Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet wants to follow in the foot steps of Sir Alex Ferguson by building a dynasty after winning the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford

Soon after seeing his side lift the Super League trophy in front of the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand at Old Trafford, Matt Peet’s thoughts turned to the legendary Manchester United manager himself.

In just two seasons as boss of his boyhood club Wigan, the 39-year-old has won the Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield and, following Saturday night’s 10-2 victory over Catalans, the Grand Final.

But rather than resting on his laurels, Peet now wants to build a dynasty at the DW Stadium – in the same way Ferguson did at United and another of his heroes, Phil Jackson, achieved with Chicago Bulls.

‘They are the kind of coaches that I admire and look to learn from,’ admitted the Warriors head coach. 

‘You always want to build on success. When coaches can win repeatedly, build different teams and sustain a culture, you know they have got something special about them.

Wigan defeated Catalan Dragons 10-2 at Old Trafford on Saturday to win their first Super league title in five years

Boyhood Manchester United fan Peet wants to follow in the foot steps of Sir Alex Ferguson

‘I am a Manchester United fan and you saw Sir Alex rebuild that team, make tough decisions when it was required, trust young players and manage players. A strong culture is the only way to sustain success. Star players can win you the odd thing, but to have it sustained and repeated, it comes back to culture.’  

The culture Peet has built at Wigan is something his players were all quick to comment on after collecting the club’s first Super League title in five years. 

‘I singled him out in the changing rooms,’ revealed captain Liam Farrell. ‘He is a leader in every sense. It is the reason we are where we are. Hopefully we start something special and go on to win some more silverware.’

Wigan captain Liam Farrell called Peet a ‘leader in every sense’ following the Grand Final victory

Wigan have already won the League Leaders’ Shield and the Challenge Cup (above) under the guidance of Peet

Peet never played rugby league professionally but he has worked his way through the ranks at Wigan. He started out as their scholarship coach in 2008, before moving to the Under-18s, academy, reserves and eventually the first team, surprisingly replacing Adrian Lam in the top job two years ago.

Asked if he expected to win silverware so soon, he replied: ‘I’m not sure, but I knew it was the expectation the club had. It was my job to make sure that we were competing for every award possible. That’s what we have to continue to do.’

Peet admits Wigan can learn ‘strong lessons’ from the success of St Helens, whose record run of Super League titles has just ended at four. But the Warriors look well on the road to domination already, having recruited well for next season and with billionaire businessman Mike Danson taking ownership of the club from the long-serving Ian Lenegan.

‘To send Ian out on a high is outstanding,’ added Peet. ‘That transition will be handled really well – and it has to be to make sure we keep building.’