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MCRAE JOINS REDS FOR LONG HAUL

LOOKING AHEAD: McRae wants to shape Reds' future

Tuesday June 12,2007

By Martin Richards

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SHAUN McRAE declared himself refreshed and ready for battle after signing up for the long haul at relegation-threatened Salford.

The former Hull and Salford boss succeeded the sacked Karl Harrison on a four-and-half-year deal yesterday and said he was not interested in a quick-fix appointment with the current cellar dwellers until the end of the season.

McRae, 48, has bought into a two-pronged assignment — to keep the Reds in Super League with 11 matches remaining and then building on that base for when they take up residence in their new stadium.

McRae spent nine seasons in Super League before being enticed back to Australia as boss of South Sydney. But he was sacked at the end of last year and applied unsuccessfully for the Great Britain job.

His dismissal by Souths may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Reds.

He said: “I feel much more energised and refreshed and it’s fantastic to be back. I’ve enjoyed my time off, but I’ve missed the game in terms of coaching and the day-to-day banter with players and staff.

“It wasn’t pleasant to be sacked. It was the first time it had happened to me and I didn’t handle it very well at first. You have doubts whether you will able to get back into the game, but it’s a reality check and you have to remain positive.”

Salford are three points adrift at the foot of the table but McRae has been very impressed with the Reds’ last two performances — the win over Huddersfield and the one-point loss at champions St Helens — and he is looking forward to beginning the charge for safety with a win over Harlequins at the Willows on Friday.

McRae added: “This is a major challenge and I told the Salford chairman not to consider me if he didn’t think I could do a job here in 11 weeks.

“The players don’t need reminding what’s at stake. The talent is there and injuries to key players have probably been a factor in them under-performing this season.”

Assistant coach James Lowes, who was shortlisted for the top job, will stay on as McRae’s right-hand man.

Meanwhile, beleaguered Warrington had a lengthy board meeting yesterday but made no decision on the future of their out-of-contract coach Paul Cullen.