Nobby would be a decent appointment!

Nobby confirmed.

I predict that Noble will do so well that he is promoted back upstairs before the season is half way through.

Should be interesting, Nobby had his success as a coach at the Bulls, not so much elsewhere .... But he's someone i can easily get behind and I'm happy with the choice... Only time will tell.

A bit left-field, but if he was, as the announcement says, "had an increasing involvement in the last 18 months," then he either had to step up and become the coach or cease any involvement at all (to be fair to the incoming coach)

I don't agree with the lazy trope that "He interested Matty Ellot's team"—he developed that team over the years he was in charge. OK, he hasn't done much since, but he loves the club and will hopefully be refreshed by a few years away from coaching.

Good appointment, I feel.

He didnt do bad at wigan turned around there fortunes when needed - green wood has been promoted to first team coach which will increase his involvement also

Did he not get Crusaders into the play-offs too, or am I remembering that wrong?

I think it's actually a pretty smart appointment, players seem to like him, he's had a hand in building the squad for next season so knows exactly what he's inherited and how he wants them to play. My first choice was Lingard but I'm happy with his appointment, especially compared to the other options put forward at this point.

You would be correct!

A sound appointment IMO for all the reasons outlined above.

I do wonder if his level of involvement was a factor in EOC leaving.

It should be a seamless transition though with the same direction and strategies being followed.

Eyebrow raiser for this party. Hope it works out.

I think it's an eye-Brow raiser for those who haven't been following us closer (hence you've had some of the usual lazy tripe from certain "journalists" who are more triggered by Gledhill than balanced reporting)

I think most of us know it gives us continuity on the back of a couple of strong seasons.

Agreed. Noble has been part of the coaching set up and a regular on the touchline for ages now. It's not as if he's been on a desert island since 2006. The upturn in performances came when he got more involved. I'm hoping that continues. He's been key in getting us some decent signings (particularly from overseas) too.

Uuuugh. I fell asleep in 2006 and have just woken up. Is Deacs still strutting his stuff? Or is the current England SH a 45 year old Deacs? He certainly plays like one.

A great appointment IMO which should keep me interested during the season.

Wonder if the 1 year deal is significant or just comfortable for all parties? Seems clear the club are heavily targeting the next round of IMG gradings - we are surely going to need quite a few pieces of the jigsaw to fall in place for any realistic chance. And that is before we factor in further improvements by SL clubs above and potential moving of the goalposts in the next few months.

I hear the Georgesons are massive fans of Harry Smith.