UPDATE FROM OUR OWNER MARTIN JEPSON

I understand that it has been a frustrating few weeks for our fans. The Board of Directors and myself share those frustrations.

I am sorry that Ryan Carr has left the club, but I wish him and his family well for their future. We have had a difficult set of circumstances to deal with and unfortunately not been in a position to provide more information to the fans. However, our actions have been, and always will be, in the best interests of the club.

It has been frustrating to listen to media hysteria without being able to comment, but we have had to do the right thing by the club. I would assure our fanbase that there is no turmoil or disharmony amongst the Board and the club is in a good place as we plan for our Centenary and continue to build for 2027.

Unfortunately, in all walks of life there are unforeseen events, but we have some experienced people working alongside me and helping steer the club. Their support over the last few weeks has been invaluable. 

We will start the search for a new Head Coach immediately, but I am delighted to welcome Luke Robinson as an Assistant Coach with immediate effect, whilst Jason Netherton has agreed to assist the coaching team for the rest of the season.

We have made significant progress at the club and made improvements to our facilities over the last 12 months. The gameday experience is much improved and more works will be undertaken during the off season. I appreciate that our performances on the pitch have been inconsistent and below expectations. That is something we are addressing for 2027 with the exciting signings we have already made. We continue to assess our options and do not rule out more signings. On the subject of signings, Chris Chester and myself had a good call with all Damien, Mathew and Tyrell yesterday and all of them are finalising their moves and looking forward to joining the club.

It was really good to see the team get back to winning ways against Hull. We have four games remaining and expect that level of effort as a minimum as we strive for the highest possible finish this season. Your support was, as always, outstanding and we cannot thank you enough.

28^th August marks the Centenary of our first ever game as we welcome Catalan Dragons to the One Bore stadium. It is also our final home match of the 2026 season and we have a lot of events planned on the day, including a parade of ex players, community club events and a celebration of our history. Please come along and join the celebrations. Watch out for ticket offers so that we can once again pack the stadium and celebrate in a manner which we all know provides an atmosphere second to none.

We are also opening the doors for Captains Run on Thursday 27^th August. All supporters are welcome free of charge to watch the players train.

As I have previously mentioned, we have also been depleted off the pitch due to Danny Wilson’s absence. Whilst he remains in hospital, he is making good progress and is in good spirits. On his behalf, can I thank all of you that have sent their best wishes. We hope to see him back at the club soon.

I remain very positive about the future as we prepare to enter our second century. I have always tried to be available to our fanbase to answer questions and address any concerns. To that end, I will be holding a fans forum in the fanzone on the evening of 27^th August. More details to follow but please put it in your diary and come along with any questions you may have about the club or rugby league in general. All are welcome. 

Let’s draw a line on the last few weeks and come together to celebrate our history – I know we are well positioned for 2027 and beyond. 

Martin
COYF