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Rugby League

Warriors up efforts to land Noble

18/04/2006

Super League strugglers Wigan Warriors have upped their efforts to appoint current Bradford boss Brian Noble as their new head coach.

Wigan, once the great name in rugby league, lost again on Sunday to leave them rooted to the bottom of the league with eight defeats in their nine opening games of the season.

The side have been managerless since Ian Millward was sacked two weeks ago but Wigan chairman Maurice Lindsay confirmed last week that he was hoping to bring Noble from Odsal to the JJB in an attempt to rejuvenate the club's fortunes.

And speaking after their most recent loss, a 30-18 home defeat by Harlequins, Lindsay confirmed that talks were at an advanced stage.

"We had a very good discussion with Brian following formal permission from Bradford Bulls to speak to him," he said.

"The talks covered every aspect of the Wigan club's plans to go forward. The talks went well but the matter is now left entirely with Brian."

Noble also admitted that he was giving serious consideration to swapping life in the fast-lane with Super League champions Bradford for a relegation battle with the Warriors.

Speaking yesterday, he also hinted that a decision could be made by the end of today.

"The reality is there has been no decision made as yet and that is my decision to make over the next 24 hours," he told reporters.

The Bulls are currently fourth in the Super League following six wins from their first nine games but they do find themselves some way off the brilliant St Helens outfit, which have won all of their opening ten matches.

Should Noble indeed leave, Bradford's chief executive Gareth Davies has indicated assistant coach Steve McNamara will most likely take over the hot seat.

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