WIGAN owner Dave Whelan has vowed to step down if new coach Brian Noble does not deliver in four years.

Noble took charge of his first Wigan training session this morning after leaving champions Bradford for the engage Super League's bottom side.

The 45-year-old immediately has a relegation battle on his hands with the Warriors four points adrift at the foot of the table.

Whelan said: "Brian has got a difficult year in front of him.

"He has got to pick this team up and produce some goods but he needs time to build a team like Bradford and he will get time.

"If, in four years time, we haven't put some silverware into the JJB then perhaps it is time for me to go and I will go."

Noble is the most successful coach in Bradford's history, having won seven trophies since stepping up from assistant coach to take charge of the Bulls in 2001.

And he is relishing the opportunity to take charge of rugby league's biggest name.

Challenge

Noble said: "It is a terrific challenge. I've never been one to shirk a challenge.

"For me it was a really mouth-watering prospect and to do it at a club like Wigan is really exciting.

"I am really pleased to be here and understand the nature of the challenge."

Noble's first task will be to plot victory at Huddersfield tomorrow.

He has much to lose by the switch but left the Bulls after his relationship with the club's board, particularly chief executive Gareth Davies, soured.

Noble spent the best part of a week deliberating but believes he has made the right choice.

He said: "When you have been with a group of players for eight or nine years you have to think and I wanted to do the right thing.

"But Bradford is in the past now and I am looking forward to tomorrow and the job ahead of me."

Noble becomes Wigan's 10th coach in 10 seasons and the club has been criticised for their lack of stability, but chairman Maurice Lindsay has vowed to give the new man his full support.

Lindsay said: "Brian coming here has lifted us.

"I have been really down but I am a fighter and will give it everything I have got and Brian will not lack support."

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