Ewen McKenzie says Queensland Reds have no time to waste

[travelling_gerry]

By Peter Badel
October 04, 2009 Ewen McKenzie says he is ready to hit the ground running as Queensland Reds coach and warned they risked being further destabilised by seeking an interim appointment.
The Reds are expected to announce Phil Mooney's successor for 2010 in the next fortnight, with McKenzie in the mix after meeting chairman Rod McCall on Friday.
John Connolly also met McCall on the same day, although speculation suggests the former Test coach is seen as a one-year option if the Reds want to buy time to get the right man.
Connolly denied reports he was on the verge of accepting a 12-month contract.
But former NSW coach McKenzie is keen to begin rebuilding Queensland immediately and believes a short-term fix could create unnecessary headaches for the new regime.
"I would love the challenge of getting stuck straight into it," McKenzie said.
"Why waste another year and go through two changes in 12 months?
"It's like moving house. It sounds simple but when you get down to it, it's frustrating and there's a lot in it."
McKenzie scoffed at claims he would be a risky appointment after being sacked last month by French club Stade Francais.
"I want to set the record straight. It's been reported I was sacked from my last two jobs but I didn't get sacked from the Waratahs," he said.
"I finished my contract (at NSW) and we agreed I would move on, there was no sacking.
"The Stade Francais situation was the first time it has happened to me, but it also happened to John Connolly when he coached the club. It happens a lot in French sport."
The Sunday Mail (Qld)

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...002381,00.html

[beige]

Now that's the spirit...

[chook]

Well, I called it. All praise to me

[TOCC]

called what?

rumour is that the QRU are going to go with the John Connoly option

[chook]

Dang QLDers are slow. I though that would be obvious, Ewen, Qld, coach. Please try to keep up.

[James]

Chooks right. Let's drug test him.

Appointing a one year caretaker is absolutely brainless. People won't sign for the Reds unless they know who the coach is going to be and chances are Melbourne will be in there trying to get what they can so what Queensland really needs is stability. Whether that is Ewen or not doesn't really matter. As long as it isn't John Connolly for one year.

[TOCC]

Dang QLDers are slow. I though that would be obvious, Ewen, Qld, coach. Please try to keep up.

well, i assumed thats what you were talking about, but figured you couldnt be since most rumours leaking out of the QRU indicate that JC will be the man to get the job and not Ewen, QRU officials are apparently unwilling to sign a coach(ewen) who has allegedly in the past had fallouts with his playing squad, this is even more critical considering a large chunk of the reds playing roster is coming off contract.

[Thequeerone]

and there're having probs getting more sponsorship to lure them back .....

[Burgs]

I wonder if it has even occured to Link that they are considering a short term option because they don't actually want him?

[GIGS20]

Given Knuckles' recent history I'd say a one year with him over long term with Link is a pretty large slap in the face!

[Burgs]

Arguably deserved, if not for his coaching ability...