Noble unveiled as Crusaders coach

Noble had been strongly linked with Celtic Crusaders for some time

Celtic Crusaders have named former Great Britain, Bradford and Wigan boss Brian Noble as their new coach.

Noble, who left the Warriors at the end of the season after his contract was not renewed, succeeds John Dixon in the hot seat of Super League's bottom club.

Noble, 48, is reunited with his former Great Britain assistant Jon Sharp, who will be the club's first-team coach.

Former dual-code international Iestyn Harris, who is also Wales coach, has also been appointed as an assistant.

"We are delighted that Brian has accepted the job of head coach at the Crusaders," said chairman Leighton Samuel.

"His track record in Super League is second to none and I'm sure that he will be a massive success here, the same as he has been at Bradford and Wigan."

Noble had been at the Wigan helm for three years and before that was in charge of Bradford.

Noble, who is replaced at Wigan by Australian Michael Maguire, and Sharp will bring a wealth of experience to the fledgling Super League club, who are moving from Bridgend to Newport from next season.He won three World Club Championships and three Grand Finals in a five-year reign at the Bulls between 2001 and 2006.

Former Huddersfield boss Sharp is immediately available after being released early from his role as football manager at Hull last month.

"I feel it's a fabulous opportunity the three of us have been given," said Noble.

"It's an awesome challenge, not only to improve performances and prospects of the Crusaders but to give opportunities to young Welshmen so that they can play in that team as well.

"It is a tough challenge but the potential is there to build something and leave something special."

Harris, who had 12 months left on his contract with Featherstone, said he had come to an agreement to part company with the Championship club and does not intend to play in Super League.

"My playing days are over," said the former Leeds and Bradford skipper, 33. "I have a very good relationship with Featherstone and there is no problem there."

Crusaders chief executive Mike Turner described Noble's appointment as "probably the most exciting period in the club's short history" and said all three coaches have signed two-year contracts.