Michael Hagan quits as Parramatta Eels coach
By Paul Kent, Chief Sports Writer | October 21, 2008 12:00am
PARRAMATTA'S Michael Hagan will quit as Eels coach at midday. The Eels have called a press conference for noon where Hagan will announce his resignation.
The Parramatta board was told of Hagan's decision at a board meeting last night, the first anybody knew of Hagan's unhappiness.
The decision will stun league fans, with Hagan considered one of the game's genuine nice guys and a coach of considerable ability.
However the premiership winning coach has come under increasing pressure after the Eels _ one of the 2008 pre-season favourites _ failed to qualify for the finals.
Clearly he has wrestled with the decision in recent months before taking the ultimate step.
It is understood Hagan had kept hi s decision secret until last night's board meeting, telling only chief executive Denis Fitzgerald.
The decision stunned the board, aware Hagan had another 12 months left on contract.
The Eels will now be forced to look for a new coach immediately, among a well credentialled shortlist.
The obvious candidate is recent St Helens coach Daniel Anderson, who has returned to Australia after several successful years with the English Super League club.
Anderson is a former Parramatta assistant under Hagan's predecessor Brian Smith.
Other possible candidate's include former Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes, Hagan's assistant David Fairleigh and even Cronulla and NSW assistant Shane Flanagan.
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,24529032-5006066,00.html
