Smith quits Fartown

[terracesider]

Giants shock as top man quits
Jul 28 2003
By Doug Thomson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
HUDDERSFIELD Giants rugby league club were today rocked by the shock revelation that their coach is to quit at the end of the season.

Tony Smith has breathed new life into the Giants and the decision will stun supporters.

The ambitious Australian coach says the decision is down to his budget for new signings.

The Rugby League's salary cap rules limit spending on players' wages to half a club's relevant income, up to a maximum of £1.8m.

That means the Giants cannot provide the cash that 36-year-old Smith believes is needed to continue the progress made during this season's Super League campaign.

Even though he has been linked with Wigan and a number of clubs in his native country - most prominently Cronulla Sharks - Smith says he does not have a new job lined up.

But the fact that he is to leave Huddersfield will be bad news for the fans, who have been thrilled by victories over big clubs St Helens, Wigan and Leeds this season.

And yesterday they watched the Giants maintain their top six play-off hopes by taking another notable scalp, that of Hull, who were beaten 30-14.

Full story

"...the decision will stun supporters". Not half it hasn't. :? :roll: :?

 

[GBT]

Do you think he's pitching himself for the Wigan job? Funny how his announcement comes a day after Wigan part company with Stuart Raper.

 

[GBT]

Things get stranger by the hour.

In a bizarre development at the troubled Headingley, Daryl Powell this morning announced his departure as head coach at Leeds, to take a position as 'Director of Rugby'. Many will speculate as to the reasons for his sudden and shocking departure, but everyone will be saddened by the news that Daryl has decided to call it a day. Powell has been given a four year deal, to take the Director of Rugby position, with Tony Smith being given a two year deal as Head Coach. It has been stated that Powell will take back the Head Coach role for the 2006 season. Smith has a 'get out' clause in his contract if he is offered work in Australia!

Full details at: http://www.rlfans.com/network/southstander/html/article.php?sid=870

 

[terracesider]

Things get stranger by the hour.

And the anger amongst Fartwoners is rising by the hour because Smith has obviously been lying to us. Yesterday we were still being told he had nothing lined up but deals like this don't get stitched up in 24 hours. He's no credibility now. He's got to go immediately so that somebody, preferrable Macnamara, can be installed for the rest for the season.

The Rhinos fans are just completey bemused by it all. But that's just business as usual. :lol:

 

[terracesider]

This is what the Huddersfield Examiner has (an afternoon daily).

Giants spokesman Richard Thewlis today said: "This news has come completely out of the blue, and we were informed by Tony only just prior to its public announcement late this morning.

"It has taken us by surprise and there's nothing further we can say at the moment."

So the question must be asked, has TS been lying to the club as well? I somehow think this story hasn't even got started yet.

 

[GBT]

It's obvious that Smith knew all along what was going on.

I also find it strange that a young coach like Daryl Powell is going upstairs with a plan to return as head coach in two years. It's also been suggested that Powell doesn't yet know how to motivate players. :?