THE legendary Allan Langer has admitted that he still regrets cutting short his spell with Wolves in 2001.

The scrum half, who was recently named in a list of Australia’s 100 greatest players of all time, thrilled Wolves fans during his two-year stay at Wilderspool but left abruptly in the latter stages of Super League VI.

Alfie, as he is known to fans, is currently back in Warrington on a three-week holiday to see friends and was at the Galpharm on Saturday to watch Wolves’ win at Huddersfield.

And he admits that he wishes he had stayed with the club longer, while remaining reluctant to disclose the reasons for his departure.

Langer announced his retirement because of injury when he departed, leaving a goodbye statement to be read out at half time of Wolves’ next home match, but rejoined Brisbane Broncos at the start of 2002.

At the time it was reported that financially-troubled Warrington had been behind with his salary payments.

Thankfully Wolves have progressed both on and off the field since then, symbolised perfectly by their move to The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

“I’ve walked through the new stadium,” said Langer. “I saw it in 2003 but had never been through it. It’s a ground you’d like to play at.

“But I don’t regret being at Wilderspool, I had a great time and I still regret I didn’t stay here longer.

“I loved it. If we all had hindsight, I’d still love to be here.

“I’d have loved to have been here for a couple more years.

“The fans, just seeing them again on Saturday, are unbelievable and that’s why I couldn’t go to another club. They were unbelievable and they got behind me. It’s one of those things that you never regret.”

Langer had intended to see Wolves play a home match during his holiday but the rearrangement of the Bradford match from Sunday to Friday scuppered that plan.

Asked whether he could return to Wolves one day in some capacity, he said: “I’d always love to.”

“Mum’s the word on that,” he chuckled, although the former Queensland star is definitely joining Brisbane Broncos as assistant coach for the 2009 season.

He said: “I’ve sort of stood back for the last couple of years but, being involved with them, it’s going to be a very good side with blokes coming in like Israel Folau. I’m with the Australian side at the moment. Ricky Stuart has got me in a role there and I’m having a good time.”