Leeds quick to put Bell in sole charge

Rugby League

Rugby League

Leeds confirmed yesterday that Dean Bell will be their new coach following the unexpected resignation of Doug Laughton on Monday.

The announcement that Bell had been signed from Auckland Warriors to replace Ellery Hanley as player/assistant coach. came just hours before Laughton's departure.

Laughton claimed that Bell's arrival had nothing to do with his decision to leave but the former Wigan centre will now step straight into the hot- seat. The clubs' chief executive Alf Davies said: "We had little alternative but we are pleased that Dean is able to take up the post.

"We had planned that he would take over first-team matters once the Super League started in March next year, but now all we are doing is bringing our plans forward."

Bell, who left Wigan at the end of 1993-94 season to join Auckland, is expected to complete the New Zealand club's Winfield Cup programme - and that means he will be unable to join up with Leeds until the end of September if the Warriors qualify for the end-of-season play-offs.

Davies added: "We wish Doug Laughton the very best of luck in the future. He has left the club in better shape than he found it and we have one of the most exciting youth programmes in the game. Dean Bell was stunned when he heard about Doug's decision but now he can't wait to get on with the job."

With the Leeds players already back for training the club have put Laughton's assistant, Paul Fletcher, in temporary charge.