Castleford Tigers: Long-standing backer Brian Ashworth appointed club president

Ashworth has been involved with the club for over 30 years, and becoming the club president is a fitting tribute to his passion for the Tigers. Back in 1978 Ashworth first became involved with Castleford as a club sponsor through his then employer Hewdens.

He went to join the board of directors from 1988 to 2013, making him the club’s longest serving director. He stepped down from the board in 2013 when the new chief executive and board were appointed, to allow a fresh start in the rebuild of the club.

As well as being an avid supporter of the first team, Ashworth has travelled home and away with the club’s youth teams for many years, and can be heard on the tannoy during home Under-19s and Under-16s games as match day announcer.

On match day Ashworth will meet and greet all club sponsors and the away team directors. He’ll host the president table in the hospitality suite and look after the club’s guests.

Speaking on Brian’s appointment, Tigers chief executive, Steve Gill, said: “Brian’s club president appointment is a great honour and a superb recognition for his 30 year plus dedication to Castleford Tigers.

“Brian is well respected on the Rugby League circuit, and I know this appointment would have had the 100 per cent backing of Jack and Bridie Fulton.”

Brian is thrilled to bits to be honoured with his new role:

“I’m absolutely delighted and honoured to be offered this position,” he said.

“This club means everything to me, it’s my passion and my life. I have supported the club through thick and thin and it gives me great delight to see the fantastic job the current board of directors are doing off the pitch.

“Nothing gives me greater pleasure than being here at Wheldon Road on match day and seeing the fantastic job Daryl Powell and his team are doing on the pitch.

“It’s an exciting time to be a Tigers fans and I can’t wait for the 2016 season to begin!”