Ryan Sheridan confesses his plans for the future as Sheffield Eagles' head coach
Ryan Sheridan played almost 100 times for Sheffield Eagles and is now back as manager
Ryan Sheridan has spoken for the first time since joining Sheffield Eagles about what is to be expected from him as their new head coach, and what will come for his team in the 2027 Betfred Championship season.
Sheridan was announced as the new Eagles’ head coach just last month, following the dismissal of Craig Lingard, who led the club throughout the last two seasons.
Sheridan has a history with the Sheffield-based club, having made 97 appearances back at the start of his career playing Rugby League.
Commenting on how his welcome to his new club has been, and how his prior relationship with the club led to this appointment, Sheridan remarked, “I am loving it. I am just getting around and speaking to the players, meeting everyone and preparing for pre-season. So it is really exciting for me, and I feel invigorated by it. It’s a new challenge for me, so I am very excited for what’s ahead.
“When this opportunity came about after speaking with Jeremy (Levine) and then after reflecting on it. This club gave me my start as a 16-year-old. I made my debut at 16 alongside some fantastic players, coaches and people at the club, and it is really close to my heart.
“So I thought, wow, I really want to do this. I am excited for it and passionate about it because it means a lot, and I know I have a lot to give back to the club, and I want to see the club return to its successful days.
“It’s a big honour for me and my family, starting here as a youngster and learning to be a player and growing up as a man. It’s brilliant to be back here and know that I get this opportunity to help and lead people into success.”
This is not Sheridan’s first attempt in the coaching staff of a Rugby League squad; he has a storied career as an assistant coach for major teams such as Castleford Tigers, Warrington Wolves and Catalans Dragons, with the latter including a short stint as their interim head coach.
Discussing his decision to take this step up into becoming a head coach, he stated, “I needed something; I needed a change. I have been an assistant for a long time at all different levels, and I love that.
“I love the role and responsibility; I don’t get as much pressure as a head coach, and I have had the chance to work under some great head coaches.
“I just thought this opportunity coming back to Sheffield, the excitement around it and the vision that the club’s got- I want that challenge.
“I want to be able to influence a group and get them to play the way that I want to play the game and follow my philosophy. I want to do things my way and get the best out of players and develop and grow them.
“There are things I want to do, and there are things that I will be doing my way along with the other coaching staff. It’s exciting; we are speaking to the players, and there is plenty that I am going to implement, and I will challenge them, and together we hopefully can grow and become a competitive team.”
Noting what is needed from his new Eagles’ side to compete in the upcoming campaign, Sheridan said, “It’s about competing and being physically fit and able to do the job. But then being able to do that as a foundation allows you to then be able to express yourself.
“I am big on players improving, getting better and expressing themselves. I am big on wanting us to be able to play.
“I want to be able to see the players express themselves, and then obviously there are elements of the game that you need that foundation in, in how you set the game up, but then it’s about being physically fit and able to do the job properly.
“That is how we will have our style.”
He also offered a motivational message to the supporters, giving further incentive for the Eagles fans to give their new head coach full backing ahead of 2027.
He explained, “Come and support us; it is massively important to know that you’re valued, and we do value you as a team, and you are part of what this club’s culture is about.
“It’s a one-club mentality. We want to play an exciting brand of Rugby, one that you can be proud of.
“When I played, I always played in teams that were hard to beat; we were gritty and tough. The players cared about each other; we challenged each other, and there was great leadership.
“You want to see those qualities come out, and when you watch our players, you’ll see players who are going to run themselves into the ground for the badge and you as fans.
“We are going to find out what the Eagles' way is.”