WAKEFIELD coach Brian Smith described his feelings as "a celebration of relief" after his side held off the Bulls to avoid relegation.

The former Bradford coach was brought over from Australia with the brief of keeping Wakefield in Super League and achieved that goal.

But he warned that the Wildcats still have much to do if they are to avoid getting themselves in the same situation in 12 months' time.

"It's not a champagne day – we've not won a trophy – but we've just played a team that was desperate to get themselves out of the level they've been at and dump us back in it," he said after Wakefield's 24-16 win at Belle Vue.

"But we managed to get there, despite everything. We've had guys who quit and went home, guys with long-term injuries and had guys who lost their personal discipline and left us to carry the can.

"I've got nothing but admiration for their character. They did a fantastic job for their club.

"But it doesn't change anything. We were way behind the rest of the Super League teams in 2015 and for Wakefield to celebrate now is certainly okay – but the job is pretty much the same. It needs a complete rebuild.

"I'm pretty sure there are enough people in this club that care who are going to make sure things will be different in the future."

Smith is unsure whether he will be part of the future as he prepares to sit down with Wakefield chairman Michael Carter to discuss his position.

He said: "I have responsibilities at home and opportunities here. Michael and I said we wouldn't sit down to talk about the future before this game was over.

"But if I've had a better time than this, I can't remember when. It's been so enjoyable. I feel honoured and proud to have been the Wakefield coach. I'm tickled pink."

Smith expressed his sympathy for opposite number Jimmy Lowes, who had slammed the Super 8s format even before his Bulls side failed to secure promotion.

"I've tried to refrain from talking about this but, even though we've won, it's got knobs on it," said Smith about the system. "All I can tell you is from within it's thoroughly debilitating.

"It's almost impossible to talk about next season. The other eight clubs have been able to have a running start on us and they're going to get another running start next season.

"It's so much harder for clubs that don't have the finances to compete with those at the top. It's like going to the Olympics in the 400 metres and starting at the 450 metres mark."