TheDaBoss
Well-known member
Mon 21 Jan 2019, 11:21 AM
Cronulla have announced coach Shane Flanagan has resigned from his post a month after the NRL deregistered him for breaching the conditions of his 2014 suspension.
Flanagan and the Sharks on Monday morning released a joint statement confirming he would not be returning to the post.
John Morris was recently appointed to the role of interim coach. Monday's statement gave no indication as to whether he would officially become the permanent coach with the club to "come to a decision and make an announcement on a head coach for 2019 in the coming weeks".
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Sharks chairman Dino Mezzatesta thanked Flanagan for his efforts and the success he brought in seven full seasons as head coach.
"Shane was our first premiership-winning coach, he is the coach of our Team of the Half Century and he has given exceptional service and dedication to our club," Mezzatesta said.
"He worked tirelessly to build our team and our club into a competitive force and he will forever hold a special place in the club's history."
Flanagan began his tenure at the club in 2007 as an assistant to Ricky Stuart and took over the head coaching role late in the 2010 season.
He coached the Sharks for 185 NRL games, leading them to the finals six times, including the 2016 history-making title.
"While disappointed his tenure at the Sharks will come to an end, Shane can look back with pride on some outstanding achievements during his time at the helm," Mezzatesta said.
Flanagan added: "This was obviously one of the toughest decisions of my 36-year rugby league career to resign from the head coaching role at Cronulla.
"The last month has taken an enormous mental and emotional toll on my family and myself.
"I intend on responding to the notice issued by the NRL, however I have made this decision in the best interests of the entire club and the players to allow the best possible preparation for the 2019 season without constant speculation and uncertainty as to who their head coach will be.
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"I want to thank the Cronulla board and management, both past and present, as well as my dedicated coaching staff, all of whom I have worked closely with over seven seasons.
"I especially want to extend my gratitude to the many players who I have been fortunate to coach at Cronulla. Without doubt, I will hold the entire 2016 playing squad, staff, supporters and unforgettable achievement to deliver the club its first premiership, forever in my heart.
"I want to single out and thank the incredibly loyal Sharks supporters for their on-going support and last but certainly not least, I want to thank rugby league fans in general for their overwhelming support and messages over the years and more so over the past month."
Flanagan and the Sharks said they would not be making any further comment on the matter. The club intends to "come to a decision and make an announcement on a head coach for 2019 in the coming weeks".
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The club that keeps on giving
Cronulla have announced coach Shane Flanagan has resigned from his post a month after the NRL deregistered him for breaching the conditions of his 2014 suspension.
Flanagan and the Sharks on Monday morning released a joint statement confirming he would not be returning to the post.
John Morris was recently appointed to the role of interim coach. Monday's statement gave no indication as to whether he would officially become the permanent coach with the club to "come to a decision and make an announcement on a head coach for 2019 in the coming weeks".
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\
Sharks chairman Dino Mezzatesta thanked Flanagan for his efforts and the success he brought in seven full seasons as head coach.
"Shane was our first premiership-winning coach, he is the coach of our Team of the Half Century and he has given exceptional service and dedication to our club," Mezzatesta said.
"He worked tirelessly to build our team and our club into a competitive force and he will forever hold a special place in the club's history."
Flanagan began his tenure at the club in 2007 as an assistant to Ricky Stuart and took over the head coaching role late in the 2010 season.
He coached the Sharks for 185 NRL games, leading them to the finals six times, including the 2016 history-making title.
"While disappointed his tenure at the Sharks will come to an end, Shane can look back with pride on some outstanding achievements during his time at the helm," Mezzatesta said.
Flanagan added: "This was obviously one of the toughest decisions of my 36-year rugby league career to resign from the head coaching role at Cronulla.
"The last month has taken an enormous mental and emotional toll on my family and myself.
"I intend on responding to the notice issued by the NRL, however I have made this decision in the best interests of the entire club and the players to allow the best possible preparation for the 2019 season without constant speculation and uncertainty as to who their head coach will be.
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\
"I want to thank the Cronulla board and management, both past and present, as well as my dedicated coaching staff, all of whom I have worked closely with over seven seasons.
"I especially want to extend my gratitude to the many players who I have been fortunate to coach at Cronulla. Without doubt, I will hold the entire 2016 playing squad, staff, supporters and unforgettable achievement to deliver the club its first premiership, forever in my heart.
"I want to single out and thank the incredibly loyal Sharks supporters for their on-going support and last but certainly not least, I want to thank rugby league fans in general for their overwhelming support and messages over the years and more so over the past month."
Flanagan and the Sharks said they would not be making any further comment on the matter. The club intends to "come to a decision and make an announcement on a head coach for 2019 in the coming weeks".
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The club that keeps on giving
