News 13/1: Hagan Contract Not to be Extended

[thanrldiva]

Friday, January 13, 2006 - Newcastle Knights

The Newcastle Knights Board has today announced coach Michael Hagan’s current contract will not be extended beyond its current term, which expires at the conclusion of the 2006 season.

Speaking today, Chairman Michael Tyler said the decision was taken after considering a personal request from Michael Hagan.

“The Knights Board had previously indicated they would not make a decision on Michael’s future until mid-season,†he said.

“That decision was brought forward to today, at the request of Michael who informed the Knights Board he had received an offer from another NRL club and asked for an answer on his future.â€

“Under those circumstances, the Board made their decision not to extend the current contract.â€

“I would like to add, however, that Michael’s contribution to the club has been an outstanding one.â€

“Michael played 111 First Grade games for the club, most of them as Club Captain, and led the team into their first Semi Final Series (in 1992).â€

“In 2000 he returned to the Knights as coach of the club’s Reserve Grade team before taking over the first grade helm in 2001.â€

“Since then he went on to win a premiership in his first season and coach the team for longer than anyone else in the club’s history.â€

“Six years is certainly a long time at one club in the modern era, but we hope Michael’s last season in charge is as successful as his first.â€

“He will certainly receive the club’s full support in endeavouring to turn-around lastyears results and vie for the premiership in ’06.â€

 

[jamesgould]

A wee bit more on Hagan's request to have the matter resolved in this report:

Knights won't extend Hagan deal
January 13, 2006

NEWCASTLE rugby league coach Michael Hagan looks set to link with Parramatta in 2007, with the Knights today announcing that his contract will not be extended beyond this season.

Newcastle chairman Michael Tyler said a decision regarding the former Queensland Origin coach's future was brought forward at the request of Hagan

The Knights had originally planned to delay a decision until mid-season.

Hagan this week asked for that call to be made earlier after informing the Knights that he had received an offer from a rival NRL club, believed to be Parramatta.

The Eels had discussions with Hagan late last year after the 2005 minor premiers announced they would not be extending the contract of coach Brian Smith beyond 2006.

From: http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,17811332-23214,00.html

Well, pretty much what I was expecting! So 2006 is the swansong for Hagan ... I wonder who the replacement will be and when it will be announced. Seems that Peter Sharp is the favourite, I dunno, he doesn't have a great first grade coaching record. We should be chasing a coaching big-gun, I reckon!

I wonder when the last time was, if ever, that we knew 2 coaches wouldn't be in charge of their clubs the next season, before the current season has even started!