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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