very difficult fixtures to face upto and we all agreed to leave any final decision until our Super League position was a little more secure. We now know exactly where we stand ! We meet Bradford Bulls in the biggest game of all. The announcement of my appointment is great but it will not effect my focus which is to get the team to perform to it's best on Saturday."