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Axed coach's $900K windfall
By Peter Badel
January 15, 2006
MICHAEL Hagan is a fortnight away from agreeing to a $900,000 deal to succeed Brian Smith as Parramatta coach in 2007.
Hagan all but confirmed he would take up the Parramatta job as Broncos legend Kevin Walters declared his interest in launching his NRL coaching career at the Knights - the club Hagan is leaving.
The Sunday Telegraph can reveal that after months of interest in Hagan, the Eels intensified their pursuit by tabling a three-year deal before Christmas.
The deal, which is understood to be worth $300,000 a season, came in the wake of talks between Hagan and Eels supremo Denis Fitzgerald.
And Hagan yesterday gave the strongest indication he would accept the Parramatta job after being informed by Newcastle management on Friday that this season would be his last in charge of the Knights.
"It (the Parramatta job) is an option I'd definitely consider taking up," Hagan said. "Parramatta are a strong club, they have a good playing roster and part of the attraction is the resources and new infrastructure that we haven't quite had at Newcastle.
"I have been offered a deal by Parramatta, but I don't want to elaborate. I'd rather concentrate on my job with the Knights."
Parramatta chairman Alan Overton last night refused to comment on the prospect of the club striking a deal with Hagan.
But Newcastle's decision to sever ties is sure to accelerate talks and Hagan's appointment at Parramatta is expected in the next fortnight. Hagan, who delivered the Knights a premiership in his maiden year as coach in 2001, said he had no plans to stop coaching.
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"My initial thought was to continue in my role here for a couple more years, but that is not happening now and there are only so many coaching jobs available," Hagan said. "There's no ill-feeling with the Knights. I'm excited about the season ahead and I will see out my term." With the Hagan issue resolved, the Knights will begin the search for his successor.
In dire financial straits just eight months ago, Newcastle is now cashed-up following a recent $4 million sponsorship deal involving advertising tycoon John Singleton and will not baulk at paying top-dollar for their new coach.
Walters, dumped as Wayne Bennett's assistant at the Broncos in September, last night said he would relish an opportunity at the Knights.
"If Newcastle are interested, I wouldn't knock them back," he said. "I've picked up a lot from Wayne Bennett in the 15 years I have known him and now is the time to put that to use, as well as my own ideas. The Knights have a very exciting young team and it's a league-mad town. Working with 'Joey' (Andrew Johns) is certainly an attraction."
The Sunday Telegraph
http://sport.news.com.au/story/0,8659,17821050-23214,00.html
By Peter Badel
January 15, 2006
MICHAEL Hagan is a fortnight away from agreeing to a $900,000 deal to succeed Brian Smith as Parramatta coach in 2007.
Hagan all but confirmed he would take up the Parramatta job as Broncos legend Kevin Walters declared his interest in launching his NRL coaching career at the Knights - the club Hagan is leaving.
The Sunday Telegraph can reveal that after months of interest in Hagan, the Eels intensified their pursuit by tabling a three-year deal before Christmas.
The deal, which is understood to be worth $300,000 a season, came in the wake of talks between Hagan and Eels supremo Denis Fitzgerald.
And Hagan yesterday gave the strongest indication he would accept the Parramatta job after being informed by Newcastle management on Friday that this season would be his last in charge of the Knights.
"It (the Parramatta job) is an option I'd definitely consider taking up," Hagan said. "Parramatta are a strong club, they have a good playing roster and part of the attraction is the resources and new infrastructure that we haven't quite had at Newcastle.
"I have been offered a deal by Parramatta, but I don't want to elaborate. I'd rather concentrate on my job with the Knights."
Parramatta chairman Alan Overton last night refused to comment on the prospect of the club striking a deal with Hagan.
But Newcastle's decision to sever ties is sure to accelerate talks and Hagan's appointment at Parramatta is expected in the next fortnight. Hagan, who delivered the Knights a premiership in his maiden year as coach in 2001, said he had no plans to stop coaching.
Advertisement:
"My initial thought was to continue in my role here for a couple more years, but that is not happening now and there are only so many coaching jobs available," Hagan said. "There's no ill-feeling with the Knights. I'm excited about the season ahead and I will see out my term." With the Hagan issue resolved, the Knights will begin the search for his successor.
In dire financial straits just eight months ago, Newcastle is now cashed-up following a recent $4 million sponsorship deal involving advertising tycoon John Singleton and will not baulk at paying top-dollar for their new coach.
Walters, dumped as Wayne Bennett's assistant at the Broncos in September, last night said he would relish an opportunity at the Knights.
"If Newcastle are interested, I wouldn't knock them back," he said. "I've picked up a lot from Wayne Bennett in the 15 years I have known him and now is the time to put that to use, as well as my own ideas. The Knights have a very exciting young team and it's a league-mad town. Working with 'Joey' (Andrew Johns) is certainly an attraction."
The Sunday Telegraph
http://sport.news.com.au/story/0,8659,17821050-23214,00.html
