Sharks close in on Anderson
By James Hooper
November 28, 2003
BESIEGED Cronulla coach Chris Anderson failed to show up at a meeting demanded by Sharks directors last night - because of a concern surrounding tests on his heart.
Anderson's no-show comes after the Cronulla board had issued him with a 36-hour ultimatum to explain why he should remain as coach of the Sharks.
The deadline expired last night after tests on Anderson's heart revealed irregularities.
The two-time premiership winning coach, who suffered a heart attack on the 2001 Kangaroo tour, has been advised by doctors to rest and
to avoid any stressful activity.
Anderson was told he would have a week to prepare a case stating why he should remain as head coach in the Shire next season.
But on his return from the Kangaroos' tour, Sharks officials decided to issue him with the 36-hour deadline to clear up the matter as quickly as possible.
The two parties have since been communicating through lawyers, with Anderson asking for the meeting to be pushed back.
Sharks president Barry Pierce last night agreed and the meeting has now been arranged for 6pm on Monday.
"We all want this cleared up as quickly as possible," Pierce said.
"We thought with two full days at home [Anderson] could come in and see us [last night] but he came back and said no to that."
The latest animosity between Anderson and the Sharks directors seems almost certain to spell the end of the Australian coach's reign in the Shire.
The Sharks have been legally manoeuvreing to oust Anderson for the past two months. They have issued him with three warning letters over his performance.
He has also been told not to attend training sessions until after his coaching future with the club has been resolved
- although he is still allowed to talk to the Sharks players.
It now appears certain that the man appointed as his assistant, Stuart Raper, will take over as head coach of Cronulla next season.
But the Sharks can expect a long technical legal battle with Anderson over the issue of his $400,000-a-season salary.
Anderson's latest feud with the Sharks came when the club sacked his son Jarrad without consulting him before the Kangaroo tour.
Anderson hit back by sacking Sharks football manager Greg Pierce - son of president Barry - from the Kangaroo tour and refusing to work with him at Cronulla.
Anderson also told his long-time offsider Theo Burgess his services were no longer required.
The Sharks have since reinstated the pair and served Anderson with breach notices.
The issue is expected to be resolved at the meeting on Monday night.
