story in todays paper
NRL
Article from:
Noose tightens on Elliott future
By James Hooper | September 07, 2008 12:00am
Noose tightening ... Matthew Elliott is almost resigned to the fact that he will lose his position as coach of Penrith for next season. / The Sunday Telegraph
PENRITH coach Matthew Elliott is expected to be sacked today at an emergency board meeting. It will complete a season of turmoil at the foot of the mountains, which was brought to a painful end last night with a loss to Manly.
"I inadvertently was told about the board meeting last night,'' Elliott said.
"I don't think they're gathering to discuss spreadsheets. So I can pretty well guess what the one and only agenda item will be.''
Before embarking on Mad Monday celebrations, the Panthers board must address what to do with their coach.
Elliott mockingly hung himself with his club tie at the press conference after last night's 18-point loss.
"It's pretty interesting when your daughter rings you when she's watching the footy. At the moment I don't really know too much, I haven't been spoken to by anybody at the club after the speculation arose,'' Elliott said.
"I spoke to people before it arose but not since. I've spoken to officials at the club about the predicament that we're in and my point of view.
Former Warriors coach Daniel Anderson and the Panthers' Toyota Cup coach Steve Georgallis are possible replacements, with Melbourne assistant Steve Kearney last night indicating he was committed to the Storm.
Elliott met Panthers Leagues Club chairman Glenn Matthews last Friday, where he was guaranteed his job was safe for next season.
Matthews was spotted after the match farewelling players Luke Priddis, Tony Puletua, Rhys Wesser, Shane Rodney and Luke Rooney. Ironically, he was wearing a black trench coat. It seemed fitting given Elliott's imminent execution.
"I'm disappointed in the way it's transpired. I'm disappointed that the accountability for where we're at rests solely with me,'' Elliott said.
When approached after the latest loss, chief executive Mick Leary said: "Ring me tomorrow.''
The Sunday Telegraph understands Leary has been conducting an in-house assessment of Elliott's position over the past fortnight.
Despite mixed results since joining Penrith at the start of last season, Elliott only last week outlined his desire to remain at the Panthers for the next 10 seasons. He reiterated that again last night.
Penrith officials were ducking for cover before last night's match against Manly, but seven days ago chairman Barry Walsh guaranteed the coach would see out his contract.
With a large contingent of Polynesian players, Melbourne Storm assistant Kearney was seen as the ideal replacement. But when sounded out last night, Kearney was adamant he was remaining in Melbourne.
During the halftime entertainment last night, the ground announcer conducted a relay race. When the winner flashed across the line, he questioned whether they could pull on a jumper. Worse, he joked about whether the winner could coach.
"We need a new coach,'' the announcer said before being hauled in by Penrith officials.
The level of disharmony in western Sydney has reached breaking point.
Backrower Frank Pritchard has asked for a release on three occasions and continues to be shopped around to French rugby union clubs, while Leary was told to shave $500,000 off the football club's spending for next season.
...
