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 The BBC's Alaistair Yeomans"Rumours of discontent have surfaced again"  real 28k |
Saints sack Hanley
On his own: Hanley has run out of allies
Ellery Hanley, one of the biggest names in rugby league, has been sacked by Super League champions St Helens for "breach of contract".
Ellery Hanley factfile |
1984: Great Britain debut
1985: Joins Wigan
1987: Most tries in a season (63)
1989: Record third Man of Steel award
1990: Awarded an MBE
1991: World record transfer to Leeds
1994: Appointed GB coach
1995: Resigns and moves to Australia
1998: Appointed Saints coach
1999: St Helens win Grand Final
2000: Sacked by Saints
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Club solicitor John Bullough said in a statement on behalf of the club: "The contract
between St Helens and Ellery Hanley has been terminated forthwith by the board
of the club because of fundamental breaches of the contract by Mr Hanley."
His replacement - tipped to be Australian Ian Millward - will be named at a news conference at Knowsley Road on Monday.
The 38-year-old former Great Britain star said: "I have no comment to make because I am seeking legal advice."
Speculation had been mounting that Saints were ready to part company with with their controversial boss.
It is reported that a replacement has already been lined up and will take over in time for next Friday's Super League match at Hull.
Millward - one of the rising stars of the sport's coaching fraternity, after turning around the fortunes of Northern Ford Premiership side Leigh Centurions - refused to dwell on the prospect of assuming the reins at St Helens.
"I'd be very flattered if they offered me the job, and I would have to consider it, but at this point in time, I'm preparing Leigh for Sunday's game
against Lancashire," said Millward.
Hanley may be one of the legendary players of the modern game, but he has suffered a torrid time since succeeding Shaun McRae in August 1998.
On the pitch Hanley had a successful start to his career as Saints coach, guiding them to the Super League title with an 8-6 victory over Bradford Bulls in the Grand Final.
His club has made a disappointing start to the new season, however.
The side crashed 44-6 to Australian champions Melbourne Storm in January's World Club Challenge, were knocked out of the Challenge Cup by Leeds and went down 32-10 at home to Bradford in their opening Super League fixture last week.
But it is off the pitch where the former Great Britain coach has really struggled.
The Saints board had become increasingly disillusioned with the methods of their coach.
Hanley reportedly did not speak with the club's football executive Eric Hughes and he had an uneasy relationship with the media - a situation that dates back to his playing days.
Hanley has had a stormy 18 months in charge of the club:
His replacement - tipped to be Australian Ian Millward - will be named at a news conference at Knowsley Road on Monday.
The 38-year-old former Great Britain star said: "I have no comment to make because I am seeking legal advice."
Speculation had been mounting that Saints were ready to part company with with their controversial boss.
It is reported that a replacement has already been lined up and will take over in time for next Friday's Super League match at Hull.
Millward - one of the rising stars of the sport's coaching fraternity, after turning around the fortunes of Northern Ford Premiership side Leigh Centurions - refused to dwell on the prospect of assuming the reins at St Helens.
 Hanley had a glorious playing career
|
Hanley may be one of the legendary players of the modern game, but he has suffered a torrid time since succeeding Shaun McRae in August 1998.
On the pitch Hanley had a successful start to his career as Saints coach, guiding them to the Super League title with an 8-6 victory over Bradford Bulls in the Grand Final.
His club has made a disappointing start to the new season, however.
The side crashed 44-6 to Australian champions Melbourne Storm in January's World Club Challenge, were knocked out of the Challenge Cup by Leeds and went down 32-10 at home to Bradford in their opening Super League fixture last week.
But it is off the pitch where the former Great Britain coach has really struggled.
The Saints board had become increasingly disillusioned with the methods of their coach.
Hanley reportedly did not speak with the club's football executive Eric Hughes and he had an uneasy relationship with the media - a situation that dates back to his playing days.
Hanley has had a stormy 18 months in charge of the club:
- He had a public row with the club's football executive Eric Hughes over the signing of Australian forward Phil Adamson
- He angered club directors by labelling them dinosaurs and accusing them of ignorance and rudeness over the failure to sign Martin Moana from Halifax
- He upset the club at a pre-season sponsors evening with further claims of dissatisfaction
- He incurred the wrath of the Super League hierarchy by refusing to attend the season's launch.
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