Last updated 11:18, Friday, 04 July 2008

WHITEHAVEN RL coach Ged Stokes has been given a big vote of confidence with the award of a new two-year deal with the club.

Ged Stokes with chairman Gordon Grace

It will tie him to the Recreation Ground until the end of the 2010 season.
The charismatic Kiwi was brought in early this season to replace Paul Crarey who quit through illness.
The appointment caused controversey among many Haven fans after Ged's dismissal as Workington Town coach last season.
Whitehaven director Mike Graham said: "There was some negativity about but Ged has shown his abilities as a first class coa\ch and we are proud to have him on board for another two years. Some of our performances this season have been scintillating with some crowd-pleasing games. There is a buzz of excitement at the club now and we look forward to the future."
Chairman Gordon Grace added: "The Board looks forward to working with Ged, our staff, players and fans to make Whitehaven RLFC as successful as we can with first class facilities and a winning side. "It is crucial we have a period of stability to sustain the exciting developments on and off the field."
The club recently secured a new 50-year lease on the Recreation Ground which will release around £500,000 towards the building of a new 1,000-seater grandstand bringing it up to minmum Super League standards.