McCormack took over as Thunder boss in May 2009

Gateshead Thunder head coach Steve McCormack has revealed keeping the club in the Championship ranks as one of the proudest moments of his career.

McCormack has won trophies and taken clubs, including Widnes, to Grand Finals but admits survival with Thunder is a moment to savour.

"I went to the World Cup with Scotland - I didn't think it could get bigger than that," he told BBC Newcastle.

"But this achievement and to be part of that ranks with anything else."

Thunder's 56-0 defeat of Doncaster on the final day was the club's fourth straight win and the fifth match unbeaten, marking a turn around in fortunes that resulted in a seventh-place finish for the Tynesiders.

And McCormack admitted that the effort of the players and the close-knit feel of the club has been a revitalising boost to him following his dismissal by Widnes at the beginning of the season.

"I was debating to come back into rugby league a little bit, feeling a little bit sorry for myself," he said.

"I've just thanked the players for that, because the appetite they've given me and the effort they've put in, and along with everyone else concerned has been a great help," he added.

"Chris Hood deserves a big mention, because he started the ball rolling. It was a tough start, but Chris and the rest of the staff have been great. It hasn't been just me, or just the players, we've worked together.

"There's nothing better than proving people wrong, and the club has done that."

Gateshead avoided relegation on points difference ahead of Leigh and Batley who all finished on equal points in the Championship table.

However Leigh were relegated despite finishing with more points than French newcomers Toulouse, who like Catalans in Super League were exempt from relegation in their initial season.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version