Ricky Stuart has quit his post as Cronulla Sharks NRL coach, seven weeks before he had planned to exit at season’s end.

Stuart’s exit leaves the struggling Sharks in the hands of Shane Flanagan, who had been likely to take over the head coaching reins for 2011.

“I just feel I can’t get that extra bit out of them at the moment,” Stuart told News Ltd.

“Talking to the players at halftime and after the game, I could probably sense with them that this was the only decision.”

“It’s in the best interests of the players, as well as me, to move on and allow Flanno [Flanagan] to move in.

“I wish the club every success going forward.

“They are a lot better team than what they have displayed in the last two weeks and Shane now has the opportunity to gain a bit of pride over the next seven games.”

Saturday night’s heavy loss to Manly was the final straw for Stuart, who has not been able to lift the Sharks to any great heights during his tenure.

“I’ve bashed myself up over most losses, but I was embarrassed on Saturday night,” Stuart said.

“I wasn’t feeling well after the game — it was a really, really poor effort.”

Stuart handed in his resignation to the Sharks’ chairman Damian Irvine late on Monday afternoon, and an official announcement is expected to follow on Tuesday.

His deputy Flanagan was to have his first session at the helm in the afternoon as he attempted to get the team ready to face an in-form Canberra on the road on Saturday.

Flanagan had previously been appointed to take over for the 2011 season after Stuart was granted a release from the last year of his contract several weeks ago.

On Tuesday, Sharks chairman Damian Irvine attempted to put a positive spin on the club’s future and the sudden coaching change after Stuart’s four-year tenure.

“The club has been through a tough three-year period and sometimes despite everyone’s best efforts only change and fresh faces can create the spark to realise full potential,” Irvine said in a statement.

“We now have a new coach, some fine youth and select recruits in the pipeline who will complement our elite forward pack perfectly.

“Ricky Stuart has contributed immensely to the club during his time here and also to the success and victories ahead that the hard work will result in.

“As a board we’ve supported Ricky unconditionally over the past 12 months.

“It hasn’t been easy for him with the many changes happening at the club, but his commitment and competitive tenacity in striving for results has provided the entire club with consistency and guidance during some tough times.

“Ricky’s decision to step aside is also made with the players and club’s best interests and heart.”

Stuart was in charge during a tumultuous time for the club which has had four chief executives during his tenure.

“The time I have spent at the Sharks, in the main, has been most enjoyable,” Stuart said.

“The Sharks have a wonderful supporter base and a group of players who have always shown me their full respect and commitment.

© AAP 2012

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