WIGAN Warriors' chairman believes the appointment of a new coach will lift the blues from Central Park.

Jack Robinson says everybody has been down since the early Challenge Cup exit and Eric Hughes' appointment "will put everyone back on their toes."

Graeme West's exit at the weekend was quickly followed by the announcement that academy boss Hughes would be promoted to first team coach just three months after joining the club.

Robinson said: "Hughes is a good quality coach who has had plenty of experience. What we now need this season - and this is no disrespect to Graeme - is a fresh outlook.

"We only have three to four weeks before the start of Super League and we had to make a decision now or leave it. The time factor of scouring the globe for another coach is not there but we are confident Eric can do the job.

"You don't need an Aussie passport to be a good coach and he has all the top qualities."

Hughes was ousted from Knowsley Road two seasons ago - ironically after they lost to Wigan in the Regal Trophy final - and has been credited for laying the basis for the Saints' current success.

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