News 23/1: Hagan signs for Eels, but hands off until 2007

[jamesgould]

More on Hagan's departure. Interesting to read that he may be under pressure in 2006 to retain his job at Newcastle if we start poorly - a coach change mid-season is the last thing we need, i think ...

Hagan signs for Parramatta, but it's hands off Eels until 2007
By Jacquelin Magnay
January 23, 2006

NEWCASTLE coach Michael Hagan has officially signed a deal to coach Parramatta for three years from 2007, but has been told to stay away from the Eels to allow incumbent Brian Smith space to work.

Hagan - Parramatta's No.1 choice to replace 51-year-old Smith, who has been told to move on after 10 years with the club - will contribute from a distance with recruitment and player-retention ideas, especially in the mid-season peak of player movement.

"Physically, we thought it best that he [Hagan] stay away at this stage, so that this season can be all about Brian Smith," Eels chief executive Denis Fitzgerald said yesterday after Hagan agreed a contract until the end of 2009.

"He will be 100 per cent to the Knights but he will no doubt keep an eye on Parramatta's games through the television, which all the coaches do anyway, and passing on a few thoughts about team make-up and recruitment."

Fitzgerald said snapping up Hagan, 41, a season ahead of time was "a plus" and denied it would put extra pressure on Smith, whose authority with key members of the Eels team may possibly be weakened.

But while Hagan's future with the Eels is sorted, there is a question mark over Hagan's tenure with the Knights, especially if Newcastle start the season poorly. The Knights, cashed up with a lucrative John Singleton sponsorship, may want a new coach as soon as possible.

It is understood the Knights have been compiling a list of possible replacements, and sounded out associates of two potential candidates.

Hagan, who confirmed the job while in Wellington, New Zealand, with the Knights on a four-day camp, said he was relieved to have settled his future. "Parramatta sought me out to a fair degree and, in weighing up the situation in Newcastle and the future after that, the offer was there, and I think there is a lot to like about the Parramatta football club and their playing roster and professionalism," he said.

Hagan said the fact the coaching position had been resolved would make the situation easier to manage than if it had dragged out for several more months. "When I signed with Newcastle I still had commitments with Canterbury and I didn't have any problems separating that," he said.

"I can now focus on this year with Newcastle and the next three years with Parramatta; I don't think it will be a problem with any crossover."

Fitzgerald said the club was now able to focus on this season, and Smith would have time to seek a coaching position overseas or in the NRL.

"Brian has the best ever chance to win a premiership this season - there is a good combination of players and great spirit among the players, especially after winning the Premier League last season," Fitzgerald said. "All the players want to give Brian a good farewell. It is a plus for Brian, too, because it gives him plenty of opportunity and time to seek a position here or overseas."

The Parramatta board was attracted to Hagan because of his youth, the fact he took Newcastle to a premiership, coached Queensland at State of Origin level and is a skilled communicator.

Hagan was keen to sign a lengthy contract so as to minimise the disruption to his family and provide some certainty to their schooling. The Newcastle board refused to extend his contract with the Knights beyond this season.

From: http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/hagan-signs-for-parramatta-from-2007/2006/01/22/1137864808843.html

Hagan's sealed his deal at Eels
By Ray Chesterton
January 23, 2006

Moving on ... Hagan has a new club for 2007. Pic: Brett Costello

FORMER Queensland State of Origin Origin coach Michael Hagan has concluded negotiations to become Parramatta's new rugby league coach for three years.

Hagan, in New Zealand until this week, will join Parramatta in 2007, replacing Brian Smith.

In the meantime, Hagan said his energies in 2006 would be directed towards winning the premiership with his current club Newcastle.

The public acknowledgement of Hagan joining Parramatta confirms the worst-kept secret in rugby league.

All that is to be decided now is who replaces Hagan at Newcastle.

Former Australia utility back Kevin Walters and former Manly first grade coach Peter Sharp have already indicated interest in the job.

Hagan said last night he was happy with the professional way negotiations had been completed with Parramatta.

But his immediate interest was making Newcastle a success this year.

"We have the players to do well and if we can avoid injuries, I like our chances," he said.

"Everything is very positive in the club."

Hagan's belief that Parramatta is the future and Newcastle is the present is shared by the club.

"I have no doubt that Michael will do a professional job with the side this year," Newcastle chief executive Ken Conway said.

He said the club had already set in motion plans to find a coach for 2007 but there was no rush.

"We met last week to decide on objective criteria to select a new coach and that will be passed to the full board this week," he said.

"A lot of people have put up their hands about the job, including some really good coaches, assistant coaches and Premier League coaches.

"We will select a coach who best suits us."

Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald said Hagan was a proven premiership winning coach, but denied the announcement would affect incumbent coach Brian Smith.

"He'll be very keen to win the competition in his 10th and final season with the club," he said.

From: http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,17902869-23214,00.html