A local authority meeting last week threw out Wakefield Trinity Wildcats' plans for a new council-funded stadium, at Thornes Park in the city, and agreed not to put public money into any of the district's three professional rugby league clubs.

The decision was a huge blow for Wildcats, but Wright today stressed that Tigers – whose new stadium will be funded privately by the club and developers Waystone – will be carrying on regardless.

"Our plan is to be in the new stadium in 2010," said Wright. "It is going to be difficult to kick off in 2010, but we are still confident it will be completed early to mid-2010."

Tigers already have outline planning permission and will draw up detailed plans and apply for full permission once the council has made it clear what community facilities it plans to locate at the new site – which will be its only form of investment in the project.

Wright said: "We knew the council weren't going to invest cash, that was never part of the plan. The plan was always for them to relocate certain sports facilities there. There are certain sports facilities that are under-provided for in the area and the stadium is the perfect place for them to be provided.

"I think they are willing to do that. They are not giving money to Castleford Tigers, they will be investing in facilities which we will own and manage, but which will be for the wider community."

Wright added: "I met with Waystone a couple of weeks ago and we are hoping to meet with the council in the next couple of days."

Meanwhile, Tigers have appointed Steve Gill to a new role as head of youth development, in charge of overseeing the recruitment and development of players at all levels below the first team.

Gill was part of former boss David Woods' coaching team in 2004 and also had a spell a year earlier as assistant to then-Academy coach Dean Sampson.

Wright said: "This is a very important position at the club and I am sure Steve is the right man for the job.

"It is essential we build upon the very good work that has taken place in recent years to bring the best of the local talent into the club and through our system.

"Steve has done a great deal towards junior development in the past few years on a part-time basis and I am sure he will be totally committed to the role, which is key in meeting targets set for the number of home-grown players in the first team squad in the years ahead."