Parramatta's New Coach - By Mary

Finally, after weeks of speculation it has finally been announced - the Parramatta Eels have a new coach.

For those of you that have been following the media, you will know that this appointment did not come without its obstacles.

Last week, Chairman Steve Sharp seemed outnumbered - 4-2 in fact, in his support of Arthur's for the job. Even as late as Tuesday night it appeared as though Brad Arthur's would miss out on the job. 

Sharp had clearly indicated that his position was that Arthur's should be Parramatta's head coach and it appears that his position has been the one that has been taken. There were many who were shocked at arthur's appointment today - and many, like me, who were embarrassed. 

This is a situation which should not have been played out in the media. Sharp being undermined by his board members last week, who were in favour of Taylor does not speak volumes about his leadership ability. Our club does not appear in a favourable light when we consider that decision came on the back of another backflip. Arthur's had even been informed he was not getting the job. All this changed after negotiations with Taylor broke down. 

It concerns me that we have a coach coming in who as of last week did not enjoy the full support of the board. In a coaching position as unstable as Parramatta's, surely the incoming coach would have hoped to have had the full support of the board before beginning. 

If we put behind us the media circus which has been played out before us over the last couple of weeks - it becomes very clear what Parramatta need to do.

We now have a new board, a new coach and a new CEO. This is our opportunity for a fresh start. This is our opportunity to have the board do their job and the coach do theirs. This is our opportunity to start moving toward our goal of once again becoming a force to be reckoned with in the NRL competition, instead of a laughing stock.

Arthur's has indicated that his priority is to make the finals and that he wants to do it now. I applaud his commitment and his enthusiasm - but it will not be an easy job.

I truly wish him all the best as coach and hope that Parramatta can put the last couple of years behind us and move forward. 

Love,

@LadiesWhoLeague