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Rugby League

Noble signs new 18-month contract with Wigan

29/04/2008

Wigan Warriors head coach Brian Noble has signed a new 18-month contract to remain with the club until at least the end of the 2009 season.

The deal includes an option for a year's extension by mutual consent, which the club hopes will end speculation Noble has applied for a coaching role at Catalans Dragons.

The French club's current head coach Mick Potter will take over at St Helens from the end of the season, leaving chairman Bernard Guasch to search for a replacement.

But Noble has committed his immediate future to the JJB Stadium outfit, effectively ruling himself out of the running for a role elsewhere.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Wigan and particularly the last few months of planning for the future but my job is only part done," he said.

"I am delighted to have signed this new deal and look forward to delivering that future to the marvellous Wigan fans."

Noble's side have endured some indifferent form so far this season, with seven wins and five defeats from their opening 12 games leaving them fifth in the Super League standings.

But Wigan chairman and owner Ian Lenagan remains confident that Noble continues to be the man for the job.

"I am pleased at the signing of a new contract with Brian Noble, consistent with our view that stability is an essential part of rebuilding Wigan in the medium-term," Lenagan explained.

"Brian and I shook hands on a deal two weeks ago following five months of working together and planning for Wigan's future squad.

"We completed the formalities over the weekend and felt we should announce quickly against a background of yet more media speculation."