News 23/12: Johns calls for early decision on Hagan

[jamesgould]

Johns calls for early decision on Hagan

Newcastle Knights captain Andrew Johns says the uncertainty surrounding the future of coach Michael Hagan is unsettling and putting pressure on the players.

Knights management met with Hagan earlier this month and made it clear his contract, which expires at the end of next season, will be reviewed mid-year.

But Johns says an earlier decision would be welcome.

"I think it would take pressure off everyone, but my job is to play and not to run the club and that's every player's philosophy," he said.

"We'll just have to play well and the club will make a decision mid-year."

Johns added Hagan had his full support.

"It's just a bit disappointing to be honest," he said.

"If anything it just puts pressure on the side and it's pressure we don't need.

"Hages knows where I stand and I've got a lot of respect for him as a coach, and as a person he's done a lot for me so, you know, he gets my full support."

From: http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200512/s1536882.htm

Hmm, the players are certainly coming out on the side of retaining Hagan ... I'm all for making a decision earlier than mid-season for who will be coaching us next year, but I also think it really is seriously time to look at a change of coach. 6 years is a long time to be in charge of a club, and Hagan has had plenty of time to do what he wanted to do with the club.

There have been extrenuating circumstances, with our shocker injury run, but he hasn't been spectacularly successful! Fresh ideas would go down well I reckon.

But hopefully Hages proves me wrong and we go fantastically well this year!!!!