Wakefield Trinity RLFC today announces the appointment of John Minards as Non-Executive Chairman.

John will take over a restructured Board working alongside Michael Carter who continues the day to day running of the Club as Chief Executive.

John said, “I am delighted and honoured to have been asked to take over as Chairman of this great Club. Having been born and bred in Wakefield and a “committed” supporter for over 40 years this Club is really in my blood. This is a very proud day for me.

“In my years following Trinity I have seen a real rollercoaster of ups and downs but the progress we have seen in the past five years under Michael and Chris’ leadership has brought financial stability and a really exciting team on the field. The big challenge remaining is the move to a stadium fit for the 21st century and I am looking forward to focussing my efforts, working with Michael, to ensure that this is finally achieved.”

Welcoming John as Chairman, Michael Carter said, “I am delighted to welcome John as Chairman of our restructured Board. He has been a shareholder for the past four years and his experience in the corporate world will bring additional levels of structure and governance as we take the Club to the next level. John has been a constant source of advice over the last 4 years and becoming Chairman will strengthen the Club immeasurably.”

After five years with the Club, Chris Brereton has announced that he has decided to step down.

Chris Brereton said, “After five years working with Michael at the helm of Wakefield Trinity, I have decided that it is the time to step down and spend more time with my other business interests. It has certainly been a rollercoaster but with more highs than lows. Survival in the Super League in 2014 and in 2015 would certainly be two of those! I feel the Club is in great shape on the field and look forward to following its fortunes as a spectator going forwards.”

Michael Carter, Chairman commented, “It is easy to forget the very difficult situation the Club was in the autumn of 2013. All that we have achieved at Wakefield Trinity over the past five could not have been achieved without the hard work and determination that Chris has displayed. It has not been an easy ride and we now wish Chris all the best as he steps down to give greater focus to his other business interests”