Michael Maguire has held onto his job despite speculation the Wests Tigers coach would be sacked.
The club postponed a meeting last night to decide Maguire’s fate.
The club issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon confirming its decision.
OFFICIAL — Following the thorough annual review of club’s football operations, Wests Tigers have confirmed that Michael Maguire will remain in his position as Head Coach.https://t.co/3QToEsFNIt
— Wests Tigers (@WestsTigers) September 21, 2021
Wests Tigers full statement
Following the thorough annual review of club’s football operations, Wests Tigers have confirmed that Michael Maguire will remain in his position as Head Coach.
In addition, the club has also confirmed several structural and procedural changes will take effect within the football department. These changes have the sole aim of ensuring the club continues to challenge itself in the way it operates in order to become a better performing organisation.
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said: “While we always understood this review and process would take time, it was the responsibility of the football committee to ensure all information was considered to make the right decisions for the club moving forward.
“Michael has been with the club over arguably its most challenging time with the COVID-19 pandemic, has overseen significant change both on and off the field throughout his tenure and, on behalf of all at Wests Tigers, I’d like to thank him for his effort so far.
“We are firmly committed to building a high performing club. With our strong financial position, increased investment and recent success of our pathways teams, the new Centre of Excellence and continued work on a South West academy, the arrival of Tim Sheens and his experience in NRL systems, this club is posed to reap the rewards of several years of hard work.
“We believe that through Michael’s vast experience and by continuing to challenge the way we operate, we will continue drive the high standards and behaviours needed to ensure we achieve our goals as a club.”
Wests Tigers players and coaching staff will return for pre-season training in November.
The Tigers have missed the finals for three straight seasons under Maguire’s leadership and have won just 38 per cent of games.
Maguire’s contract may have been part of the reason to allow the coach to stay on with the 47-year-old signing on until 2023.
If the club did sack Maguire it would have most likely created a messy legal battle.
The Wests Tigers have made the right call, Michael Maguire to continue as coach.
Madge isn’t the problem at the club.
It’s taken some time to reach a decision, hopefully now the board starts looking at the people running the circus.
— Mark Levy (@marklevy2gb) September 21, 2021
Michael Maguire now STAYING.
I can’t keep up. Seriously.
But for what it is worth, right call has been made. He’ll get the kids to turn the corner????????
— christian nicolussi (@mrchrisnico) September 21, 2021
Michael Maguire staying at Wests Tigers and the club tweaking some of his staff has big Damien Hardwick vibes. Richmond Tigers went on to win three flags. PS: I don't see Wests Tigers winning three comps in the next four years
— Simon McLoughlin (@simmomac) September 21, 2021