First Warrior makes sudden exit
The first league player to run onto the field in a Warriors’ jersey has left the club prematurely, ending an association that began in 1995.
Working as the club’s general manager of football operations, Dean Bell on Friday announced his departure from the Aucklandbased NRL franchise, saying the time was right for him to move on.
‘‘I’m 53 next week and I have made the decision that the time is right to look at some new challenges outside football. We have a house north of Auckland and my wife and I are keen to move there,’’ he said.
‘‘I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to make a living out of the game, first as a player for 14 years and then in many off-field roles for the last 20 years. I feel the time is right as we now have in place a strong NRL squad and some extremely exciting juniors coming through our system.’’
Bell’s departure was unexpected with the former club fullback and captain in their inaugural game at Mt Smart Stadium 20 years ago still having 18 months on his contract.
In recent years Bell has been the key man behind signing, recruiting and developing players at the club but it was understood Warriors chief executive Jim Doyle took a key role in the recent negotiations with Roosters star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
In Bell’s absence, Doyle will take responsibility for signing new players, Dan Floyd the football operations manager will take care of player retention and academy and pathways manager Duane Mann will oversee Warriors development.
‘‘Dean has made a major contribution to the Warriors,’’ Doyle said. ‘‘During his time with the club we’ve seen significant improvements in the Warriors’ football operations, most notably following the introduction of the National Youth Competition.
‘‘We wish him all the best for the future and thank him for all he has done for the club, first as Warrior No 1 and then in our football department over the last seven years.’’
Bell was not a one-club man though, having worked in England too. In the early 2000s he left the Warriors to go into a player/ coaching role at Leeds, but returned in 2007, initially as development manager. In 2009 he was the Warriors’ recruitment and development manager and was given his most recent position in 2012.
Bell said while he was moving away from a near-lifetime involvement with league his passion for the game would remain. ‘‘Warriors teams have played a big part in my life through both the Wigan Warriors and the Warriors,’’ he said.
‘‘I feel very privileged to have played a part in the Warriors’ history and I want to wish all the staff and players the very best of luck for the future.’’