AS 2023 comes to a close, we’re taking a month-by-month look at the sporting year that was in Warrington.
Today’s focus is August, which saw Warrington Wolves try to rebuild while a historic football season got underway…
WITH Daryl Powell gone, the task of closing the wound at Warrington Wolves fell upon head of youth Gary Chambers, who was placed in interim charge.
After spirited defeats to Catalans Dragons and Leeds Rhinos to extend their losing streak to eight matches, there was finally something to smile about at the end of the month as Wire won 18-4 at Hull FC to pick up their first victory in almost three months.
The recovery had to start somewhere and finally, Warrington had a foothold.
Meanwhile, the search for Powell’s long-term replacement started naturally but ended very much in the left field.
It became clear that former St Helens boss Justin Holbrook was the club’s number one target, with the man himself confirming he had received a very good offer from The Wire – one he appeared set to take.
However, a last-minute change of heart saw him instead commit to joining Sydney Roosters as an assistant coach, leaving Warrington back at square one.
Their search soon ended, though, with confirmation of the surprise appointment of South Sydney Rabbitohs and England legend Sam Burgess to his first top-flight head coaching role.
Meanwhile, football was back and Warrington Town’s first ever National League North campaign got off to what can only be described as a dream start.
Mark Beesley’s side thrashed Southport 4-0 on the season’s opening day, with victories over Buxton and Chorley giving them three wins in their opening four matches.
August also saw teenage darts sensation Luke “The Nuke” Littler pick up yet another win as he defended his Modus Super Series title, banking an impressive £20,000 in the process.
We also saw Warringtonian jockey Paul Hanagan hang up his whip, with the two-time Champion Jockey taking his final ride at York’s Ebor Festival.
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