WHERE NEXT, PHIL? KEN’S PUT IN CHARGE

TOWN’S REAL LONG-TERM AMBITIONS /PAGES 38&39 DAVY NAMED SUPER LEAGUE’S INTERIM CHAIRMAN

HUDDERSFIELD Giants owner Ken Davy has been elected as the new Super League interim chairman.

Davy, the longest-serving chairman in Super League having been in the post since January 1996, will fill the void created by the departure of executive chairman Robert Elstone.

He has temporarily stepped down as chairman of the Giants to focus on his new role, with Keith Hellawell stepping into the position until Davy returns.

Davy, a successful local businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist, steps into the role at a crucial time for Super League with talks over a new TV deal with Sky Sports thought to be nearing a conclusion.

He will also have to deal with a probable shake-up of Super League’s administration amid calls to take the organisation back under the umbrella of the RFL. Davy, who turns 80 in July, said: “I am looking forward to working with the Super League executive, the Betfred Super League clubs and the RFL to create a lasting framework which will enable us to unleash the energy and excitement of Betfred Super League as well as the whole sport of rugby league.

“We have tremendous relationships with our broadcast partners, Sky Sports and BBC Sport, our commercial partners, including title partner Betfred, and of course all the fans across the game.

“This autumn this country has the exciting prospect of hosting the Rugby League World Cup, which creates a great opportunity to share rugby league with a wider audience. By working together, I believe we can create opportunities to grow the game and our support for the benefit of all concerned.”

Giants start their Super League campaign against Hull FC at Headingley on Sunday.

“Everyone at Huddersfield will be delighted to see Ken appointed to the interim position and we will, as always, support him and the wider game,” said Giants managing director Richard Thewlis.

“For our part Keith Hellawell will hold the reins as our chairman until Ken’s return and it will be business as usual for us as we approach the start of the Betfred 2021 season on Sunday.

“Ken remains our owner and a director and will be in the stands at Headingley to support the lads on Sunday as he’s previously stated.”