http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...n/news-story/d7793b0995900fc4b7dc7ba5c09755c9
Eels won’t appoint a head of football until they find the right candidate for the $250k position
Dean Ritchie, The Daily Telegraph
August 21, 2016 6:23pm
PARRAMATTA have abandoned plans to immediately appoint a head of football until they can find the right candidate for the $250,000-a-year position.
Eels management will turn their focus to filling the vacant chief executive role and the head of commercial position.
Several candidates have been linked to the head of football position, including Tim Sheens, Peter Parr and former coach Brian Smith.
The Eels, though, haven’t found their man and are refusing to rush into making a choice. The club will now sit back and wait until the correct candidate emerges.
Smith actually approached the club and was granted an interview given he had served for 10 years as head coach.
Parramatta are adamant Smith was never offered the position and, once he knew he wouldn’t be considered, he withdrew.
“No offers of employment have been made for the head of football position,” interim Parramatta CEO Bevan Paul said.
“In the meantime, the Eels are getting on with business and continuing to re-sign players and our coach, Brad Arthur, is continuing to reorganise his coaching infrastructure for 2017.”
Smith coached Parramatta between 1997 and 2006 — failing to win a title despite presiding over some star-studded sides.
Arthur is currently restructuring his football department to ensure he has the adequate resources to become a force again in 2017.
Parramatta inquired about former Canberra, North Queensland, Wests Tigers and Australian coach Sheens, more so to discover his short-term and long-term plans.
Eels officials did speak with Parr but no offer was tabled and he is expected to remain football manager with the North Queensland Cowboys.
Highly regarded Cronulla recruitment manager Phil Moss has also been strongly linked to the role, however some influential figures inside the Eels’ camp that don’t want Moss back at the club.
Former Parramatta head of football Daniel Anderson was deregistered by the NRL over the recent salary cap scandal. The spot has remained empty since.
Eels management have committed to supporting Arthur’s restructure. It is understood interviews for the CEO and head of commercial positions will start this week.