Wednesday 16 March 2016 13:16, UK
Super League strugglers Wakefield have announced that Chris Chester has been hired as head coach, just three weeks after leaving his role at Hull KR.
The 37-year-old takes charge following the resignation of Brian Smith and will start work immediately, ahead of Friday's trip to Hull.
"I am delighted to become head coach of Wakefield Wildcats, especially as it is my home-town club and a club with a lot of traditions," said Chester.
"I have been stood on these terraces as a young kid and I am really proud that I now get to coach this great team."
Chairman Michael Carter added: "I am delighted to get Chris on board and look forward to him taking this club forward.
"There were some excellent candidates who applied and I thank them all for their interest."
Chester led Hull KR to the 2015 Challenge Cup final in his first full season in charge but was stood down following their
14-12 home defeat by Wakefield on 21 February and formally left the club a week later.
He has since been replaced by James Webster, who was head coach of Wakefield at this time last year.
Webster's successor Smith quit the Wildcats eight days ago, only five games into the season and after just nine months in charge, subsequently claiming that costs at the club were "cut to the bone".
As well as the hiring of Chester, the Wildcats have also announced that vastly experienced coach John Kear will return to the club to work alongside Chester from 2017, as head of rugby
Kear, who guided Sheffield Eagles and Hull to Challenge Cup glory, is currently head coach of Championship club Batley.
Carter said: "Having known John for many years, it is great that he wants to join us to lead this club from the front.
"He will give myself and others at the club the benefit of his vast knowledge of the game, and I look forward to working side by side with John."
Kear said: "I am very excited and delighted to return to the Wildcats after my time at Batley.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my five years at the club and intend to enjoy the remainder of my time with Batley. I am looking forward to joining the Wildcats and I will look to bring stability and improvement across the whole football department.
"I am excited to be able to work alongside Michael Carter, Chris Chester and [director] Chris Brereton in order to progress this great club forward."
The 61-year-old Kear, who is also currently head coach of Wales, famously saved Wakefield from relegation in 2006 and remained in charge at Belle Vue until 2011, when he moved to Batley.
Wakefield are currently just a place off the bottom of the Super League standings, having won just one of their first six matches.
