John Dixon has been Celtic Crusaders coach since 2005

Celtic Crusaders coach John Dixon believes Wigan boss Brian Noble being linked with his job is positive for Super League's debut-season strugglers.

The Crusaders' first season in the top flight ends on Sunday at Castleford with speculation continuing over who might be in charge of them in 2010.

Dixon has still refused to be drawn on his own future at the Welsh club.

"The thing I like about that [speculation] is it puts our... club's name in the forefront," Dixon said.

"To have Brian Noble as a possible candidate to come to the Crusaders is a positive thing for us as a club.

"Right now, as a coach though my job is getting some young boys here and preparing them as best I can to play Castleford on Sunday."

The Crusaders have had six players deported this season back to their native Australia because of visa irregularities and they will finish bottom of the Super League table

But they have two more years to try to secure a longer-term future at the sport's top level.

And whatever his or the club's future, Dixon says he has enjoyed his time with the Welsh outfit.

"Those sort of decisions are made by administrators and it's tough for me to say," he said.

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"I've made a commitment here for four years and I've really enjoyed my time here and to be part of this club has been a special part of my life.

"The key point about it is the standard of competition we've faced. As a club we've had some real success in our early days in National League Two and One.

"The step up to Super League is a massive challenge and we've had some things happen to us as a footy team which have been beyond our control.

"So those things have impinged upon us and made us stronger for next year.

"It has been a long, tough season. The thing I like about rugby league is that even though the results haven't gone our way our boys want to play, so it's a little bit disappointing for us to actually finish on Sunday.

"We won't be part of the play-offs. The goal of this club in the long term is not only to be part of the play-offs but to actually be strong contenders for Premiership honours.

"So to be finishing a little bit short in terms of games is disappointing for us all.

"There's not one person here who wouldn't like to be playing in the final week in the finals."

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