CARETAKER coach Keiron Purtill is leaving the Giants.
The Leigh-based Purtill will make a permanent move back to Lancashire at the end of the season to take up the post of assistant coach to Mick Potter at top Super League club St Helens.
Purtill will remain at the Galpharm for the rest of Super League XIII and will continue to share the coaching duties with Paul Anderson, who is expected to be the No2 to new Giants head coach Nathan Brown next season.
But Giants managing director Richard Thewlis has made it clear Purtill’s move has nothing to do with Brown’s imminent arrival.
“It was agreed with Keiron some time ago that he would be moving on. This has nothing whatsoever to do with Nathan Brown’s appointment,” stressed Thewlis. “We had explored the idea of Kieron extending his time with us back in the early months of the year, but he felt it the right time to move on.
“From that conversation, we had agreed to keep this under wraps for as long as possible, and I think it shows the esteem we hold Keiron in that we were happy for him to lead us through the season, alongside Paul (Anderson).
“I believe he is an outstanding coach and person and I can see why Saints want him.
“But from the Giants perspective, it gives us an opportunity with Nathan to restructure things a little on the football side.”
This will be Purtill’s second spell as a member of the Saints’ staff.
“I would like to thank everyone at the Giants for their support over the last three years. I have experienced some great moments and made lasting friendships here,” said Purtill.
“This decision has nothing to do with Nathan Brown or the departure of Jon Sharp. I decided some time back that this would be my final year at the Giants as I want to enhance my coaching knowledge and career.
“Returning to Super League’s most successful club with a fantastic playing roster is very appealing.”
