Craig Lingard: Castleford Tigers appoint former Keighley and Batley boss as head coach

Craig Lingard led Batley to the 2023 1895 Cup final having maintained his role alongside previous Castleford boss Andy Last

Castleford Tigers have appointed Craig Lingard as their head coach on a two-year deal, with Super League great Danny McGuire joining as his assistant.

Lingard, 45, joined Cas as Andy Last's assistant during the 2023 season and also took charge of Batley last term.

McGuire joins having left Hull KR, who he helped reach the Challenge Cup final and Super League play-offs this season as assistant to Willie Peters.

"I'm coming in with my eyes fully wide open," Lingard said.

"Something I've always aspired to be is a head coach in Super League and I've got that opportunity now.

"It has come a little bit sooner than I was expecting but it's something I'm going to grab with both hands and hopefully be a success."

During his time with Batley, Lingard led the second tier club to the 1895 Cup final as well as the Championship Grand Final.

He previously spent two and a half years in charge of fellow West Yorkshire side Keighley Cougars.

Former Leeds half-back McGuire, 40, had a spell with Hull KR as a player after leaving the Rhinos and then became assistant to Tony Smith in 2021, a role he continued under Peters.

"I can't wait to get stuck into it. It's really nice to meet Craig. He seems a really good fella and I'm really excited to work alongside him," McGuire said.

"I'm still fairly early on into my coaching journey with loads to learn and experience, so I'm excited to be working alongside somebody who's achieved so much in the game, so I'll be picking his brains.

"Hopefully we can gel really well and work well as a combination."

• DNA's role in reconnecting families: Stacey Dooley meets people across the UK to help unlock mysteries hidden within their genetic code

• Exploring Ireland's complex history: Fergal Keane charts the history of Ireland and her people from the earliest days to the present