YORK Knights head coach Andrew Henderson admits that he has “no interest” in pursuing the vacant head coach position at Castleford Tigers.

The 43-year-old had been one of the favourites to take over at the Betfred Super League giants following the news that Lee Radford had been relieved of his position as coach by mutual agreement on Monday, but has ruled himself out of contention.

Radford’s departure comes in the wake of a string of disappointing results for the West Yorkshire outfit, who are one of two teams yet to win a game this season. 

Defeats at the hands of Hull FC and reigning champions St Helens were followed by a 36-0 drubbing at home to Wigan Warriors a week ago, which proved to be the final straw.

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By contrast, York have made a better start to the Betfred Championship season than many predicted, with a below-par performance at home to Widnes Vikings on the opening weekend, and a valiant display at promotion-favourites Toulouse Olympique the only blemishes on their record so far.

But Henderson admitted that although he has aspirations of one day managing in the Super League, he remains fully committed to the task at hand at the LNER Community Stadium.

When asked if the the thought of taking the position at Castleford had ever crossed his mind, he replied: “No, no. Not at all.

“I made sure I actually reassured the owner the other day actually, just because I know a lot of speculation can come out of paper talk and people can start saying whatever they like and start rumours.

“So I just made it very clear to Clint [Goodchild, owner] the other day, don’t read into anything.”

“I know I’m being linked with the job, but I’ve got no interest in pursuing it.

“I did interview for the Castleford job originally when Lee Radford was appointed. Obviously it was down to the final two with with himself and the club went in that direction. 

“I think had the time been then it may have been different. The fact is since then I’ve joined York and I’ve brought into the the project that we’re that we’re building here. 

“I really believe that we can build something here at York and I do believe we can create a a Super League team and a Super League club here in York. 

“I really believe that and I’m aligned with the vision and the ambition that the owner has,. I’m excited about it, I really am. 

“I genuinely believe in what we’re doing here and I think this club has got so much potential.to do something special in the future and bring Super League rugby to York. I just hope that during my time and my tenure that I can help the club realise that and help help these players become Super League players and and get that opportunity to to showcase their talent at the next level. 

“I think, for me, I’ve got enough motivation there to to do that.

“Ultimately, I suppose I have got ambition as a head coach to to coach in Super League and be in that arena, and hopefully I’ll be able to achieve that with York.”

Former Leeds Rhinos stand-off Danny McGuire, who is in his third year on the coaching staff at fellow Super League outfit Hull KR, has also ruled himself out of contention for the position, with the club reportedly keen to take their time in choosing Radford’s successor.

One man who still remains in the running is Danny Ward, who oversaw London Broncos’ shock promotion to the Super League in 2018, and who is reportedly keen to make his return to rugby league with the Tigers.