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ANOTHER boardroom ambush at Parramatta has cost Jason Taylor the Eels coaching job, with club chairman Steve Sharp last night convincing enough directors to perform a stunning about face and support Brad Arthur. Just a week after the Eels board voted 3-2 in favour of Taylor, a snap meeting last night delivered a majority vote for Arthur to cap off the most confusing and convoluted coaching appointment in NRL history.
It’s believed last night’s vote returned a 4-2 verdict in favour of Arthur, with a newly-added member of the board voting for the Manly assistant. Another director also changed his mind from last week’s meeting, undoing days of intense negotiations with Taylor and his lawyers.
Parramatta CEO Scott Seward had been in talks with Taylor over the past 72 hours, and it’s understood a written offer had already been extended for him to coach the side for the next two years.
More incredibly, Seward also called Arthur’s representatives yesterday morning to inform them that Taylor would be getting the job.
Roosters assistant oach Jason Taylor is favoured to land the Parramatta coaching job. Picture: Gregg Porteous
As a result, Arthur this week travelled to Bali for a holiday in the belief he would be staying at Manly and not required to return to work until early November.
Sharp publicly declared his support for Arthur prior to last week’s meeting, but was left humiliated when he was out-voted. He even spoke about resigning as chairman, but behind the scenes talks and deals between directors were taking place to bring Arthur back into the frame.
The push for NRL referees boss Daniel Anderson to be appointed football manager is thought to have played a significant role in last night’s backflip.
The Daily Telegraph understands the board felt Arthur would be more willing to work with Anderson, who has already discussed his possible departure from the NRL with his bosses at League Central.
Parramatta Chairman Steve Sharp has a big job ahead. Picture: Gregg Porteous
It now appears inevitable that Anderson will join the Eels, combining with Arthur next season.
The only sticking point could surround the level of negotiations with Taylor and whether his lawyers accepted the job offer.
