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Stuart quits Sharks - sportal.com.au
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...-91835&usg=AFQjCNEYqid2nygP_zeIvzJYDtI5LHR_qw
Stuart quits Sharks
24/05/2010 12:37 PM
Adam Lucius
Cronulla coach Ricky Stuart will quit the Sharks at the end of the season despite having a year to run on his contract.
Stuart officially announced his decision at a press conference at Cronulla Leagues Club on Monday.
The Sharks also confirmed that assistant coach Shane Flanagan would take over the top job in 2011.
It's understood there was no animosity behind Stuart's decision to walk away from the Sharks, with the coach and board accepting the time was due for a change.
"I genuinely wish to thank the club for its consideration for which has been a challenging period," Stuart said.
"The past two years have been unbelievably draining as head coach, both on and off the field."
"I wish the club all the best and I'm sure the club's youth policy for 2011 will blossom under fresh and innovative ideas."
"I'm proud of the group of players and coaching staff I have been privileged to work with. To see so many develop into representative players and more importantly to watch them grow as men, has been both satisfying and a real pleasure."
"I feel I have given my best efforts in all regards during my time at the club. I wish the Sharks all the best in future years."
Stuart took Cronulla to within a game of the 2008 grand final but the club has been on the slide since.
The Sharks narrowly escaped picking up the wooden spoon last year and only have Melbourne, stripped off all competition points due to the salary cap breaches, between them and the cellar this year.
Cronulla won its third game of the season against Parramatta on Saturday.
Sharks CEO Richard Fisk said the decision to release Stuart from his contract was not easy.
"Ricky Stuart is a unique and popular character with a great football brain and we have invested much in terms of planning and recruitment to support Ricky," said Fisk.
"He has built a professional and dedicated coaching team at the Sharks which places the club in a strong position going forward as we implement our succession plan by giving Shane Flanagan his much deserved opportunity as an NRL first grade coach in 2011."
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...-91835&usg=AFQjCNEYqid2nygP_zeIvzJYDtI5LHR_qw
Stuart quits Sharks
24/05/2010 12:37 PM
Adam Lucius
Cronulla coach Ricky Stuart will quit the Sharks at the end of the season despite having a year to run on his contract.
Stuart officially announced his decision at a press conference at Cronulla Leagues Club on Monday.
The Sharks also confirmed that assistant coach Shane Flanagan would take over the top job in 2011.
It's understood there was no animosity behind Stuart's decision to walk away from the Sharks, with the coach and board accepting the time was due for a change.
"I genuinely wish to thank the club for its consideration for which has been a challenging period," Stuart said.
"The past two years have been unbelievably draining as head coach, both on and off the field."
"I wish the club all the best and I'm sure the club's youth policy for 2011 will blossom under fresh and innovative ideas."
"I'm proud of the group of players and coaching staff I have been privileged to work with. To see so many develop into representative players and more importantly to watch them grow as men, has been both satisfying and a real pleasure."
"I feel I have given my best efforts in all regards during my time at the club. I wish the Sharks all the best in future years."
Stuart took Cronulla to within a game of the 2008 grand final but the club has been on the slide since.
The Sharks narrowly escaped picking up the wooden spoon last year and only have Melbourne, stripped off all competition points due to the salary cap breaches, between them and the cellar this year.
Cronulla won its third game of the season against Parramatta on Saturday.
Sharks CEO Richard Fisk said the decision to release Stuart from his contract was not easy.
"Ricky Stuart is a unique and popular character with a great football brain and we have invested much in terms of planning and recruitment to support Ricky," said Fisk.
"He has built a professional and dedicated coaching team at the Sharks which places the club in a strong position going forward as we implement our succession plan by giving Shane Flanagan his much deserved opportunity as an NRL first grade coach in 2011."
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'Ricky Stuart quits as Sharks coach' - BigPond News
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...t.aspx&usg=AFQjCNFTCkNbCjY71bLZKKeZTaax0W7oJw
Ricky Stuart quits as Sharks coach
May 24, 2010 - 8:23 AM
Source: BigPond Sport
Ricky Stuart has quit as Cronulla Sharks coach, and will leave the club at the end of the season.
The former Australian Test coach has handed in his resignation after several weeks of negotiation with the club.
"The decision at this time was right for me and the club," Stuart said.
"I'm over the hardest part and that was just then talking to the players.
"We've got a really close bond, they're a great group of players ... it was difficult in regards me talking to the players and telling them of my decision.
"I think the time's right, it's right for me to go out and look at some new challenges and I think the timing is also certainly right for the club."
Stuart has been linked to a possible move to the Wests Tigers next season, with Tigers coach Tim Sheens reportedly facing the axe if his team does not reach the finals this year.
Stuart denied he had spoken to any other NRL club about his future.
Assistant coach Shane Flanagan will take over as Cronulla's head coach next season.
"It was very hard not to be wondering what was going on in offices and phone calls around the joint," Flanagan said.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity ... I've worked for this for a number of years."
"It is rare for a club to be so well prepared for a smooth transition from one head coach to the next and this is something Ricky should be very proud of."
"Ricky knows he has a job to do with the players until the end of the season and I'm sure that will start with another win on Saturday against Brisbane."
Stuart has been linked with the Wests Tigers job despite his old mentor Tim Sheens being under contract until the end of the 2011 season.
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...t.aspx&usg=AFQjCNFTCkNbCjY71bLZKKeZTaax0W7oJw
Ricky Stuart quits as Sharks coach
May 24, 2010 - 8:23 AM
Source: BigPond Sport
Ricky Stuart has quit as Cronulla Sharks coach, and will leave the club at the end of the season.
The former Australian Test coach has handed in his resignation after several weeks of negotiation with the club.
"The decision at this time was right for me and the club," Stuart said.
"I'm over the hardest part and that was just then talking to the players.
"We've got a really close bond, they're a great group of players ... it was difficult in regards me talking to the players and telling them of my decision.
"I think the time's right, it's right for me to go out and look at some new challenges and I think the timing is also certainly right for the club."
Stuart has been linked to a possible move to the Wests Tigers next season, with Tigers coach Tim Sheens reportedly facing the axe if his team does not reach the finals this year.
Stuart denied he had spoken to any other NRL club about his future.
Assistant coach Shane Flanagan will take over as Cronulla's head coach next season.
"It was very hard not to be wondering what was going on in offices and phone calls around the joint," Flanagan said.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity ... I've worked for this for a number of years."
"It is rare for a club to be so well prepared for a smooth transition from one head coach to the next and this is something Ricky should be very proud of."
"Ricky knows he has a job to do with the players until the end of the season and I'm sure that will start with another win on Saturday against Brisbane."
Stuart has been linked with the Wests Tigers job despite his old mentor Tim Sheens being under contract until the end of the 2011 season.
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Ricky Stuart to quit Sharks - Brisbane Times
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...k.html&usg=AFQjCNG27bGWKl0kmZlR0ZxdpKpIk8_kZw
I'm no Rebel, says Stuart after quitting the Sharks
CHRIS BARRETT AND BRAD WALTER
May 25, 2010
RICKY STUART is backing himself to get another job in the NRL next year and hopes to improve his coaching resume by taking Cronulla to the finals before quitting the club at the end of the season.
After five weeks of contemplating his future with the Sharks, Stuart told the club's board on Thursday that he would not see out the final year of his contract but insists he does not yet have another job lined up.
The Herald understands Stuart has been considering quitting his post since Cronulla's 44-16 round six thrashing by Brisbane and had initially thought of doing so when the club had the bye three weeks later.
The Herald was also told in late February that Stuart was unhappy at the Sharks and that assistant Shane Flanagan would be appointed coach before June, but the former NSW and Australian coach vehemently rejected speculation linking him to other jobs, including the Melbourne Rebels Super rugby franchise.
''I can honestly say that myself or [manager] John Fordham have not had any contact from any other football club … [in] rugby union or rugby league,'' Stuart said.
''For the last three months I've been linked with the Melbourne Rebels - I didn't even know who the Rebels were when this first happened. I'm a rugby league coach and I believe I will be a rugby league coach for many many years.''
Stuart ruled out a move to England but said he wanted to continue coaching next season. He effectively has joined Nathan Brown and Michael Potter in the market for NRL jobs after the pair recently announced they were returning home after successful stints in Super League.
Coincidentally, constant speculation linking Brown to the Sharks job might have played a role in his decision - although Cronulla officials insist they had never approached anyone about Stuart's job until last weekend, when Flanagan was offered the position.
Asked about a report in a Sunday newspaper linking him to the Wests Tigers job held by his former mentor at Canberra, Tim Sheens, Stuart said: ''When you have administrators who want to talk about other coaches when you have got a contract at the club it makes it very, very hard.''
Stuart said he had made the decision now to enable Flanagan to take charge of recruitment for 2011, but would remain head coach until the end of the season.
After a tumultuous 12 months, in which Stuart has worked under three CEOs, seen star playmakers Greg Bird and Brett Seymour sacked over off-field incidents, forwards Ben Ross, Reece Williams and Johnny Mannah have their careers put on indefinite hold by serious injury or illness and the club's finances under constant scrutiny, enough became enough.
Flanagan and chief executive Richard Fisk praised Stuart as being the person who held the club together during this period.
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...k.html&usg=AFQjCNG27bGWKl0kmZlR0ZxdpKpIk8_kZw
I'm no Rebel, says Stuart after quitting the Sharks
CHRIS BARRETT AND BRAD WALTER
May 25, 2010
RICKY STUART is backing himself to get another job in the NRL next year and hopes to improve his coaching resume by taking Cronulla to the finals before quitting the club at the end of the season.
After five weeks of contemplating his future with the Sharks, Stuart told the club's board on Thursday that he would not see out the final year of his contract but insists he does not yet have another job lined up.
The Herald understands Stuart has been considering quitting his post since Cronulla's 44-16 round six thrashing by Brisbane and had initially thought of doing so when the club had the bye three weeks later.
The Herald was also told in late February that Stuart was unhappy at the Sharks and that assistant Shane Flanagan would be appointed coach before June, but the former NSW and Australian coach vehemently rejected speculation linking him to other jobs, including the Melbourne Rebels Super rugby franchise.
''I can honestly say that myself or [manager] John Fordham have not had any contact from any other football club … [in] rugby union or rugby league,'' Stuart said.
''For the last three months I've been linked with the Melbourne Rebels - I didn't even know who the Rebels were when this first happened. I'm a rugby league coach and I believe I will be a rugby league coach for many many years.''
Stuart ruled out a move to England but said he wanted to continue coaching next season. He effectively has joined Nathan Brown and Michael Potter in the market for NRL jobs after the pair recently announced they were returning home after successful stints in Super League.
Coincidentally, constant speculation linking Brown to the Sharks job might have played a role in his decision - although Cronulla officials insist they had never approached anyone about Stuart's job until last weekend, when Flanagan was offered the position.
Asked about a report in a Sunday newspaper linking him to the Wests Tigers job held by his former mentor at Canberra, Tim Sheens, Stuart said: ''When you have administrators who want to talk about other coaches when you have got a contract at the club it makes it very, very hard.''
Stuart said he had made the decision now to enable Flanagan to take charge of recruitment for 2011, but would remain head coach until the end of the season.
After a tumultuous 12 months, in which Stuart has worked under three CEOs, seen star playmakers Greg Bird and Brett Seymour sacked over off-field incidents, forwards Ben Ross, Reece Williams and Johnny Mannah have their careers put on indefinite hold by serious injury or illness and the club's finances under constant scrutiny, enough became enough.
Flanagan and chief executive Richard Fisk praised Stuart as being the person who held the club together during this period.
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Ricky did the right thing by quitting Sharks
DAILY Telegraph Sports Editor-at-large Phil Rothfield agrees with Ricky Stuart's decision to resign as Cronulla Sharks coach at the end of the season. Join his blog
Source:http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp.../story-e6frexnr-1225870455929?from=public_rss
DAILY Telegraph Sports Editor-at-large Phil Rothfield agrees with Ricky Stuart's decision to resign as Cronulla Sharks coach at the end of the season. Join his blog
Source:http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp.../story-e6frexnr-1225870455929?from=public_rss
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Ricky Stuart Granted Release From The Sharks
The Hisense Cronulla Sharks have agreed to a request from Head Coach Ricky Stuart to be released from the final year of his contract.
http://www.sharks.com.au/?s=article-display&id=25978
Ricky Stuart Granted Release From The Sharks
24/05/2010 12:05:56 PM
The Hisense Cronulla Sharks have agreed to a request from Head Coach Ricky Stuart to be released from the final year of his contract.
Originally contracted to the end of 2011 season, Stuart will continue as Shark’s Head Coach for the remainder of the 2010 season.
As head coach at the Sharks for four years, Stuart guided the club to an equal top of the table finish in 2008.
“I genuinely wish to thank the club for its consideration for which has been a challenging period,” Stuart said today.
“The past two years have been unbelievably draining as Head Coach, both on and off the field.
“I wish the club all the best and I’m sure the club’s youth policy for 2011 will blossom under fresh and innovative ideas.
“I’m proud of the group of players and coaching staff I have been privileged to work with. To see so many develop into representative players and more importantly to watch them grow as men, has been both satisfying and a real pleasure.
“I feel I have given my best efforts in all regards during my time at the club. I wish the Sharks all the best in future years,” he concluded.
CLICK HERE to watch Ricky Stuart announce his departure and Shane Flanagan's thoughts on his appointment.
Sharks CEO Richard Fisk was glowing in his praise for Stuart and said the Board’s decision to agree to Ricky’s request wasn’t easy.
He also confirmed the appointment of NSW State of Origin and Sharks Assistant Coach Shane Flanagan as Stuart’s replacement in 2011.
“Ricky Stuart is a unique and popular character with a great football brain and we have invested much in terms of planning and recruitment to support Ricky,” said Fisk.
“He has built a professional and dedicated coaching team at the Sharks which places the club in a strong position going forward as we implement our succession plan by giving Shane Flanagan his much deserved opportunity as an NRL first grade coach in 2011.
“It is rare for a club to be so well prepared for a smooth transition from one head coach to the next and this is something Ricky should be very proud of.
“Ricky knows he has a job to do with the players until the end of the season and I’m sure that will start with another win on Saturday against Brisbane,” Fisk concluded.
It will be business as usual this week and for the remainder of the 2010 season with Ricky Stuart continuing to work closely with Shane Flanagan and assisting him with the transition from Assistant Coach to Head NRL Coach.
The Hisense Cronulla Sharks have agreed to a request from Head Coach Ricky Stuart to be released from the final year of his contract.
http://www.sharks.com.au/?s=article-display&id=25978
Ricky Stuart Granted Release From The Sharks
24/05/2010 12:05:56 PM
The Hisense Cronulla Sharks have agreed to a request from Head Coach Ricky Stuart to be released from the final year of his contract.
Originally contracted to the end of 2011 season, Stuart will continue as Shark’s Head Coach for the remainder of the 2010 season.
As head coach at the Sharks for four years, Stuart guided the club to an equal top of the table finish in 2008.
“I genuinely wish to thank the club for its consideration for which has been a challenging period,” Stuart said today.
“The past two years have been unbelievably draining as Head Coach, both on and off the field.
“I wish the club all the best and I’m sure the club’s youth policy for 2011 will blossom under fresh and innovative ideas.
“I’m proud of the group of players and coaching staff I have been privileged to work with. To see so many develop into representative players and more importantly to watch them grow as men, has been both satisfying and a real pleasure.
“I feel I have given my best efforts in all regards during my time at the club. I wish the Sharks all the best in future years,” he concluded.
CLICK HERE to watch Ricky Stuart announce his departure and Shane Flanagan's thoughts on his appointment.
Sharks CEO Richard Fisk was glowing in his praise for Stuart and said the Board’s decision to agree to Ricky’s request wasn’t easy.
He also confirmed the appointment of NSW State of Origin and Sharks Assistant Coach Shane Flanagan as Stuart’s replacement in 2011.
“Ricky Stuart is a unique and popular character with a great football brain and we have invested much in terms of planning and recruitment to support Ricky,” said Fisk.
“He has built a professional and dedicated coaching team at the Sharks which places the club in a strong position going forward as we implement our succession plan by giving Shane Flanagan his much deserved opportunity as an NRL first grade coach in 2011.
“It is rare for a club to be so well prepared for a smooth transition from one head coach to the next and this is something Ricky should be very proud of.
“Ricky knows he has a job to do with the players until the end of the season and I’m sure that will start with another win on Saturday against Brisbane,” Fisk concluded.
It will be business as usual this week and for the remainder of the 2010 season with Ricky Stuart continuing to work closely with Shane Flanagan and assisting him with the transition from Assistant Coach to Head NRL Coach.
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Sharks let Stuart go - ABC Online
[SIZE=-1][/SIZE]Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...e=news&usg=AFQjCNF943ibEPjwu-T3OXZmwRCfmGVPMw
Sharks let Stuart go
Updated May 24, 2010 2:45pm AEST
Cronulla will need to find a new mentor for 2011 after Ricky Stuart was today released from the final year of his contract as the club's coach.
Sharks assistant coach Shane Flanagan will take the reins from the start of next year.
The struggling Sharks are languishing at the bottom of the ladder with just three wins from 10 starts, after losing 10 straight to close out their woeful 2009 campaign.
Stuart, the former Australia and New South Wales Origin coach, has been at the helm at Cronulla since mid-2007, when he took over as head coach from Stuart Raper.
The club's best season in that span was 2008, when it finished third on the ladder with one of the best defensive records in the league and a 17-7 record.
"I genuinely wish to thank the club for its consideration for which has been a challenging period," Stuart said.
"The past two years have been unbelievably draining as head coach, both on and off the field.
"I wish the club all the best and I'm sure the club's youth policy for 2011 will blossom under fresh and innovative ideas.
"I'm proud of the group of players and coaching staff I have been privileged to work with. To see so many develop into representative players and more importantly to watch them grow as men, has been both satisfying and a real pleasure.
"I feel I have given my best efforts in all regards during my time at the club. I wish the Sharks all the best in future years."
Sharks chief executive Richard Fisk showered Stuart in praise, and said Cronulla will benefit from the leadership system he has developed at the club.
"Ricky Stuart is a unique and popular character with a great football brain and we have invested much in terms of planning and recruitment to support Ricky," he said.
"He has built a professional and dedicated coaching team at the Sharks which places the club in a strong position going forward as we implement our succession plan by giving Shane Flanagan his much deserved opportunity as an NRL first grade coach in 2011.
"It is rare for a club to be so well prepared for a smooth transition from one head coach to the next and this is something Ricky should be very proud of.
"Ricky knows he has a job to do with the players until the end of the season and I'm sure that will start with another win on Saturday against Brisbane."
Ironically, the announcement comes two days after the Sharks' upset 22-18 win over the Eels at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday - the second time they have beaten the 2009 finalists this season.
It is understood Stuart informed players of his decision this morning.
Stuart, who was contracted through to the end of the 2011 season, had repeatedly vowed to ride out the storm, with the club lurching from one drama to another both on and off the field over the past two years.
Only a matter of weeks ago Cronulla chairman Damien Irvine was forced to hose down rumours the club was on the look-out for a new coach with former St George Illawarra mentor Nathan Brown linked with a move to the Sharks.
Brown is on his way back to Australia following a stint in Super League with Huddersfield, though he denied he was returning with an NRL head coaching role already guaranteed.
Others to have been linked with the Sharks include former Dragons lower grade mentor Mick Potter and South Sydney assistant Kurt Wrigley, while current Cronulla and NSW Origin assistant coach Shane Flanagan would also be a likely contender to fill the void.
It is not yet clear what Stuart's next move will be, but he was linked with a move to the Wests Tigers with reports Tigers coach Tim Sheens has lost the support of some board members.
[SIZE=-1][/SIZE]Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...e=news&usg=AFQjCNF943ibEPjwu-T3OXZmwRCfmGVPMw
Sharks let Stuart go
Updated May 24, 2010 2:45pm AEST
Cronulla will need to find a new mentor for 2011 after Ricky Stuart was today released from the final year of his contract as the club's coach.
Sharks assistant coach Shane Flanagan will take the reins from the start of next year.
The struggling Sharks are languishing at the bottom of the ladder with just three wins from 10 starts, after losing 10 straight to close out their woeful 2009 campaign.
Stuart, the former Australia and New South Wales Origin coach, has been at the helm at Cronulla since mid-2007, when he took over as head coach from Stuart Raper.
The club's best season in that span was 2008, when it finished third on the ladder with one of the best defensive records in the league and a 17-7 record.
"I genuinely wish to thank the club for its consideration for which has been a challenging period," Stuart said.
"The past two years have been unbelievably draining as head coach, both on and off the field.
"I wish the club all the best and I'm sure the club's youth policy for 2011 will blossom under fresh and innovative ideas.
"I'm proud of the group of players and coaching staff I have been privileged to work with. To see so many develop into representative players and more importantly to watch them grow as men, has been both satisfying and a real pleasure.
"I feel I have given my best efforts in all regards during my time at the club. I wish the Sharks all the best in future years."
Sharks chief executive Richard Fisk showered Stuart in praise, and said Cronulla will benefit from the leadership system he has developed at the club.
"Ricky Stuart is a unique and popular character with a great football brain and we have invested much in terms of planning and recruitment to support Ricky," he said.
"He has built a professional and dedicated coaching team at the Sharks which places the club in a strong position going forward as we implement our succession plan by giving Shane Flanagan his much deserved opportunity as an NRL first grade coach in 2011.
"It is rare for a club to be so well prepared for a smooth transition from one head coach to the next and this is something Ricky should be very proud of.
"Ricky knows he has a job to do with the players until the end of the season and I'm sure that will start with another win on Saturday against Brisbane."
Ironically, the announcement comes two days after the Sharks' upset 22-18 win over the Eels at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday - the second time they have beaten the 2009 finalists this season.
It is understood Stuart informed players of his decision this morning.
Stuart, who was contracted through to the end of the 2011 season, had repeatedly vowed to ride out the storm, with the club lurching from one drama to another both on and off the field over the past two years.
Only a matter of weeks ago Cronulla chairman Damien Irvine was forced to hose down rumours the club was on the look-out for a new coach with former St George Illawarra mentor Nathan Brown linked with a move to the Sharks.
Brown is on his way back to Australia following a stint in Super League with Huddersfield, though he denied he was returning with an NRL head coaching role already guaranteed.
Others to have been linked with the Sharks include former Dragons lower grade mentor Mick Potter and South Sydney assistant Kurt Wrigley, while current Cronulla and NSW Origin assistant coach Shane Flanagan would also be a likely contender to fill the void.
It is not yet clear what Stuart's next move will be, but he was linked with a move to the Wests Tigers with reports Tigers coach Tim Sheens has lost the support of some board members.
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Ricky Stuart quits as Sharks coach - Brisbane Times
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...i.html&usg=AFQjCNFf5LmikOcPFXwVL6IJOhfD21r3Hw
Ricky Stuart quits as Sharks coach
May 24, 2010
AAP
Ricky Stuart has vowed to return to the NRL after claiming he finally took care of No.1 in quitting as Cronulla coach with one year left in the job.
Stuart shocked the rugby league community by announcing he would walk away from the Sharks after the 2010 season - handing over the reigns to long-time assistant Shane Flanagan.
Stuart's resignation capped a tumultuous two years for the club, a 24-month span which has seen the Sharks fight off bankruptcy amidst a myriad of off-field scandals and dismal on-field performances.
Through it all Stuart had stood firm, but by the end of last week, enough was enough.
"I think the time's right, it's right for me to go out and look at some new challenges and I think the timing is also certainly right for the club," Stuart said.
"I would have loved to have had some type of success here for the club - the club has been the players and the people who are so passionately mad about supporting the Sharks.
"I have loved to have been able to deliver something they've never been able to achieve in regards to a grand final.
"The timing's right for Ricky Stuart - it's probably the first decision I've made for Ricky Stuart at the Cronulla Sharks the last three years I've been here."
Stuart said he would take some time before considering his options, but denied he left the Sharks with another start already in the pipeline.
"I'm a professional coach, I want to keep coaching," Stuart said.
"England's not an option - I'm only young in my career of coaching."
Asked if he was prepared to coach next season, Stuart said:
"If the situation arises ... but it isn't at the forefront of my mind in making this decision."
Weekend reports linked Stuart with a move to Wests Tigers to replace Tim Sheens should the Tigers fail to make the finals this season, while the dual international also hosed down rumours of interest from new Super 15 franchise Melbourne Rebels.
"I'm a rugby league coach and I believe I will be a rugby league coach for many many years," Stuart said.
"I can honestly say that myself or John Fordham have not had any contact from any other football club.
"For the last three months I've been linked with the Melbourne Rebels - I didn't even know who the Rebels were when this first happened ... Melbourne Rebels, rugby union or rugby league, I haven't had any contact.
"... I've never spoken to any (NRL clubs including Tigers), and if the opportunity did arise I purely would not go anywhere near it out of the respect I have for Tim Sheens."
While Stuart said the hardest part of his resignation was telling the players, he would have at least got some joy in seeing Flanagan given his first crack at NRL level after a 14-year apprenticeship - the last six of which have been under him.
Flanagan admitted he faced a tough task in lifting the Sharks out of the doldrums, but it was a situation he had been preparing for.
"For any rookie coach to get a job there's going to be some sort of turmoil - the club's either come last or the coach hasn't been performing," Flanagan said.
"Whenever I got a job I knew that was going to be the case ... I'm just looking forward to turning it all around.
"I want to coach in the NRL - I've been working hard for it over the last couple of years."
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...i.html&usg=AFQjCNFf5LmikOcPFXwVL6IJOhfD21r3Hw
Ricky Stuart quits as Sharks coach
May 24, 2010
AAP
Ricky Stuart has vowed to return to the NRL after claiming he finally took care of No.1 in quitting as Cronulla coach with one year left in the job.
Stuart shocked the rugby league community by announcing he would walk away from the Sharks after the 2010 season - handing over the reigns to long-time assistant Shane Flanagan.
Stuart's resignation capped a tumultuous two years for the club, a 24-month span which has seen the Sharks fight off bankruptcy amidst a myriad of off-field scandals and dismal on-field performances.
Through it all Stuart had stood firm, but by the end of last week, enough was enough.
"I think the time's right, it's right for me to go out and look at some new challenges and I think the timing is also certainly right for the club," Stuart said.
"I would have loved to have had some type of success here for the club - the club has been the players and the people who are so passionately mad about supporting the Sharks.
"I have loved to have been able to deliver something they've never been able to achieve in regards to a grand final.
"The timing's right for Ricky Stuart - it's probably the first decision I've made for Ricky Stuart at the Cronulla Sharks the last three years I've been here."
Stuart said he would take some time before considering his options, but denied he left the Sharks with another start already in the pipeline.
"I'm a professional coach, I want to keep coaching," Stuart said.
"England's not an option - I'm only young in my career of coaching."
Asked if he was prepared to coach next season, Stuart said:
"If the situation arises ... but it isn't at the forefront of my mind in making this decision."
Weekend reports linked Stuart with a move to Wests Tigers to replace Tim Sheens should the Tigers fail to make the finals this season, while the dual international also hosed down rumours of interest from new Super 15 franchise Melbourne Rebels.
"I'm a rugby league coach and I believe I will be a rugby league coach for many many years," Stuart said.
"I can honestly say that myself or John Fordham have not had any contact from any other football club.
"For the last three months I've been linked with the Melbourne Rebels - I didn't even know who the Rebels were when this first happened ... Melbourne Rebels, rugby union or rugby league, I haven't had any contact.
"... I've never spoken to any (NRL clubs including Tigers), and if the opportunity did arise I purely would not go anywhere near it out of the respect I have for Tim Sheens."
While Stuart said the hardest part of his resignation was telling the players, he would have at least got some joy in seeing Flanagan given his first crack at NRL level after a 14-year apprenticeship - the last six of which have been under him.
Flanagan admitted he faced a tough task in lifting the Sharks out of the doldrums, but it was a situation he had been preparing for.
"For any rookie coach to get a job there's going to be some sort of turmoil - the club's either come last or the coach hasn't been performing," Flanagan said.
"Whenever I got a job I knew that was going to be the case ... I'm just looking forward to turning it all around.
"I want to coach in the NRL - I've been working hard for it over the last couple of years."
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Stuart seeks another NRL club - The Australian
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...521965&usg=AFQjCNEPqYmWLiMp-HManmbnVPHWuetArA
Stuart seeks another NRL club
Margie McDonald - with AAP
May 24, 2010 12:55PM
RICKY Stuart still wants to coach in the NRL and will not switch to rugby union in Australia or overseas. Neither is he interested in coaching Super League in England.
The 43 year-old, who resigned from Cronulla today with 18 monthe left on his contract, is simply worn out by the troubles the club has been embroiled in over the past two years.
"The time is right for Ricky Stuart," he told a packed media conference at the Sharks Leagues Club today. "This is probably the first time I’ve done something for me at the right time."
Stuart will remain coach for rest of the 2010 season but then hands the reigns over to his assistant Shane Flanagan, who has worked with him both at the Sharks and Sydney Roosters and has been NSW Origin assistant coach for the past three years.
The announcements were delayed 20 minutes because Stuart wanted to address his players before speaking publicly.
"I’m over the hardest part – talking with the players. It was very difficult to tell them. But as I said the time is right for me and I’m ready for some new challenges."
But he said he had no job offer to go to and there had been no approaches to either him directly or through his manager John Fordham.
However, he said he was willing to remain in the NRL from 2011.
"If the situation arises I’ll sit down with the right people to discuss it. But it isn’t in the forefront of my mind."
It was Stuart’s second NRL club. He spent five years at the Roosters, including a premiership in 2002 and three grand finals in a row, before a fall-out with the club in August 2006.
He started with the Sharks in 2007 and took them to the preliminary finals in 2008.
But otherwise it has been lean times in the Shire – 11th in 2007, 15th in 2009 and currently sitting in 15th with just three wins from 10 matches so far this year.
Stuart, his staff and players endured a horror year last season with the Matthew Johns group sex allegations from a Cronulla trip to New Zealand in 2002, the positive drugs test for Reni Maitua, the sacking of Paul Gallen as club captain over a racist remark, the drama over an assault on a female staff member that led former CEO Frank Zappia to fall on his sword.
And bubbling all the way through those scandals was the precarious financial state of the football club, as Cronulla awaits the construction of a retail-hotel accommodation complex on its land that promises to generate enough income to keep the Sharks viable.
"`People don’t realise what Ricky has been through. He has been the rock at this club over the past two years when we’ve had changes at board level and we’ve lost players – all forced onto him," said CEO Richard Fisk, who has been a long-time friend as he was marketing manager at the Roosters while Stuart coached there.
"He is a good friend and because of that I support his decision."
Stuart will be replaced by assistant Shane Flanagan next season.
Flanagan, who has a contract for the 2011 season with an option in the club's favour for 2012, said it had been a whirlwind few days given he has also been tied up with the NSW Origin side in his role as assistant to coach Craig Bellamy.
"It was very hard not to be wondering what was going on in offices and phone calls around the joint," Flanagan said.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity ... I've worked for this for a number of years."
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...521965&usg=AFQjCNEPqYmWLiMp-HManmbnVPHWuetArA
Stuart seeks another NRL club
Margie McDonald - with AAP
May 24, 2010 12:55PM
RICKY Stuart still wants to coach in the NRL and will not switch to rugby union in Australia or overseas. Neither is he interested in coaching Super League in England.
The 43 year-old, who resigned from Cronulla today with 18 monthe left on his contract, is simply worn out by the troubles the club has been embroiled in over the past two years.
"The time is right for Ricky Stuart," he told a packed media conference at the Sharks Leagues Club today. "This is probably the first time I’ve done something for me at the right time."
Stuart will remain coach for rest of the 2010 season but then hands the reigns over to his assistant Shane Flanagan, who has worked with him both at the Sharks and Sydney Roosters and has been NSW Origin assistant coach for the past three years.
The announcements were delayed 20 minutes because Stuart wanted to address his players before speaking publicly.
"I’m over the hardest part – talking with the players. It was very difficult to tell them. But as I said the time is right for me and I’m ready for some new challenges."
But he said he had no job offer to go to and there had been no approaches to either him directly or through his manager John Fordham.
However, he said he was willing to remain in the NRL from 2011.
"If the situation arises I’ll sit down with the right people to discuss it. But it isn’t in the forefront of my mind."
It was Stuart’s second NRL club. He spent five years at the Roosters, including a premiership in 2002 and three grand finals in a row, before a fall-out with the club in August 2006.
He started with the Sharks in 2007 and took them to the preliminary finals in 2008.
But otherwise it has been lean times in the Shire – 11th in 2007, 15th in 2009 and currently sitting in 15th with just three wins from 10 matches so far this year.
Stuart, his staff and players endured a horror year last season with the Matthew Johns group sex allegations from a Cronulla trip to New Zealand in 2002, the positive drugs test for Reni Maitua, the sacking of Paul Gallen as club captain over a racist remark, the drama over an assault on a female staff member that led former CEO Frank Zappia to fall on his sword.
And bubbling all the way through those scandals was the precarious financial state of the football club, as Cronulla awaits the construction of a retail-hotel accommodation complex on its land that promises to generate enough income to keep the Sharks viable.
"`People don’t realise what Ricky has been through. He has been the rock at this club over the past two years when we’ve had changes at board level and we’ve lost players – all forced onto him," said CEO Richard Fisk, who has been a long-time friend as he was marketing manager at the Roosters while Stuart coached there.
"He is a good friend and because of that I support his decision."
Stuart will be replaced by assistant Shane Flanagan next season.
Flanagan, who has a contract for the 2011 season with an option in the club's favour for 2012, said it had been a whirlwind few days given he has also been tied up with the NSW Origin side in his role as assistant to coach Craig Bellamy.
"It was very hard not to be wondering what was going on in offices and phone calls around the joint," Flanagan said.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity ... I've worked for this for a number of years."
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Stuart set to quit Sharks - Shepparton News
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...D=8154&usg=AFQjCNEQORc-w9ePPzMUp8NBJbJKp0kbrQ
Stuart set to quit Sharks
24-May-2010
Eighteen months of struggle appears to have finally taken its toll on Ricky Stuart, with the Cronulla coach set to quit the NRL club at the end of the season.
The Sharks have called a midday (AEST) press conference where it is expected the former Test coach will announce his intention to resign following a horrendous run for the club in which it has won eight of its past 34 matches.
Ironically the announcement comes after Saturday night's shock 22-18 win over Parramatta in which the Sharks played with a confidence and flair not evident over the past season and a half.
It is understood Stuart informed players of his decision on Monday morning.
Stuart, who was contracted through to the end of the 2011 season, has repeatedly vowed to ride out the storm, with the club lurching from one drama to another both on and off the field over the past two years.
Only a matter of weeks ago Cronulla chairman Damien Irvine was forced to hose down rumours the club was on the lookout for a new coach with former St George Illawarra mentor Nathan Brown linked with a move to the Sharks.
Brown is on his way back to Australia following a stint in Super League with Huddersfield, though he denied he was returning with an NRL head coaching role already guaranteed.
Others to have been linked with the Sharks include former Dragons lower grade mentor Mick Potter and South Sydney assistant Kurt Wrigley, while current Cronulla and NSW Origin assistant coach Shane Flanagan would also be a likely contender to fill the void.
It is not yet clear what Stuart's next move will be, but he was linked with a move to the Wests Tigers with reports Tigers coach Tim Sheens has lost the support of some board members.
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...D=8154&usg=AFQjCNEQORc-w9ePPzMUp8NBJbJKp0kbrQ
Stuart set to quit Sharks
24-May-2010
Eighteen months of struggle appears to have finally taken its toll on Ricky Stuart, with the Cronulla coach set to quit the NRL club at the end of the season.
The Sharks have called a midday (AEST) press conference where it is expected the former Test coach will announce his intention to resign following a horrendous run for the club in which it has won eight of its past 34 matches.
Ironically the announcement comes after Saturday night's shock 22-18 win over Parramatta in which the Sharks played with a confidence and flair not evident over the past season and a half.
It is understood Stuart informed players of his decision on Monday morning.
Stuart, who was contracted through to the end of the 2011 season, has repeatedly vowed to ride out the storm, with the club lurching from one drama to another both on and off the field over the past two years.
Only a matter of weeks ago Cronulla chairman Damien Irvine was forced to hose down rumours the club was on the lookout for a new coach with former St George Illawarra mentor Nathan Brown linked with a move to the Sharks.
Brown is on his way back to Australia following a stint in Super League with Huddersfield, though he denied he was returning with an NRL head coaching role already guaranteed.
Others to have been linked with the Sharks include former Dragons lower grade mentor Mick Potter and South Sydney assistant Kurt Wrigley, while current Cronulla and NSW Origin assistant coach Shane Flanagan would also be a likely contender to fill the void.
It is not yet clear what Stuart's next move will be, but he was linked with a move to the Wests Tigers with reports Tigers coach Tim Sheens has lost the support of some board members.
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Ricky Stuart set to leave Sharks
Cronulla assistant Shane Flanagan will take over as Cronulla head coach next season after Ricky Stuart announced he would quit the post at the end of the NRL season.
Source:http://foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,27168211-23214,00.html?from=public_rss
Ricky Stuart set to leave Sharks
AAP
24 May 2010 11:02:00
Cronulla assistant Shane Flanagan will take over as Sharks head coach next season after Ricky Stuart on Monday announced he would quit the post at the end of the NRL season.
Stuart claimed it was the right time for him and the club to part way, with the Sharks agreeing to a release from the final year of his contract in 2011.
The Sharks have had a horrid 18 months with the club lurching from one off field drama to the next, while they have hardly fared better on the field with Cronulla having won just eight of their past 34 matches.
For Flanagan, who was Stuart's assistant at the Sydney Roosters before the duo came to Cronulla at the start of the 2007 season, the role will be his first head-coaching appointment.
Stuart said he was keen to coach again in the NRL, but denied he had spoken to any other club as yet.
"The decision at this time was right for me and the club," Stuart said.
"I'm over the hardest part and that was just then talking to the players.
"We've got a really close bond, they're a great group of players ... it was difficult in regards me talking to the players and telling them of my decision.
"I think the time's right, it's right for me to go out and look at some new challenges and I think the timing is also certainly right for the club."
Flanagan, who has a contract for the 2011 season with an option in the club's favour for 2012, said it had been a whirlwind few days given he has also been tied up with the NSW Origin side in his role as assistant to coach Craig Bellamy.
"It was very hard not to be wondering what was going on in offices and phone calls around the joint," Flanagan said.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity ... I've worked for this for a number of years."
Cronulla assistant Shane Flanagan will take over as Cronulla head coach next season after Ricky Stuart announced he would quit the post at the end of the NRL season.
Source:http://foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,27168211-23214,00.html?from=public_rss
Ricky Stuart set to leave Sharks
AAP
24 May 2010 11:02:00
Cronulla assistant Shane Flanagan will take over as Sharks head coach next season after Ricky Stuart on Monday announced he would quit the post at the end of the NRL season.
Stuart claimed it was the right time for him and the club to part way, with the Sharks agreeing to a release from the final year of his contract in 2011.
The Sharks have had a horrid 18 months with the club lurching from one off field drama to the next, while they have hardly fared better on the field with Cronulla having won just eight of their past 34 matches.
For Flanagan, who was Stuart's assistant at the Sydney Roosters before the duo came to Cronulla at the start of the 2007 season, the role will be his first head-coaching appointment.
Stuart said he was keen to coach again in the NRL, but denied he had spoken to any other club as yet.
"The decision at this time was right for me and the club," Stuart said.
"I'm over the hardest part and that was just then talking to the players.
"We've got a really close bond, they're a great group of players ... it was difficult in regards me talking to the players and telling them of my decision.
"I think the time's right, it's right for me to go out and look at some new challenges and I think the timing is also certainly right for the club."
Flanagan, who has a contract for the 2011 season with an option in the club's favour for 2012, said it had been a whirlwind few days given he has also been tied up with the NSW Origin side in his role as assistant to coach Craig Bellamy.
"It was very hard not to be wondering what was going on in offices and phone calls around the joint," Flanagan said.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity ... I've worked for this for a number of years."
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Sharks let Stuart go - ABC Online
[SIZE=-1][/SIZE]Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...96.htm&usg=AFQjCNFN2Xuk7w83-Ggxg6zWQX1K8WmK_A
Sharks let Stuart go
ABC/AAP
First posted May 24, 2010 12:14:00 Updated May 24, 2010 14:45:00
Cronulla will need to find a new mentor for 2011 after Ricky Stuart was today released from the final year of his contract as the club's coach.
Sharks assistant coach Shane Flanagan will take the reins from the start of next year.
The struggling Sharks are languishing at the bottom of the ladder with just three wins from 10 starts, after losing 10 straight to close out their woeful 2009 campaign.
Stuart, the former Australia and New South Wales Origin coach, has been at the helm at Cronulla since mid-2007, when he took over as head coach from Stuart Raper.
The club's best season in that span was 2008, when it finished third on the ladder with one of the best defensive records in the league and a 17-7 record.
"I genuinely wish to thank the club for its consideration for which has been a challenging period," Stuart said.
"The past two years have been unbelievably draining as head coach, both on and off the field.
"I wish the club all the best and I'm sure the club's youth policy for 2011 will blossom under fresh and innovative ideas.
"I'm proud of the group of players and coaching staff I have been privileged to work with. To see so many develop into representative players and more importantly to watch them grow as men, has been both satisfying and a real pleasure.
"I feel I have given my best efforts in all regards during my time at the club. I wish the Sharks all the best in future years."
Sharks chief executive Richard Fisk showered Stuart in praise, and said Cronulla will benefit from the leadership system he has developed at the club.
"Ricky Stuart is a unique and popular character with a great football brain and we have invested much in terms of planning and recruitment to support Ricky," he said.
"He has built a professional and dedicated coaching team at the Sharks which places the club in a strong position going forward as we implement our succession plan by giving Shane Flanagan his much deserved opportunity as an NRL first grade coach in 2011.
"It is rare for a club to be so well prepared for a smooth transition from one head coach to the next and this is something Ricky should be very proud of.
"Ricky knows he has a job to do with the players until the end of the season and I'm sure that will start with another win on Saturday against Brisbane."
Ironically, the announcement comes two days after the Sharks' upset 22-18 win over the Eels at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday - the second time they have beaten the 2009 finalists this season.
It is understood Stuart informed players of his decision this morning.
Stuart, who was contracted through to the end of the 2011 season, had repeatedly vowed to ride out the storm, with the club lurching from one drama to another both on and off the field over the past two years.
Only a matter of weeks ago Cronulla chairman Damien Irvine was forced to hose down rumours the club was on the look-out for a new coach with former St George Illawarra mentor Nathan Brown linked with a move to the Sharks.
Brown is on his way back to Australia following a stint in Super League with Huddersfield, though he denied he was returning with an NRL head coaching role already guaranteed.
Others to have been linked with the Sharks include former Dragons lower grade mentor Mick Potter and South Sydney assistant Kurt Wrigley, while current Cronulla and NSW Origin assistant coach Shane Flanagan would also be a likely contender to fill the void.
It is not yet clear what Stuart's next move will be, but he was linked with a move to the Wests Tigers with reports Tigers coach Tim Sheens has lost the support of some board members.
[SIZE=-1][/SIZE]Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...96.htm&usg=AFQjCNFN2Xuk7w83-Ggxg6zWQX1K8WmK_A
Sharks let Stuart go
ABC/AAP
First posted May 24, 2010 12:14:00 Updated May 24, 2010 14:45:00
Cronulla will need to find a new mentor for 2011 after Ricky Stuart was today released from the final year of his contract as the club's coach.
Sharks assistant coach Shane Flanagan will take the reins from the start of next year.
The struggling Sharks are languishing at the bottom of the ladder with just three wins from 10 starts, after losing 10 straight to close out their woeful 2009 campaign.
Stuart, the former Australia and New South Wales Origin coach, has been at the helm at Cronulla since mid-2007, when he took over as head coach from Stuart Raper.
The club's best season in that span was 2008, when it finished third on the ladder with one of the best defensive records in the league and a 17-7 record.
"I genuinely wish to thank the club for its consideration for which has been a challenging period," Stuart said.
"The past two years have been unbelievably draining as head coach, both on and off the field.
"I wish the club all the best and I'm sure the club's youth policy for 2011 will blossom under fresh and innovative ideas.
"I'm proud of the group of players and coaching staff I have been privileged to work with. To see so many develop into representative players and more importantly to watch them grow as men, has been both satisfying and a real pleasure.
"I feel I have given my best efforts in all regards during my time at the club. I wish the Sharks all the best in future years."
Sharks chief executive Richard Fisk showered Stuart in praise, and said Cronulla will benefit from the leadership system he has developed at the club.
"Ricky Stuart is a unique and popular character with a great football brain and we have invested much in terms of planning and recruitment to support Ricky," he said.
"He has built a professional and dedicated coaching team at the Sharks which places the club in a strong position going forward as we implement our succession plan by giving Shane Flanagan his much deserved opportunity as an NRL first grade coach in 2011.
"It is rare for a club to be so well prepared for a smooth transition from one head coach to the next and this is something Ricky should be very proud of.
"Ricky knows he has a job to do with the players until the end of the season and I'm sure that will start with another win on Saturday against Brisbane."
Ironically, the announcement comes two days after the Sharks' upset 22-18 win over the Eels at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday - the second time they have beaten the 2009 finalists this season.
It is understood Stuart informed players of his decision this morning.
Stuart, who was contracted through to the end of the 2011 season, had repeatedly vowed to ride out the storm, with the club lurching from one drama to another both on and off the field over the past two years.
Only a matter of weeks ago Cronulla chairman Damien Irvine was forced to hose down rumours the club was on the look-out for a new coach with former St George Illawarra mentor Nathan Brown linked with a move to the Sharks.
Brown is on his way back to Australia following a stint in Super League with Huddersfield, though he denied he was returning with an NRL head coaching role already guaranteed.
Others to have been linked with the Sharks include former Dragons lower grade mentor Mick Potter and South Sydney assistant Kurt Wrigley, while current Cronulla and NSW Origin assistant coach Shane Flanagan would also be a likely contender to fill the void.
It is not yet clear what Stuart's next move will be, but he was linked with a move to the Wests Tigers with reports Tigers coach Tim Sheens has lost the support of some board members.
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Stuart seeks another NRL club
RICKY Stuart still wants to coach in the NRL and will not switch to rugby union in Australia or overseas. Neither is he interested in coaching Super League in England.
Source:http://theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,27168628-2722,00.html?from=public_rss
Stuart seeks another NRL club
Margie McDonald
May 24, 2010 12:55PM
RICKY Stuart still wants to coach in the NRL and will not switch to rugby union in Australia or overseas. Neither is he interested in coaching Super League in England.
The 43 year-old, who resigned from Cronulla today with 18 monthe left on his contract, is simply worn out by the troubles the club has been embroiled in over the past two years.
"The time is right for Ricky Stuart," he told a packed media conference at the Sharks Leagues Club today. "This is probably the first time I’ve done something for me at the right time."
Stuart will remain coach for rest of the 2010 season but then hands the reigns over to his assistant Shane Flanagan, who has worked with him both at the Sharks and Sydney Roosters and has been NSW Origin assistant coach for the past three years.
The announcements were delayed 20 minutes because Stuart wanted to address his players before speaking publicly.
"I’m over the hardest part – talking with the players. It was very difficult to tell them. But as I said the time is right for me and I’m ready for some new challenges."
But he said he had no job offer to go to and there had been no approaches to either him directly or through his manager John Fordham.
However, he said he was willing to remain in the NRL from 2011.
"If the situation arises I’ll sit down with the right people to discuss it. But it isn’t in the forefront of my mind."
It was Stuart’s second NRL club. He spent five years at the Roosters, including a premiership in 2002 and three grand finals in a row, before a fall-out with the club in August 2006.
He started with the Sharks in 2007 and took them to the preliminary finals in 2008.
But otherwise it has been lean times in the Shire – 11th in 2007, 15th in 2009 and currently sitting in 15th with just three wins from 10 matches so far this year.
Stuart, his staff and players endured a horror year last season with the Matthew Johns group sex allegations from a Cronulla trip to New Zealand in 2002, the positive drugs test for Reni Maitua, the sacking of Paul Gallen as club captain over a racist remark, the drama over an assault on a female staff member that led former CEO Frank Zappia to fall on his sword.
And bubbling all the way through those scandals was the precarious financial state of the football club, as Cronulla awaits the construction of a retail-hotel accommodation complex on its land that promises to generate enough income to keep the Sharks viable.
"`People don’t realise what Ricky has been through. He has been the rock at this club over the past two years when we’ve had changes at board level and we’ve lost players – all forced onto him," said CEO Richard Fisk, who has been a long-time friend as he was marketing manager at the Roosters while Stuart coached there.
"He is a good friend and because of that I support his decision."
Stuart will be replaced by assistant Shane Flanagan next season.
Flanagan, who has a contract for the 2011 season with an option in the club's favour for 2012, said it had been a whirlwind few days given he has also been tied up with the NSW Origin side in his role as assistant to coach Craig Bellamy.
"It was very hard not to be wondering what was going on in offices and phone calls around the joint," Flanagan said.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity ... I've worked for this for a number of years."
RICKY Stuart still wants to coach in the NRL and will not switch to rugby union in Australia or overseas. Neither is he interested in coaching Super League in England.
Source:http://theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,27168628-2722,00.html?from=public_rss
Stuart seeks another NRL club
Margie McDonald
May 24, 2010 12:55PM
RICKY Stuart still wants to coach in the NRL and will not switch to rugby union in Australia or overseas. Neither is he interested in coaching Super League in England.
The 43 year-old, who resigned from Cronulla today with 18 monthe left on his contract, is simply worn out by the troubles the club has been embroiled in over the past two years.
"The time is right for Ricky Stuart," he told a packed media conference at the Sharks Leagues Club today. "This is probably the first time I’ve done something for me at the right time."
Stuart will remain coach for rest of the 2010 season but then hands the reigns over to his assistant Shane Flanagan, who has worked with him both at the Sharks and Sydney Roosters and has been NSW Origin assistant coach for the past three years.
The announcements were delayed 20 minutes because Stuart wanted to address his players before speaking publicly.
"I’m over the hardest part – talking with the players. It was very difficult to tell them. But as I said the time is right for me and I’m ready for some new challenges."
But he said he had no job offer to go to and there had been no approaches to either him directly or through his manager John Fordham.
However, he said he was willing to remain in the NRL from 2011.
"If the situation arises I’ll sit down with the right people to discuss it. But it isn’t in the forefront of my mind."
It was Stuart’s second NRL club. He spent five years at the Roosters, including a premiership in 2002 and three grand finals in a row, before a fall-out with the club in August 2006.
He started with the Sharks in 2007 and took them to the preliminary finals in 2008.
But otherwise it has been lean times in the Shire – 11th in 2007, 15th in 2009 and currently sitting in 15th with just three wins from 10 matches so far this year.
Stuart, his staff and players endured a horror year last season with the Matthew Johns group sex allegations from a Cronulla trip to New Zealand in 2002, the positive drugs test for Reni Maitua, the sacking of Paul Gallen as club captain over a racist remark, the drama over an assault on a female staff member that led former CEO Frank Zappia to fall on his sword.
And bubbling all the way through those scandals was the precarious financial state of the football club, as Cronulla awaits the construction of a retail-hotel accommodation complex on its land that promises to generate enough income to keep the Sharks viable.
"`People don’t realise what Ricky has been through. He has been the rock at this club over the past two years when we’ve had changes at board level and we’ve lost players – all forced onto him," said CEO Richard Fisk, who has been a long-time friend as he was marketing manager at the Roosters while Stuart coached there.
"He is a good friend and because of that I support his decision."
Stuart will be replaced by assistant Shane Flanagan next season.
Flanagan, who has a contract for the 2011 season with an option in the club's favour for 2012, said it had been a whirlwind few days given he has also been tied up with the NSW Origin side in his role as assistant to coach Craig Bellamy.
"It was very hard not to be wondering what was going on in offices and phone calls around the joint," Flanagan said.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity ... I've worked for this for a number of years."
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Stuart tight-lipped on life after Sharks - ABC Online
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...on=all&usg=AFQjCNE5ihU83YqM6rP880Pvqeu2gbYQpg
Stuart tight-lipped on life after Sharks
ABC/AAP
First posted May 24, 2010 16:46:00 Updated May 24, 2010 18:08:00
Cronulla coach Ricky Stuart says his decision to walk away from the final year of his contract was not prompted by talks with rival clubs or rugby union.
Stuart announced today his decision to quit as Sharks coach at the end of the 2010 NRL season after being granted an early release from his contract.
Sharks assistant coach Shane Flanagan will take the reins from the start of next year.
Stuart has been linked with the Melbourne Super Rugby and the Wests Tigers, but says he has not decided where he will coach next.
"Melbourne Rebels, rugby union or rugby league - I haven't had any contact," he said.
"I think the time is right. It's right for me to go out now and look at some new challenges.
"I think also the time is certainly right for the club."
The struggling Sharks are languishing at the bottom of the ladder with just three wins from 10 starts, after losing 10 straight to close out their woeful 2009 campaign.
Stuart, the former Australia and New South Wales Origin coach, has been at the helm at Cronulla since mid-2007, when he took over as head coach from Stuart Raper.
The club's best season in that span was 2008, when it finished third on the ladder with one of the best defensive records in the league and a 17-7 record.
"I genuinely wish to thank the club for its consideration for which has been a challenging period," Stuart said.
"The past two years have been unbelievably draining as head coach, both on and off the field.
"I wish the club all the best and I'm sure the club's youth policy for 2011 will blossom under fresh and innovative ideas.
"I'm proud of the group of players and coaching staff I have been privileged to work with. To see so many develop into representative players and more importantly to watch them grow as men, has been both satisfying and a real pleasure.
"I feel I have given my best efforts in all regards during my time at the club. I wish the Sharks all the best in future years."
'Unique, popular'
Sharks chief executive Richard Fisk showered Stuart in praise, and said Cronulla will benefit from the leadership system he has developed at the club.
"Ricky Stuart is a unique and popular character with a great football brain and we have invested much in terms of planning and recruitment to support Ricky," he said.
"He has built a professional and dedicated coaching team at the Sharks which places the club in a strong position going forward as we implement our succession plan by giving Shane Flanagan his much deserved opportunity as an NRL first grade coach in 2011.
"It is rare for a club to be so well prepared for a smooth transition from one head coach to the next and this is something Ricky should be very proud of.
"Ricky knows he has a job to do with the players until the end of the season and I'm sure that will start with another win on Saturday against Brisbane."
Ironically, the announcement comes two days after the Sharks' upset 22-18 win over the Eels at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday - the second time they have beaten the 2009 finalists this season.
It is understood Stuart informed players of his decision on Monday morning.
Stuart, who was contracted through to the end of the 2011 season, had repeatedly vowed to ride out the storm, with the club lurching from one drama to another both on and off the field over the past two years.
Only a matter of weeks ago Cronulla chairman Damien Irvine was forced to hose down rumours the club was on the look-out for a new coach with former St George Illawarra mentor Nathan Brown linked with a move to the Sharks.
Brown is on his way back to Australia following a stint in Super League with Huddersfield, though he denied he was returning with an NRL head coaching role already guaranteed.
Others that were linked with the Sharks included former Dragons lower grade mentor Mick Potter and South Sydney assistant Kurt Wrigley.
It is not yet clear what Stuart's next move will be, but he was linked with a move to the Wests Tigers with reports Tigers coach Tim Sheens has lost the support of some board members.
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...on=all&usg=AFQjCNE5ihU83YqM6rP880Pvqeu2gbYQpg
Stuart tight-lipped on life after Sharks
ABC/AAP
First posted May 24, 2010 16:46:00 Updated May 24, 2010 18:08:00
Cronulla coach Ricky Stuart says his decision to walk away from the final year of his contract was not prompted by talks with rival clubs or rugby union.
Stuart announced today his decision to quit as Sharks coach at the end of the 2010 NRL season after being granted an early release from his contract.
Sharks assistant coach Shane Flanagan will take the reins from the start of next year.
Stuart has been linked with the Melbourne Super Rugby and the Wests Tigers, but says he has not decided where he will coach next.
"Melbourne Rebels, rugby union or rugby league - I haven't had any contact," he said.
"I think the time is right. It's right for me to go out now and look at some new challenges.
"I think also the time is certainly right for the club."
The struggling Sharks are languishing at the bottom of the ladder with just three wins from 10 starts, after losing 10 straight to close out their woeful 2009 campaign.
Stuart, the former Australia and New South Wales Origin coach, has been at the helm at Cronulla since mid-2007, when he took over as head coach from Stuart Raper.
The club's best season in that span was 2008, when it finished third on the ladder with one of the best defensive records in the league and a 17-7 record.
"I genuinely wish to thank the club for its consideration for which has been a challenging period," Stuart said.
"The past two years have been unbelievably draining as head coach, both on and off the field.
"I wish the club all the best and I'm sure the club's youth policy for 2011 will blossom under fresh and innovative ideas.
"I'm proud of the group of players and coaching staff I have been privileged to work with. To see so many develop into representative players and more importantly to watch them grow as men, has been both satisfying and a real pleasure.
"I feel I have given my best efforts in all regards during my time at the club. I wish the Sharks all the best in future years."
'Unique, popular'
Sharks chief executive Richard Fisk showered Stuart in praise, and said Cronulla will benefit from the leadership system he has developed at the club.
"Ricky Stuart is a unique and popular character with a great football brain and we have invested much in terms of planning and recruitment to support Ricky," he said.
"He has built a professional and dedicated coaching team at the Sharks which places the club in a strong position going forward as we implement our succession plan by giving Shane Flanagan his much deserved opportunity as an NRL first grade coach in 2011.
"It is rare for a club to be so well prepared for a smooth transition from one head coach to the next and this is something Ricky should be very proud of.
"Ricky knows he has a job to do with the players until the end of the season and I'm sure that will start with another win on Saturday against Brisbane."
Ironically, the announcement comes two days after the Sharks' upset 22-18 win over the Eels at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday - the second time they have beaten the 2009 finalists this season.
It is understood Stuart informed players of his decision on Monday morning.
Stuart, who was contracted through to the end of the 2011 season, had repeatedly vowed to ride out the storm, with the club lurching from one drama to another both on and off the field over the past two years.
Only a matter of weeks ago Cronulla chairman Damien Irvine was forced to hose down rumours the club was on the look-out for a new coach with former St George Illawarra mentor Nathan Brown linked with a move to the Sharks.
Brown is on his way back to Australia following a stint in Super League with Huddersfield, though he denied he was returning with an NRL head coaching role already guaranteed.
Others that were linked with the Sharks included former Dragons lower grade mentor Mick Potter and South Sydney assistant Kurt Wrigley.
It is not yet clear what Stuart's next move will be, but he was linked with a move to the Wests Tigers with reports Tigers coach Tim Sheens has lost the support of some board members.
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Ricky Stuart Quits As Cronulla Sharks Coach
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...433536&usg=AFQjCNE3N_UDgc-RTd5bDRFEMpwUaW3lfw
Ricky Stuart quits as Cronulla Sharks coach
Phil Rothfield
May 24, 2010 10:31AM
EMBATTLED coach Ricky Stuart has quit the Cronulla Sharks. The former Test and Origin coach has handed in his resignation and will leave at the end of the season.
I asked Stuart about his future at the Sharks last week and he said: “I don’t want to talk about it.”
It is believed he has been in talks with the Sharks management about his future for several weeks.
Have your say on Buzz's blog
The club has confirmed that assistant coach Shane Flanagan will be Stuart's replacement next year.
Flanagan, who has a contract for the 2011 season with an option in the club's favour for 2012, said it had been a whirlwind few days given he has also been tied up with the NSW Origin side in his role as assistant to coach Craig Bellamy.
"It was very hard not to be wondering what was going on in offices and phone calls around the joint," Flanagan said.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity ... I've worked for this for a number of years."
Over the weekend, Stuart’s named was linked to the Wests Tigers.
Stuart said he was keen to coach again in the NRL, but denied he had spoken to any other club as yet.
"The decision at this time was right for me and the club," Stuart said.
"I'm over the hardest part and that was just then talking to the players.
"We've got a really close bond, they're a great group of players ... it was difficult in regards me talking to the players and telling them of my decision.
"I think the time's right, it's right for me to go out and look at some new challenges and I think the timing is also certainly right for the club."
Stuart’s manager John Fordham said he had been in discussions with the club about leaving for several weeks.
“Ricky just feels it’s time he looks for another challenge,’’ Fordham said.
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...433536&usg=AFQjCNE3N_UDgc-RTd5bDRFEMpwUaW3lfw
Ricky Stuart quits as Cronulla Sharks coach
Phil Rothfield
May 24, 2010 10:31AM
EMBATTLED coach Ricky Stuart has quit the Cronulla Sharks. The former Test and Origin coach has handed in his resignation and will leave at the end of the season.
I asked Stuart about his future at the Sharks last week and he said: “I don’t want to talk about it.”
It is believed he has been in talks with the Sharks management about his future for several weeks.
Have your say on Buzz's blog
The club has confirmed that assistant coach Shane Flanagan will be Stuart's replacement next year.
Flanagan, who has a contract for the 2011 season with an option in the club's favour for 2012, said it had been a whirlwind few days given he has also been tied up with the NSW Origin side in his role as assistant to coach Craig Bellamy.
"It was very hard not to be wondering what was going on in offices and phone calls around the joint," Flanagan said.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity ... I've worked for this for a number of years."
Over the weekend, Stuart’s named was linked to the Wests Tigers.
Stuart said he was keen to coach again in the NRL, but denied he had spoken to any other club as yet.
"The decision at this time was right for me and the club," Stuart said.
"I'm over the hardest part and that was just then talking to the players.
"We've got a really close bond, they're a great group of players ... it was difficult in regards me talking to the players and telling them of my decision.
"I think the time's right, it's right for me to go out and look at some new challenges and I think the timing is also certainly right for the club."
Stuart’s manager John Fordham said he had been in discussions with the club about leaving for several weeks.
“Ricky just feels it’s time he looks for another challenge,’’ Fordham said.
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Stuart won't coach Tigers - sportal.com.au
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...-91856&usg=AFQjCNHltli_kSs4geJm648cPCS8T-0weg
Stuart won't coach Tigers
24/05/2010 6:06 PM
Steve Orme
Departing Cronulla coach Ricky Stuart has rubbished reports suggesting he will coach the Wests Tigers from next season, insisting he would never betray former mentor and close friend Tim Sheens.
Stuart announced his shock decision to cut ties with Cronulla at the end of the current campaign at Sharks headquarters on Monday, with his current assistant Shane Flanagan to take over from next season.
Forty-three-year-old Stuart, though, expressed his desire to coach an NRL club next season but is adamant he has not had any contact with rival clubs despite being linked to both the Tigers and rugby union expansion club the Melbourne Rebels.
But while South Sydney and the Tigers are the most obvious destinations, with Sheens seemingly on thin ice despite having a season to run on his contract and John Lang considered a short-term option at the Bunnies, Stuart is adamant coaching the Tigers is not an option.
"Contrary to the report in yesterday's paper in regards to Tim Sheens and myself, I've never spoken to any club or Balmain (Wests Tigers)," Stuart told a packed press conference at Sharks headquarters on Monday.
"And if the opportunity did arise I purely would not go anywhere near it out of the respect I have for Tim Sheens."
"I know how hard it is to coach first grade, so when you have administrators who want to talk about other coaches and you've got a contract to the club it makes it very, very hard as you saw yesterday, and I felt for Tim."
"I was going to call him but I didn't think it was necessary because he'd ring me if he thought there was something to it."
Stuart, who was contracted to the Sharks until the end of 2011, says his fierce loyalty for his current players prevented him from holding talks with rival clubs.
"Contrary to what you all read and hear I can honestly say that myself or (manager) John Fordham have not had any contact from any other football club," he said.
"For the last three months I've been linked with the Melbourne Rebels - and I didn't even know who the Rebels were ... and I can honestly tell you that I haven't had any contact from the Melbourne Rebels, rugby union or rugby league."
"Why, is because I want to do this professionally and the main people in my life at the moment outside family are players, and I wouldn't do it to them."
Pressed on his reasons for jumping ship a year early, Stuart, who broke the news to his players moments before fronting the media, replied: "The timing's right for Ricky Stuart. It's probably the first decision I've made for Ricky Stuart at the Cronulla Sharks for the last three-and-a-half years I've been here."
"The timing is so right now, and it gives the club the chance to move forward in regards to their decisions with coaching and recruitment and it's very comfortable for me."
"We're just about to start recruitment and I think that's very important for any player that's going to come to the club to know who the coach is and I congratulate Shane (Flanagan) who has got the job."
"I'm sure that senior management here has spoken to a number of senior players and they've all endorsed Shane's position and I honestly do wish him all the best."
Stuart expressed regret at his failure to deliver an elusive premiership to Sharks fans during his tenure at the club, but vowed to guide the side back to the NRL finals this season.
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...-91856&usg=AFQjCNHltli_kSs4geJm648cPCS8T-0weg
Stuart won't coach Tigers
24/05/2010 6:06 PM
Steve Orme
Departing Cronulla coach Ricky Stuart has rubbished reports suggesting he will coach the Wests Tigers from next season, insisting he would never betray former mentor and close friend Tim Sheens.
Stuart announced his shock decision to cut ties with Cronulla at the end of the current campaign at Sharks headquarters on Monday, with his current assistant Shane Flanagan to take over from next season.
Forty-three-year-old Stuart, though, expressed his desire to coach an NRL club next season but is adamant he has not had any contact with rival clubs despite being linked to both the Tigers and rugby union expansion club the Melbourne Rebels.
But while South Sydney and the Tigers are the most obvious destinations, with Sheens seemingly on thin ice despite having a season to run on his contract and John Lang considered a short-term option at the Bunnies, Stuart is adamant coaching the Tigers is not an option.
"Contrary to the report in yesterday's paper in regards to Tim Sheens and myself, I've never spoken to any club or Balmain (Wests Tigers)," Stuart told a packed press conference at Sharks headquarters on Monday.
"And if the opportunity did arise I purely would not go anywhere near it out of the respect I have for Tim Sheens."
"I know how hard it is to coach first grade, so when you have administrators who want to talk about other coaches and you've got a contract to the club it makes it very, very hard as you saw yesterday, and I felt for Tim."
"I was going to call him but I didn't think it was necessary because he'd ring me if he thought there was something to it."
Stuart, who was contracted to the Sharks until the end of 2011, says his fierce loyalty for his current players prevented him from holding talks with rival clubs.
"Contrary to what you all read and hear I can honestly say that myself or (manager) John Fordham have not had any contact from any other football club," he said.
"For the last three months I've been linked with the Melbourne Rebels - and I didn't even know who the Rebels were ... and I can honestly tell you that I haven't had any contact from the Melbourne Rebels, rugby union or rugby league."
"Why, is because I want to do this professionally and the main people in my life at the moment outside family are players, and I wouldn't do it to them."
Pressed on his reasons for jumping ship a year early, Stuart, who broke the news to his players moments before fronting the media, replied: "The timing's right for Ricky Stuart. It's probably the first decision I've made for Ricky Stuart at the Cronulla Sharks for the last three-and-a-half years I've been here."
"The timing is so right now, and it gives the club the chance to move forward in regards to their decisions with coaching and recruitment and it's very comfortable for me."
"We're just about to start recruitment and I think that's very important for any player that's going to come to the club to know who the coach is and I congratulate Shane (Flanagan) who has got the job."
"I'm sure that senior management here has spoken to a number of senior players and they've all endorsed Shane's position and I honestly do wish him all the best."
Stuart expressed regret at his failure to deliver an elusive premiership to Sharks fans during his tenure at the club, but vowed to guide the side back to the NRL finals this season.
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Shark Park claims another victim - sportal.com.au
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...-91861&usg=AFQjCNE9Ya1iI8_9-A8kJArFFHVY6yRaDA
Shark Park claims another victim
24/05/2010 7:54 PM
Adam Lucius
Jack Gibson famously said that waiting for Cronulla to win the premiership was like leaving the front porch light on for Harold Holt.
Big Jack was talking from personal experience, having been one of the many to experience the frustration and futility in attempting to bring a maiden title back to the Shire.
Gibson, Arthur Beetson, Tommy Bishop, Norm Provan, Greg Pierce, Stuart Raper – to name just a handful - all arrived with high hopes of ending the drought.
They walked away beaten men.
You can now add Ricky Stuart to the casualty list.
He will depart Shark Park a tortured soul, having endured arguably the toughest tenure of any of those who went before him.
While Jack, Artie, Tommy et al all lived through the radical form swings that only the Sharks can produce, Stuart's diary of drama will never be beaten.
It all began to go pear-shaped deep into the 2008 campaign when, with the Sharks motoring along at the top of the competition, Greg Bird was arrested and charged with assault.
He never played for the club again.
Predictably, the wheels fell off Cronulla's season and they were thrashed by Melbourne in the grand final qualifier – chalking up the 41st straight year of failure.
But if the travails of 2008 were bad enough, it had nothing on what was around the corner the following year.
Try this on for a diary of disaster:
• Brett Seymour sacked for attempting to crash tackle pavers on Cronulla Mall after a day and night on the ink;
• CEO Tony Zappia punted for making inappropriate remarks to a female employee after accidentally striking her in the face;
• Rookie half-back Scott Porter's mum dies suddenly;
• Reni Maitua sacked following a positive drugs test;
• The club dragged through the mud over the Matthew Johns group sex scandal.
There was still some football to be played amid all the drama but that did nothing to ease the pain. In fact, it only added to it.
The Sharks won just five games and only avoided the wooden spoon on for and against after the Roosters lost their last round match in dubious circumstances.
The 2010 campaign opened amid rumours the club was on the verge of going under.
The dour on-field performances wouldn't be helping the bottom line, just three wins from 10 starts leaving the Sharks embracing the bottom of the table again.
In the club's past 34 games, Up, Up Cronulla has been sung just eight times.
Something had to give. Stuart knew it, the club knew it, the supporters knew it.
The former Kangaroo is such an intense character that he carries a use-by date at any club he coaches.
That had expired long ago at Cronulla. He could do no more.
His passion for the job was without question but there have been worrying signs this year that the players weren't playing for him anymore.
Renowned and respected for scrapping to the end, the Sharks have turned it up on a number of occasions.
Their playing roster isn't as great as some other clubs, nor is it as poor as it is sometimes portrayed.
They should be travelling better.
Stuart will be remembered as a coach who gave it his best shot but ultimately failed to deliver that elusive premiership.
Ricky's assistant Stuart Flanagan now steps into the hot seat, the latest to take on the challenge of breaking Cronulla's 43-year hoodoo.
Good luck Stu but we hate to tell you … there's still no sign of Harold.
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...-91861&usg=AFQjCNE9Ya1iI8_9-A8kJArFFHVY6yRaDA
Shark Park claims another victim
24/05/2010 7:54 PM
Adam Lucius
Jack Gibson famously said that waiting for Cronulla to win the premiership was like leaving the front porch light on for Harold Holt.
Big Jack was talking from personal experience, having been one of the many to experience the frustration and futility in attempting to bring a maiden title back to the Shire.
Gibson, Arthur Beetson, Tommy Bishop, Norm Provan, Greg Pierce, Stuart Raper – to name just a handful - all arrived with high hopes of ending the drought.
They walked away beaten men.
You can now add Ricky Stuart to the casualty list.
He will depart Shark Park a tortured soul, having endured arguably the toughest tenure of any of those who went before him.
While Jack, Artie, Tommy et al all lived through the radical form swings that only the Sharks can produce, Stuart's diary of drama will never be beaten.
It all began to go pear-shaped deep into the 2008 campaign when, with the Sharks motoring along at the top of the competition, Greg Bird was arrested and charged with assault.
He never played for the club again.
Predictably, the wheels fell off Cronulla's season and they were thrashed by Melbourne in the grand final qualifier – chalking up the 41st straight year of failure.
But if the travails of 2008 were bad enough, it had nothing on what was around the corner the following year.
Try this on for a diary of disaster:
• Brett Seymour sacked for attempting to crash tackle pavers on Cronulla Mall after a day and night on the ink;
• CEO Tony Zappia punted for making inappropriate remarks to a female employee after accidentally striking her in the face;
• Rookie half-back Scott Porter's mum dies suddenly;
• Reni Maitua sacked following a positive drugs test;
• The club dragged through the mud over the Matthew Johns group sex scandal.
There was still some football to be played amid all the drama but that did nothing to ease the pain. In fact, it only added to it.
The Sharks won just five games and only avoided the wooden spoon on for and against after the Roosters lost their last round match in dubious circumstances.
The 2010 campaign opened amid rumours the club was on the verge of going under.
The dour on-field performances wouldn't be helping the bottom line, just three wins from 10 starts leaving the Sharks embracing the bottom of the table again.
In the club's past 34 games, Up, Up Cronulla has been sung just eight times.
Something had to give. Stuart knew it, the club knew it, the supporters knew it.
The former Kangaroo is such an intense character that he carries a use-by date at any club he coaches.
That had expired long ago at Cronulla. He could do no more.
His passion for the job was without question but there have been worrying signs this year that the players weren't playing for him anymore.
Renowned and respected for scrapping to the end, the Sharks have turned it up on a number of occasions.
Their playing roster isn't as great as some other clubs, nor is it as poor as it is sometimes portrayed.
They should be travelling better.
Stuart will be remembered as a coach who gave it his best shot but ultimately failed to deliver that elusive premiership.
Ricky's assistant Stuart Flanagan now steps into the hot seat, the latest to take on the challenge of breaking Cronulla's 43-year hoodoo.
Good luck Stu but we hate to tell you … there's still no sign of Harold.
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Ricky Stuart's Cronulla exit puts pressure on coaches of underperforming NRL teams - Courier Mail
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...761008&usg=AFQjCNFE10Ay2mKU9-A31t4al2CJIjV1kQ
Ricky Stuart's Cronulla exit puts pressure on coaches of underperforming NRL teams
by Karl Dekroo
May 24, 2010 9:31PM
THE bombshell resignation of Sharks coach Ricky Stuart yesterday sent a shockwave around the NRL, with fledgling Broncos coach Ivan Henjak among those set to feel the heat.
Just hours after announcing he would leave the battling Sharks at season's end, Stuart confirmed his desire to remain in the NRL. He was immediately linked to a series of clubs including Wests Tigers, South Sydney and the Broncos.
For more NRL news pick up your copy of The Courier-Mail
The Broncos signed Henjak to a two-year contract extension at the end of last year, but have recently brought former forward Andrew Gee back to the club to conduct a full review of football operations.
When previously asked if anyone at the club should fear for their job as part of the review process, Gee, who did not return calls yesterday, said: "Definitely not. Nothing is going to change in the short term."
After a poor start to this season, in which the Broncos won just two of their opening eight games, Broncos CEO Bruno Cullen, who also failed to return calls yesterday, moved to assure Henjak that his position was safe.
"I would hate to think a coach from any club would be sacked because he lost half his team through injury and they didn't win a game," Cullen said.
But Broncos management was also coy about the future of Israel Folau before it was revealed the NRL was negotiating with the club to source third party arrangements outside the salary cap (see story P76).
It is thought that Stuart's name was among those considered before the Broncos elected to name Henjak as inaugural coach Wayne Bennett's successor.
Stuart yesterday claimed he had no job offer and there had been no approaches to either him directly or through his manager John Fordham.
"I just think the time's right, it's right for me to go out and look at some new challenges and I think the timing is also certainly right for the club," said Stuart, who will be replaced by his assistant Shane Flanagan.
"I'm a professional coach, I want to keep coaching.
"England's not an option – I'm only young in my career of coaching."
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...761008&usg=AFQjCNFE10Ay2mKU9-A31t4al2CJIjV1kQ
Ricky Stuart's Cronulla exit puts pressure on coaches of underperforming NRL teams
by Karl Dekroo
May 24, 2010 9:31PM
THE bombshell resignation of Sharks coach Ricky Stuart yesterday sent a shockwave around the NRL, with fledgling Broncos coach Ivan Henjak among those set to feel the heat.
Just hours after announcing he would leave the battling Sharks at season's end, Stuart confirmed his desire to remain in the NRL. He was immediately linked to a series of clubs including Wests Tigers, South Sydney and the Broncos.
For more NRL news pick up your copy of The Courier-Mail
The Broncos signed Henjak to a two-year contract extension at the end of last year, but have recently brought former forward Andrew Gee back to the club to conduct a full review of football operations.
When previously asked if anyone at the club should fear for their job as part of the review process, Gee, who did not return calls yesterday, said: "Definitely not. Nothing is going to change in the short term."
After a poor start to this season, in which the Broncos won just two of their opening eight games, Broncos CEO Bruno Cullen, who also failed to return calls yesterday, moved to assure Henjak that his position was safe.
"I would hate to think a coach from any club would be sacked because he lost half his team through injury and they didn't win a game," Cullen said.
But Broncos management was also coy about the future of Israel Folau before it was revealed the NRL was negotiating with the club to source third party arrangements outside the salary cap (see story P76).
It is thought that Stuart's name was among those considered before the Broncos elected to name Henjak as inaugural coach Wayne Bennett's successor.
Stuart yesterday claimed he had no job offer and there had been no approaches to either him directly or through his manager John Fordham.
"I just think the time's right, it's right for me to go out and look at some new challenges and I think the timing is also certainly right for the club," said Stuart, who will be replaced by his assistant Shane Flanagan.
"I'm a professional coach, I want to keep coaching.
"England's not an option – I'm only young in my career of coaching."
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Why Stuart quit as Sharks coach - Herald Sun
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...789983&usg=AFQjCNE5sIIYawUjOLzPJz3kdmXmuR1w9A
Why Stuart quit as Sharks coach
by Dean Ritchie
May 25, 2010 12:00AM
CRONULLA is a political minefield with revelations emerging that senior players and coaching staff - including head coach Ricky Stuart - are at loggerheads with the club's board.
The Sharks' internal dramas were a major reason Stuart quit the club yesterday despite having another season to run on his contract.
Stuart, the former NSW and Australian coach, will finish this season in charge before handing over to Shane Flanagan, Cronulla's assistant coach, for 2011.
The Daily Telegraph can today reveal:
SENIOR Cronulla players were not consulted by the club's board over Stuart's shock resignation;
STUART and Sharks chairman Damian Irvine have a relationship fractured beyond repair;
THE board was split over whether to accept Stuart's resignation;
SOME internal factions wanted to advertise for the vacant coaching position, others were adamant Flanagan deserved his chance after five years as assistant coach; and
INSTABILITY at board level has worn Stuart down in recent months.
Stuart approached the board last week about quitting after this year.
Privately, he realised his damaged relationship with some board members could not be repaired. The board fast-tracked their approval for Stuart to quit but, in doing so, forgot to consult senior players.
The Daily Telegraph can also reveal Stuart was privately upset that Irvine had linked Nathan Brown to the club as a future coach.
"How would you feel - of course Ricky was upset, particularly after he held the club together last year," said one well-placed Sharks source.
At a media conference at Cronulla Leagues Club yesterday, Stuart refused to identify the boardroom issues. Asked why he wanted to leave, Stuart said: "The decision at this time was right for Ricky Stuart and for the Cronulla Sharks.
"I'm over the hardest part and that was just then talking to the players [yesterday morning].
"We've got a really close bond, they're a great group of players ... it was difficult in regards me telling them of my decision.
"I think the time's right, it's right for me to go out and look at some new challenges and I think the timing is also certainly right for the club. But it was a very difficult decision."
Stuart has a strong friendship with the club's senior players, most notably Paul Gallen and Trent Barrett. Asked were the players consulted about the board's decision to allow the resignation, Barrett said: "I spoke to Sticky [Stuart], he is a mate of mine. But I didn't talk to anyone else.
"Going forward, maybe senior players like Paul Gallen and Kade Snowden should be filled in on decisions.
"Not so much me, I may not be here next year, but these guys will be at the club for years to come and they need to be kept happy."
Sharks CEO Richard Fisk described Stuart as the "rock that held this club together last season".
Players supporting Stuart are privately miffed at the fall-out between their coach and the board. "It's important for the players that they know I am there to help them, and not just on the field with their football," said Stuart, who wants to continue coaching in the NRL next season and has been linked to Wests Tigers, Brisbane and the Melbourne Rebels rugby union club.
Stuart's mid-season decision to announce he is leaving allows Flanagan to become involved in recruitment for 2011 and to implement some of his training strategies.
"I would have loved to have had success here and loved to have delivered something the club hasn't been able to achieve," Stuart said.
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...789983&usg=AFQjCNE5sIIYawUjOLzPJz3kdmXmuR1w9A
Why Stuart quit as Sharks coach
by Dean Ritchie
May 25, 2010 12:00AM
CRONULLA is a political minefield with revelations emerging that senior players and coaching staff - including head coach Ricky Stuart - are at loggerheads with the club's board.
The Sharks' internal dramas were a major reason Stuart quit the club yesterday despite having another season to run on his contract.
Stuart, the former NSW and Australian coach, will finish this season in charge before handing over to Shane Flanagan, Cronulla's assistant coach, for 2011.
The Daily Telegraph can today reveal:
SENIOR Cronulla players were not consulted by the club's board over Stuart's shock resignation;
STUART and Sharks chairman Damian Irvine have a relationship fractured beyond repair;
THE board was split over whether to accept Stuart's resignation;
SOME internal factions wanted to advertise for the vacant coaching position, others were adamant Flanagan deserved his chance after five years as assistant coach; and
INSTABILITY at board level has worn Stuart down in recent months.
Stuart approached the board last week about quitting after this year.
Privately, he realised his damaged relationship with some board members could not be repaired. The board fast-tracked their approval for Stuart to quit but, in doing so, forgot to consult senior players.
The Daily Telegraph can also reveal Stuart was privately upset that Irvine had linked Nathan Brown to the club as a future coach.
"How would you feel - of course Ricky was upset, particularly after he held the club together last year," said one well-placed Sharks source.
At a media conference at Cronulla Leagues Club yesterday, Stuart refused to identify the boardroom issues. Asked why he wanted to leave, Stuart said: "The decision at this time was right for Ricky Stuart and for the Cronulla Sharks.
"I'm over the hardest part and that was just then talking to the players [yesterday morning].
"We've got a really close bond, they're a great group of players ... it was difficult in regards me telling them of my decision.
"I think the time's right, it's right for me to go out and look at some new challenges and I think the timing is also certainly right for the club. But it was a very difficult decision."
Stuart has a strong friendship with the club's senior players, most notably Paul Gallen and Trent Barrett. Asked were the players consulted about the board's decision to allow the resignation, Barrett said: "I spoke to Sticky [Stuart], he is a mate of mine. But I didn't talk to anyone else.
"Going forward, maybe senior players like Paul Gallen and Kade Snowden should be filled in on decisions.
"Not so much me, I may not be here next year, but these guys will be at the club for years to come and they need to be kept happy."
Sharks CEO Richard Fisk described Stuart as the "rock that held this club together last season".
Players supporting Stuart are privately miffed at the fall-out between their coach and the board. "It's important for the players that they know I am there to help them, and not just on the field with their football," said Stuart, who wants to continue coaching in the NRL next season and has been linked to Wests Tigers, Brisbane and the Melbourne Rebels rugby union club.
Stuart's mid-season decision to announce he is leaving allows Flanagan to become involved in recruitment for 2011 and to implement some of his training strategies.
"I would have loved to have had success here and loved to have delivered something the club hasn't been able to achieve," Stuart said.
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Stuart quits Cronulla but not the game - The Age
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...k.html&usg=AFQjCNEe4W-N3svzh-hWPyMVjMnFTA3Aow
Stuart quits Cronulla but not the game
STEVE JANCETIC, SYDNEY
May 25, 2010
RICKY Stuart has vowed to return to the NRL after claiming he finally took care of No. 1 in quitting as Cronulla coach with one year left in the job.
Stuart shocked the rugby league community by announcing he would walk away from the Sharks after the 2010 season - handing over the reins to long-time assistant Shane Flanagan.
Stuart's resignation capped a tumultuous two years for the club, a 24-month span that has seen the Sharks fight off bankruptcy amid myriad off-field scandals and dismal on-field performances.
Through it all Stuart had stood firm, but by the end of last week, enough was enough.
''I think the time's right, it's right for me to go out and look at some new challenges and I think the timing is also certainly right for the club,'' Stuart said.
He said he would take some time before considering his options, but denied he left the Sharks with another job in the pipeline.
''I'm a professional coach, I want to keep coaching,'' Stuart said. ''England's not an option - I'm only young in my career of coaching.''
Asked if he was prepared to coach next season, Stuart said: ''If the situation arises, but it isn't at the forefront of my mind in making this decision.''
Weekend reports linked Stuart with a move to Wests Tigers to replace Tim Sheens should the Tigers fail to make the finals this season, while the dual international also hosed down rumours of interest from new Super 15 franchise Melbourne Rebels.
''I'm a rugby league coach and I believe I will be a rugby league coach for many, many years,'' Stuart said.
''I can honestly say that myself or John Fordham have not had any contact from any other football club.
''For the last three months I've been linked with the Melbourne Rebels - I didn't even know who the Rebels were when this first happened. Melbourne Rebels, rugby union or rugby league, I haven't had any contact.
''I've never spoken to any (NRL clubs including the Tigers) and if the opportunity did arise I purely would not go anywhere near it, out of the respect I have for Tim Sheens.''
While Stuart said the hardest part of his resignation was telling the players, he would have at least got some joy in seeing Flanagan given his first crack at NRL level after a 14-year apprenticeship - the past six of which have been under him.
Flanagan admitted he faced a tough task in lifting the Sharks out of the doldrums, but it was a situation he had been preparing for.
''For any rookie coach to get a job there's going to be some sort of turmoil - the club's either come last or the coach hasn't been performing,'' Flanagan said.
''Whenever I got a job I knew that was going to be the case … I'm just looking forward to turning it all around.
''I want to coach in the NRL - I've been working hard for it over the last couple of years.''
■ Not content with being NSW's oldest halfback, 33-year-old Brett Kimmorley says he'll still be available for State of Origin football next year. Kimmorley is keen for another season of NRL action with Canterbury and negotiations between his manager George Mimis and the club have begun.
''I've sort of made that understanding that I think I'd be happy to go on again so I'm hoping it won't be too hard to get it all together,'' Kimmorley said.
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...k.html&usg=AFQjCNEe4W-N3svzh-hWPyMVjMnFTA3Aow
Stuart quits Cronulla but not the game
STEVE JANCETIC, SYDNEY
May 25, 2010
RICKY Stuart has vowed to return to the NRL after claiming he finally took care of No. 1 in quitting as Cronulla coach with one year left in the job.
Stuart shocked the rugby league community by announcing he would walk away from the Sharks after the 2010 season - handing over the reins to long-time assistant Shane Flanagan.
Stuart's resignation capped a tumultuous two years for the club, a 24-month span that has seen the Sharks fight off bankruptcy amid myriad off-field scandals and dismal on-field performances.
Through it all Stuart had stood firm, but by the end of last week, enough was enough.
''I think the time's right, it's right for me to go out and look at some new challenges and I think the timing is also certainly right for the club,'' Stuart said.
He said he would take some time before considering his options, but denied he left the Sharks with another job in the pipeline.
''I'm a professional coach, I want to keep coaching,'' Stuart said. ''England's not an option - I'm only young in my career of coaching.''
Asked if he was prepared to coach next season, Stuart said: ''If the situation arises, but it isn't at the forefront of my mind in making this decision.''
Weekend reports linked Stuart with a move to Wests Tigers to replace Tim Sheens should the Tigers fail to make the finals this season, while the dual international also hosed down rumours of interest from new Super 15 franchise Melbourne Rebels.
''I'm a rugby league coach and I believe I will be a rugby league coach for many, many years,'' Stuart said.
''I can honestly say that myself or John Fordham have not had any contact from any other football club.
''For the last three months I've been linked with the Melbourne Rebels - I didn't even know who the Rebels were when this first happened. Melbourne Rebels, rugby union or rugby league, I haven't had any contact.
''I've never spoken to any (NRL clubs including the Tigers) and if the opportunity did arise I purely would not go anywhere near it, out of the respect I have for Tim Sheens.''
While Stuart said the hardest part of his resignation was telling the players, he would have at least got some joy in seeing Flanagan given his first crack at NRL level after a 14-year apprenticeship - the past six of which have been under him.
Flanagan admitted he faced a tough task in lifting the Sharks out of the doldrums, but it was a situation he had been preparing for.
''For any rookie coach to get a job there's going to be some sort of turmoil - the club's either come last or the coach hasn't been performing,'' Flanagan said.
''Whenever I got a job I knew that was going to be the case … I'm just looking forward to turning it all around.
''I want to coach in the NRL - I've been working hard for it over the last couple of years.''
■ Not content with being NSW's oldest halfback, 33-year-old Brett Kimmorley says he'll still be available for State of Origin football next year. Kimmorley is keen for another season of NRL action with Canterbury and negotiations between his manager George Mimis and the club have begun.
''I've sort of made that understanding that I think I'd be happy to go on again so I'm hoping it won't be too hard to get it all together,'' Kimmorley said.