ANTHONY Murray has spoken after being appointed Whitehaven RL's new head coach. 

Murray has signed a multi-year deal that will see him coach the West Cumbrian side for the next three seasons. 

He has coaching experience at Millom, Barrow Raiders, North Wales Crusaders, and Workington Town, Murray has a wealth of knowledge about League 1. 

Joining Murray will be his assistant Neil “Gus” Frazer who returns to the club having had a short spell making 6 appearances back in 2003 scoring 1 try in a 26-26 away draw vs Salford. 

Mr Murray said: "It's great to be appointed head coach, it's a wonderful opportunity to coach a club that is steeped in history and tradition, I can't wait to get started. 

"It's an opportunity to start with a clean slate, Whitehaven's troubles have been well documented over the last few years. 

"Now is an opportunity to rebuild as we go down to League 1 and it's an opportunity to rebuild with a realistic budget and a budget that the club can meet.  

"It's an opportunity to start again, build, and give a chance to some local players. They'll be coming through the gates and wanting to help with this rebuild of Whitehaven. 

"If you look at my coaching pedigree, that's what I've done throughout my career. I started in North Wales and there were difficulties there building a team for the community. 

"I then took over a similar situation at Workington Town over the last couple of seasons, I really enjoyed my time doing that and I just see that this is a perfect fit for me. 

"We'll be starting with nothing and hopefully get a couple of players signed, get a few more signed then put those building blocks in place to move forward. 

"I feel positive and I'm looking forward to the season starting. 

"I've spent the most of my career in Cumbria, playing for Barrow, Workington, and Millom for three seasons. 

"I saw an opportunity at Millom to get into the professional game, that led to me playing for Barrow. Since then I've never looked back."