Ford open to idea of a Wigan return

Mike Ford has worked in union with Bath, England and the British Lions

Ford has made his name coaching in rugby union with Bath, England and the British Lions.

Club owner Ian Lenagan has already revealed the next Warriors chief is likely to be an assistant from the NRL – or a former league man who has been working in the 15-a-side code.

“I love rugby league the most, it’s always in my heart, I look for Wigan’s results,” Ford told BBC Manchester.

Mike Ford (second from left) in his Wigan playing days

“If Wigan were to come calling you’d have to think seriously about it.”

Wigan legend Shaun Edwards has also been linked with a return to his former club.

Asked whether their time away from the code could be an issue, Ford said: “We’ve both been out of league for a while but you don’t lose how to coach, it’s a more simplified game than union.”

Ford played in the Cherry and White in the 80s and was in the side which beat Hull FC in the epic 1985 Challenge Cup Final.

He revealed he had messaged Wane since it was confirmed he will be switching codes to join Scotland RU as high performance coach when his tenure with the Warriors ends.