FORMER Widnes, Whitehaven and Salford boss Steve McCormack is back in rugby league after being appointed as head coach of Co-operative Championship club Gateshead Thunder.
McCormack, who was sacked by Widnes in February, will take up his duties tomorrow and prepare the side for Saturday's Carnegie Challenge Cup fifth-round tie against Oldham at the The Northern Echo Darlington Arena.
"I feel refreshed after three months out of the game and I am raring to go," he said.
McCormack, who is also coach of Scotland, takes over from 28-year-old Chris Hood, who has been in the role just three months and now reverts to the position of assistant coach.
Hood said: "I recognise and respect the experience that Steve McCormack has.
"We have spoken in detail and I am very keen to work with him to build on the start that we have had to the season so far. The most important thing is a successful Thunder. I will give my all to Steve as his assistant."
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