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Former Wakefield coach John Kear is back in management after dropping down a division to take over at Batley.
The 56-year-old joins the Bulldogs on an undisclosed agreement as successor to Karl Harrison, who has moved to rivals Halifax.
Kear told BBC Radio Leeds: “It’s a different challenge for me and will take me out of my comfort zone. “I’m used to the luxury of full-time athletes at my beck and call. Well, now it’s a different challenge.” He continued: “I’m looking forward to being out of my comfort zone and attempting to adapt to that challenge and attempting to improve what’s already a very good situation here.”
Kear comes to Batley with an impressive pedigree, having led Sheffield and Hull FC to Challenge Cup success, and taking Wakefield into the play-offs during his five years with the Wildcats.
In July, Kear announced that he would be leaving Wakefield at the end of the season , just days after the club secured their Super League license for another three years.
The former Great Britain coach is expected to combine his coaching duties with his media commitments.
Bulldogs general manager Paul Harrison told the club website: “The arrival of John is a huge endorsement of the progress we have made as a club in recent times and we are delighted that such a proven winner has chosen to associate himself with the Bulldogs brand as head coach.
“There is little doubt that exciting times are ahead for everyone concerned with the club under John Kear’s leadership and we are looking forward to assembling our 2012 squad and cementing our position as one of the most progressive clubs in British rugby league.”
