WARRINGTON Wolves' new look for 2000 was given further fuel this week.

The Wolves have confirmed the unfortunate departure of long serving player Chris Rudd and announced the return of public relations and media manager Dave Swanton.

For the first time since 1988/89 the Wolves are preparing for a new season without the services of Cumbrian Rudd.

Winger or centre Rudd is no longer under contract with the Wolves with injuries being the main reason behind his career at Wilderspool being regretfully cut short.

Wolves boss Darryl Van de Velde said: "After a long run of injuries we have mutually agreed for Chris' contract to be terminated with a redundancy payment.

"It was a very hard decision to make because Chris is a great stalwart of the club. I really am genuine when I say it was a tough decision and I really do feel for him.

"Unfortunately in the current financial climate these types of decisions have to be made. Business does not allow for sympathy for long running injury problems.

"There is a risk factor in Chris not being able to hit up through the year 2000 which played a part in it too.

"I felt uneasy because it was me who persuaded Chris to go full time but this was something that was done in good faith both ways."

Since Super League began in 1996 Rudd remained a part-time player and valued the security of a separate occupation.

But after several chats with Van de Velde Rudd gave up his full time job and signed a three-year deal with the Wolves in time for the start of the 1999 season.

A double Achilles' heel operation wiped him out for most of Super League IV and in one of his comeback games with the Under 21s Alliance Rudd ripped a bicep muscle and his season was over. It left Rudd with having made only 21 appearances in the last three seasons at Wilderspool.

Rudd, who is aged 30 tomorrow, Friday, made a total of 169 appearances, including 24 as a substitute, for Warrington. The former Kells amateur, who had a Testimonial season along with teammate Gary Chambers in 1998, crossed for 43 tries and kicked 112 goals for a points haul total of 396.

During his time with Warrington Rudd represented Cumbria, Great Britain Under 21s and made the Great Britain training squad too.

The GUARDIAN was unable to contact Rudd before going to press.

Media guru Swanton's first job at Wilderspool will be to host a Press conference on December 29 to mark the arrival of new signings Allan Langer, Andrew Gee and Tawera Nikau.

Swanton, who will be remembered for introducing the Tom Harks music after tries on match days, has been with Wigan Warriors since leaving his Wolves media role in 1998 but is looking forward to working with chief executive Peter Deakin and Van de Velde.

He said: "The Tom Harks music will be played even louder next year!

"I have seen what Peter Deakin can do for clubs and I have great respect for Darryl. Warrington's off-the-field operation is the best and I'm looking forward to playing my part."

Deakin said: "I talked to David during the year and he said with all the signings we have made, the positive air and the go forward attitude he said he wanted to be a part of us.

"I like what he does because he is a hustler. He hustles for space in publications and with all the big names we have here now we need someone like David to be on the case everyday.

"He has great contacts locally and nationally, he is detailed in his work and knows how to develop stories.

"Look out for features involving Wolves players in publications such as men's health magazines and women's magazines. It is all about improving the image of the club."

'Swanny', as he is known in the game, will also be in charge of the club's matchday experience next season, including the programme and all the pre-match build-up.

He will be replacing David Gallant who has been released after one year in the media role.

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