John Kear

What a terrible loss to our sport. Such a knowledgeable and yet humble person, he always had time for a chat. We will be forever grateful for keeping us in Superleague - who knows where our club would have been without him coming to save us. Deepest condolences to his wife and family. RIP ❤️

A true rugby league legend.
Thanks for the great memories JK and everything you did for our great club.
❤️🤍💙

John you are gonna missed by so many and you will never be forgotten I always remember the plane flying over with the words Never Fear It’s Only Kear flapping on the back the finger tapping there is so many memories we will be for ever grateful for what you did for our club you are a true rugby league Hero R.I.P John Kear

Great man always wanted him to be the cas coach as he was a very proud Castleford man he did help as mal reillys assistant in our challenge cup win in 86 John provided mal a dossier on how hull kr played/trained a man well ahead of his times and was always going to go on to achieve great things RIP John

A childhood hero of mine and part of the reason i love watching Wakefield. Some of the memories from your time at the club I’ll never forget!

“No fear it’s only Kear” ❤️

A sad day for rugby league losing such a great man, a hero at our club and for the sport as a whole. RIP John.

A true gentleman on and off the pitch
RIP JOHN KEAR
thanks for all the rugby memories
❤️🤍💙

So shocked and sad to hear of John's passing what a lovely friendly man he was always had a smile on his face. Thank you for all you did for our great club Wakefield Trinity you will be sadly missed by all, a true Rugby League legend
Rest In Peace xx❤️🤍💙xx

Deeply saddened by John Kear's untimely passing last Sunday.

John had deep enthusiasm for our sport and always was a humble, yet jovial man.

Like with all other Trinity supporters, I'll be forever grateful for the job John Kear did twenty years ago when we looked certain to be relegated yet somehow stayed up and also the subsequently great job he did for us as head coach.

May you rest in eternal peace, good sir 🙏🙏🙏🙏

A wonderful man who will be greatly missed. Meant such a lot to Trinity fans, and other fans too. Lots of memories of John. Rest easy. Taken far too soon ❤️🤍💙xx

John was a major part of our Family's life across three generations. He will always be a beloved member of Rugby League and Trinity.

Rip, John will not only be a miss to wakefield trinity but also a miss to the rugby league World he was the most amazing person his knowledge was second to none

Such a sudden and sad loss to the world of rugby league, and of course our beloved Wakefield Trinity.
I had the pleasure of speaking with John only a few weeks before his passing at his “Big Quiz” and when he was compere at the Catalan Dragons home game.
Great humour and a true gentleman.
You will be missed by all who knew you. Thoughts are with your family and friends.
Rest in peace John Kear ❤️🤍💙

R.I.P John a true gent and legend both on and off the pitch. You will be missed by the rugby league world and my condolences to your family and friends. R.I.P John

John Kear RIP great coach for Wakefield survival Saturday the biggest match in Wakefield Trinitys and Castleford's history what a match he masterminded the greatest win in the clubs recent history .Cas flew a plane over saying Never fear its only John Kear how wrong they where.
Deepest sympathies to his family. Rest in peace JOHN KEAR

Thankyou John, although we didn't know eachother personally, I feel like I grew up with you. You were a hero of mine as a young boy, stood on the terraces singing "he's got no hair but we don't care Jonny Jonny kear" your affiliation with the club in various roles over the years speaks volumes of the kind of man you were, and the hole you will leave not just at Wakefield, but in the sport as a whole. Thanks for the memories, I pray your family finds the strength and receives the support they need, and they're proud to know the positive impact you had on everybody. Rest in peace, love from us all.

Our paths crossed frequently.. always had a time to talk. Gave my son his wembley shirt .. commentated on his game with such passion as he always did .. That last 5/6 games he gave us to keep us up … that Bradford game.. that Cas game . John to me you will be the greatest coach we ever had .. and also a complete legend and more importantly a gentleman .. REST EASY GOD. X

I'll always remember your wit, beaming smile, honesty, kindness, and when you rubbed your head during those tough matches. A true rugby legend and a gentleman that no-one ever had a bad word to say about! Condolences to your family.
Rest in peace John

R.I.P John it was a pleasure and a privilege to have known you, the rugby league family will never forget you .

Utterly devastated at Johns passing
Just a massive loss to Trinity and the game of RL. Enjoy watching your RL from above John, you will be massively missed

John, you've always been part of my rugby league journey, from seeing you steer Sheffield to a great challenge cup win to taking over my beloved Trinity and saving them from relegation. I've been lucky to meet you in person and know what a wonderful person you are. Sending condolences and love to your family and hope you are having a beer with my dad Malcolm up there who couldn't speak highly enough of you ❤️❤️

So many wonderful Wakefield Trinity memories over the years when John Kear steered the ship. The worldneeds more people like John, a true gent with a kind heart and natural way of inspiring belief and making people feel valued . RIP John.

A true gentleman , Legend of the Rugby World

You will be sadly missed John

Sincere condolences to his family ❤️🤍💙

John was and always will be a great legend in rugby league. He will be dearly missed by rugby league fans and players alike. Highley respected by everyone who had the pleasure to meet him. RIP the challenge cup king. My sincere condolences to his family. Simply the best
John Kear.

A true gent ,soft spoken John was the guy who loved the game a former player and a good coach for us here at the trin ,he did his ultimate best he could for our club ,my deepest condolences go to his family,a memory that sticks with me was his fingers wiggling during a game against Cas at home ,was it the relegation game and also the fact he always had the time to say (hello ) to the fans ..
RIP John (legend)

Rest in peace John Kear.
Such sad news for everyone to hear of your unexpected passing.
A true hero to our club and a lovely man.

I have such strong strong memories of the 2006 match against Castleford Tigers! I was just a child but he pulled our team through with the determination and belief he had for us!!

Rest in peace from the bottom of our hearts. Thanks for some great memories on and off the field.
Condolences to Dawn and the family.

What a shock so sorry to hear this John will be sadly missed by all the rugby community. He was a good player, fantastic coach and a true rugby league ambassador.
Rest In Eternal Peace John.

RIP John. An absolute giant of the game and one of the nicest blokes I've ever met. Trinity would probably be part time now if not for his efforts. I'll never forget him 🙏

I send my condolences to The Kear family, John was always a true gentleman and can be regarded as a genuine legend of this game we love. His enthusiasm for Trinity as Head Coach and in other positions at the club never faulted. I know he will be sadly missed by so many people .

A true club legend for what he did, and continued to do, for Wakefield Trinity, but even more, an absolute ambassador for the game as a whole. His expertise, enthusiasm and support for those around cannot be replaced. The saddest of losses for us all. RIP John.

Goodnight John, The most knowledgeable person I've ever met in the sport and a beautiful human being, R.I.P Legend 🔴⚪️🔵

R.I.P John ❤️🤍💙 thank you for the great memories you gave us while you were our coach. ❤️🤍💙 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

As a life long Wakefield supporter, seeing lots of lows and expecting relegation in 2006 along came John Kear. He did the impossible in motivting the players for the last 6 games of the season. He earned the title King Kear.

Thank you John you never tired of talking to fans with a huge smile on your face. Having listened to you speak I can see how players gave their all for you.

Fly high John. Deepest sympathy to Dawn and all the family. ❤️🤍💙⚜️🏉

Rest in peace JK
Absolutely gutted
What a loss of a great man
A true rugby league gent
💔⚪️💙

Such a sad loss at no age. Remember Stevo on Sky telling John Wakefield Trinity need a coach, Trinity needed to win 4/5 out of the last 6 games. The rest is history, he motivated the players, the fingers tapping/drumming, & the players from then still remember how got the best out of them. He will be so missed.

What a legend we have lost. Will always remember that season back in 06. Never fear it's only Kear. Saved our club and put pride back into Wakefield Trinity. Was genuinely Mr rugby league. Always had time to talk to us as fans. You will be sorely missed not just to all at Wakefield but the whole sport of Rugby League not just a Trinity Legend but a Rugby league legend as well. King Kear from the bottom of my heart thank you. condolences to all family and friends.

Very passionate about the game, unbiased commentator and all round great guy. Coached Sheffield Eagles when they beat my team Wigan in the 1998 CCF a big loss to our great game, my sincere condolences to his family and friends...RIP John

Rugby league has Lost a Legend, John saved us and created many life long memories while our coach and always had Time for everyone. Condolences to johns wife, family, and friends. Rip coach.

John Kear,
A.K.A - MR RUGBY LEAGUE
May you now REST IN PEACE
G.B.N.F.

A true gent and a man who know the Rfl inside out. Rip.

Thank you for making rugby so exciting with your commentary.
RIP John.💔🥀

John was coaching Trinity when I first started watching rugby league, his passion and love of the beautiful game was amazing to see.

Always willing to stop and chat to the fans and future player such a gentleman.
You will be missed so much.
Condolences to you family and friends RIP Mr Kear x

John was such a wonderful man and incredible ambassador for the sport. His passion for RL was glowing. His work at Wakefield and the miracle of the Battle of Belle Vue will surpass living memory. The club is forever in gratitude for his impact.
I had the honour of speaking to him a few times and hoped to see him again at hospitality, sadly not to be. One of my encounters with him was after the 2009 defeat to Catalans in the play offs. As I shook his hand he looked me in the eye saying "Thanks for your support". That totally summed up John, he was down to earth and appreciated everybody.

RIP.

After a great Saturday commentating & as always such a joy to hear his enthusiasm & love for the sport. Then to wake up to the most dreadful news of John's passing.
Like most of us we didn't know John personally however, it felt as though we did. He seemed like a friend to us all.
He was one of us, a rugby league fan, legend, ambassador of the sport & a genuinely lovely bloke who I believe treated everyone the same.
Regardless of who you were, how big your bank balance was, where you came from, what team you supported etc...that is a quality not many possess!
He also believed in us, when no one else did & he took on that challenge & bossed it!
He will forever be a hero & legend at Wakey & I hope we will have a something fitting in recognition to John & his love & dedicating to rugby league! 🔴⚪️🔵

His book makes a good read. Got him to sign it in the Ridings and had a good chin wag about the Wakey team after he left. A true legend and will be sorely missed. RIP John.

RIP John. A true Wakefield Trinity legend. Forever grateful for all you did at our great club and rugby league as a whole. You were a true gentleman and you will be sadly missed. Condolences to all your family and friends

John kear was a legend and he was a good commentator as well

Never forget meeting this legend, John Kear, always was happy to talk to anyone, RIP John, sincere condolences to all his family ❤️🤍💙

One of the greats of our game, a true legend and a honest coach. We will miss you in the rugby league world god bless

Enjoy watching rugby from above John -
We will miss your no nonsense approach to commentary on the Beeb
Enjoyed your speaking at the club but mainly grateful for your time spent at Wakey saving us from certain relegation
A big miss from the rugby family
Condolences to your family and friends
🔴⚪️🔵

Rugby league legend and a trinity hero, came to us when nobody else wanted to in that 2006 season. RIP John

Represented so many clubs with passion and pride will never forget when he lead the Wake great escape and the huge contribution to Rugby league don’t think we will ever see another like him rest in pease John🔴⚪️🔵

What a shock this news was John was such a massive part of our club over the years we will all never forget the 2006 ending to the season and what he achieved with that group of players RIP JOHN KEAR gone way too soon x

Lived and breathed rugby league
Great coach and commentator
Such sad and unexcepted news
RIP John Kear

Deepest condolences to John's family and friends. It was a terrible shock to the whole RL family.
I never met John but it was obvious he had rugby league running through his veins and his knowledge of the game and infectious enthusiasm was unsurpassed.
On behalf of myself and my late father, thank you John for the memories you gave us at Trinity and your massive contribution in making the club what it is today. A Cas lad but a Trinity legend.

RIP John

Met john a few times while at Wakefield.what a lovely man down to earth always had time to speak to us and my young nephew at the time. Loved listening to him commentating and loved his fingers tapping when we played. rip John kear keep watching over trinity..xx

John you were one of life’s gentlemen
RIP xxxx

An absolute legend of a man, a true gentleman who always had time for everyone he met .

The world is a lesser place without John Kear.

Hit the showers John, you’ve done your 80 Mins

Rip ⚜️🔴⚪️🔵⚜️

R.I.P JOHN KEAR. You were a Guiding light to everyone who crossed your path. Your knowledge on rugby league was unparalleled. Condolences to all your loving family at this truly sad time.

Such sad and unexpected news to hear of John's passing. Heartfelt thoughts to all his family and friends. Grateful for the time he spent at Wakefield Trinity and all he did at the club.RIP

Ment john a couple of times.found him very warm and friendly. Will never forget how he kept us up in 2006 .A great man a great rugby man R.I.P.Mr Kear

So sorry to hear about John. He was our saviour when things weren’t the best and made the club memorable again. RIP. The Box family.

I remember John from my time driving the team coach. Right from day one he was friendly and kind to me and my son Jack too. A legend at our club for what he did but an even better person too. Thank you for everything. Rest in peace John and condolences to your family.🔴⚪️🔵

RIP John

Our thoughts are with your Family at this sad time .

You always had time to chat to fans , one of the best of commentators and the best motivator ever!!

You gave Trinity fans the best of memories .

You will be missed
Joanne , Steve and family
X

Had the pleasure to meet john a few times and what a gent he was. His passion for the game and our club shone through, calling it family at one point. He predicted that we'd lift the challenge cup in the next 5yrs, I so wish he'd still be here to see it if we did.
Fly high john, deepest sympathy to Dawn and the whole family x

Although I never met John I always felt like I knew him, such was his natural warmth and charisma. Hearing the sad news on Monday was devastating, such was his impact on me as a lifelong Wakefield Trinity supporter and devotee of rugby league. When he spoke about the game it was always in the positive and when he spoke about Trinity, it was with great warmth. I send my condolences to both his family and his friends. He will be sorely missed. A great man in all senses.

Such a gentleman always had time to stop and chat. John will be greatly missed by everyone his knowledge and passion was second to none. Our journey with him was amazing. Special thoughts to his family at this sad time. ❤️🤍💙

The will only be 1 John kear the hard shift you put in the commitment to keep us were we belong having the faith you was the man to take the job you proof that outstanding 👏 RIP SIR ONCE WAKEFIELD ALWAYS WAKEFIELD 😢💙🤍❤️

R.I.P. John you mean a lot to Wakefield supporters and you will be missed always. Condolences to your wife Dawn and family. A large hole will be in our hearts forever. We loved our chats and your beaming smile and laughter. The loveliest man I have ever met. Sleep tight ♥️🤍💙🏉⚜️

An absolute legend of a coach for numerous clubs but his days at Wakefield Trinity were remarkable, what a great man full of knowledge great broadcaster and ambassador for the game and especially Wakefield Trinity. RIP John and my thoughts and condolences to his family at this very sad time

Will be miss by the Rugby League Family.
A man who put us back on track when we were down. Lovely friendly man, he always smiled and was happy to chat.
He will be so missed by so many. RIP John

In acknowledgement of my thank you to John Kear who gave wonderful pleasure and served RL and Wakefield Trinity with great dignity, respect and a fine man.

Especially for RL. Turned our club around from back end of 2006 into a team who worked hard for John. Well loved by everyone who knew John and also loved the sport. Kind to sign a photo of himself and a proud gentleman. We all never forget the superb memories for ever.

RIP from Stephen

Thanks for the memories JK 🔴⚪️🔵

What a special person John was. Thank you for so many good memories from your time at Wakefield Trinity. Simply the best. Another bright star now shines in heaven god bless John.Rest in peace ♥️🤍💙😘

Thank you, John.

2006 we were as good as relegated. Nobody wanted the job, nobody thought we were worth taking a chance on. Only you could see the potential.

I will always remember you as a legend at our club.

May you rest in paradise.

I remember walking with John to Leeds for Brennan Rooney, he was so entertaining heart of gold and will be sadly missed

John is a very sad loss to Rugby League. A great player, and coach. A true gentleman. Simply the best.

As life long Wakefield supporters we absolutely adored John Kear and will never forget all the magical memories his dedication made possible.It is difficult to think of rugby league without John's presence ,he will be so sadly missed.We,as a family ,would like to send our condolences to his family and friends.The world has lost an absolute gem ❤️

JK was a real legend, was so kind caring a real gent, he will be sadly missed thru out the RL community, my condolences to his family at this sad time, fly high JK, up the trin ❤️ 🤍 💙

All at Wakey will remember Mr Kear for the incredible job he did in keeping us in Super League when it mattered most at the battle of belle vue relegating his hometown (Cas) in the process a true legend of the game and true gentleman RIEP <3

With deep sadness, the rugby league world mourns the sudden passing of John Kear on Sunday, 31st May, while returning home from the Betfred Challenge Cup Final. It is a heartbreaking loss for a game he devoted so much of his life to, and fittingly, he was doing what he loved until the very end—working in the sport that meant everything to him.

His greatest passion was undoubtedly coaching, but Wakefield Trinity supporters also came to know and love him as the voice of Belle Vue, entertaining fans as compere in the hospitality suite on matchdays. Remarkably, for a proud Castleford lad and former long-serving Castleford player, Wakefield Trinity became the club closest to his heart.

John's achievements in rugby league were many. He famously guided Hull FC and Sheffield Eagles to Challenge Cup glory, but for Trinity fans, his legacy will forever be tied to the incredible six-game survival run that preserved the club's Super League status and, arguably, its future.

That unforgettable journey united players, supporters, and the city. Inspired by John's belief and leadership, and driven by the passion of captain Monty Betham, Trinity produced one of the most remarkable escapes in rugby league history. It culminated in a packed Belle Vue, with more than 11,000 fans creating an atmosphere few will ever forget. With Castleford supporters filling the North Stand, John reminded his players that it was their night, their moment—and they delivered.

One man inspired a team, a club, a fanbase, and a city to stand together as one.

John's absence will be felt across rugby league. Commentators will miss his insight and warmth as a summariser, and Trinity supporters will miss those conversations with JK that could start anywhere and end absolutely anywhere.

Thank you, John, for the memories, the passion, and the belief.

Sleep well, John. God bless.

How sad that the rugby league community has lost another one of it’s great legends, John was a brilliant guy, you could see the passion he had for rugby league and he was a fantastic coach for the 🔴⚪️🔵⚜️ he will be sadly missed but never forgotten xx

A man who gave the people who love sport so many moments and so many memories. From Sheffield's biggest win, to challenge cup glory with Hull fc and of course mission impossible with Wakefield. Beyond that the clubs, the players he helped along the way. Rest easy John.

Thank you, John, for everything.

Without you, Wakefield Trinity's story would have been very different, and I honestly don't think I'd have the passion for rugby league that I do today. You gave so much to the game, to the club, and to the people who were lucky enough to know you.

Rugby league has lost one of its true greats, and the world feels a little poorer without your energy, humour, and passion. The impact you've had on so many lives will never be forgotten.

Your love for the game was unmatched, and your legacy will live on wherever rugby league is played and talked about.

Rest in peace, John. A true legend of the game. ❤️💙🤍

Legend gone he knew his rugby league i always enjoyed his great game of super league may he rest in peace

A short poem for John

As a Wakey fan and thinking back when you got our Club back on track
To the present day and your charm and wit
Back at Wakey where you knew you'd fit

The fans,the Players,and the Rugby lads
You met them all and coached their dad's
To us supporters you were the best
Your advice was Win,forget the rest

It's hard to think about the fear
When in our minds is Mr Kear
Sleep well now our lovely John
Departed early but never gone

The Rugby World has lost a friend
A great Man who loved life to the end
On Saturday we'll sing your name
And put you in our Hall of Fame

RIP John we love you xx

Sad news for the rugby league family.

John Kear will always be remembered at Wakefield Trinity for his leadership, his passion, and for helping keep the club in Super League. Most of all, he'll be remembered as a genuinely good man.

My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Everyone at Wakefield Trinity will remember John Kear for the incredible job he did in keeping Trinity in Super League when it mattered most.

He was also a familiar face in hospitality on matchdays, always happy to share a story, have a laugh, and talk rugby. Whether he was speaking to a room full of fans or chatting one-to-one, John always made time for people.

More than anything, he was just a genuinely lovely bloke. Friendly, down to earth, and someone who was a pleasure to be around.

Our thoughts are with John's family and friends at this sad time.

Thanks for everything, John. You'll always have a special place at Trinity.