McCall Quits as Ulster Coach

cruiserweight · 13-11-2007 12:38pm #1

Guess it is as a result of the poor start to the season

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2007/1113/ulster.html

Ulster Rugby has this morning confirmed that Mark McCall has resigned from his post as Head Coach, with immediate effect.

McCall, who was appointed to the head coaching role in the summer of 2004 has been under pressure following Ulster's recent run of poor form culminating in a 32-14 defeat to Gloucester in the opening round of the Heineken Cup at Ravenhill on Friday.

The 39-year-old officially tendered his resignation yesterday evening and Ulster Rugby Chief Executive Michael Reid held a press conference today at Ravenhill at which he formally announced the resignation of Mark McCall and read the following statement.

'Mark McCall tendered his resignation to myself and Chairman Cecil Watson yesterday evening. This offer was considered and accepted with regret by the Professional Team Management Committee later last night.

'I have met this morning with Steve Williams who has taken charge of team affairs with immediate effect.

'The poor results this season have been very difficult for us all and ultimately have brought us to where we are today, however, I believe strongly that the following is recorded.'

'Mark McCall has been an outstanding committed Coach for Ulster, meticulous in his preparation he endeavoured to create an environment of empowerment for the players.

'During his three years in the job, nine players received International recognition, a greater number of new caps than at any stage since the game turned professional, and an achievement which was down to the player identification and hard work of Mark and Allen Clarke.'

fr_dickbyrne · 13-11-2007 12:56pm

Anyone in the coaching setup there that can make the step up to McCalls position? Or does the hunt start now?

ongarite · 13-11-2007 1:17pm

Its was mentioned on Off the Ball last night that they thought his job was on the line and that there was trouble in the dressing room.

zAbbo · 13-11-2007 2:53pm

Unfortunately he doesn't have the caliber of players that Leinster or Munster have, which may not entirely be down to the coach...

In fairness, I've liked his picked-on-form attitude, shame it hasn't worked out, but they have been abysmal away from home over the last few years and maybe some fresh blood might shake things up.

dc69 · 13-11-2007 2:57pm

he does have some very promising players though and i think its a good thing for irish rugby,hopefully they wil get someone who can develop the future stars like ferris and do something with talent eg trimble

zAbbo · 13-11-2007 3:03pm

There's also McCrea on the wing, and maybe McCullough at lock could be looked at.

razorblunt · 13-11-2007 4:45pm

Not McCullough they should reassign him as barman in Ravenhill, he's useless, picking him at flanker was ridiculous.

toomevara · 13-11-2007 5:19pm

It's an odd one this, dont know what else he could have done. Think the players have let him down badly. Gareth Jenkins is at a loose end....

zAbbo · 13-11-2007 6:09pm

Jenkins, good God no.

Put Niall O'Donavan up there

Stev_o · 13-11-2007 6:12pm

I pity the next man to pick up the job its like taking over a sinking boat disaster waiting to happen

toomevara · 13-11-2007 7:27pm

zabbo wrote: »

Put Niall O'Donavan up there

Why not, could be a goer.....

zAbbo · 14-11-2007 1:10pm

Jeremy Davidson seems to be the name mentioned the most

fatgav · 14-11-2007 1:14pm

I have it from a good source that Keith Wood would be interested in the job. Can't see it myself, but I'm told it's a possibility

cruiserweight · 14-11-2007 2:52pm

Here are the favourites according to todays Indo

Alan Solomons 11/2 (latest odds)

A qualified lawyer, the 55-year-old South African is notable for never having played a game of rugby in his life. Served as assistant coach with South Africa when they won 17 consecutive matches under Nick Mallet before taking the Ulster job in 2001.

He enjoyed mixed success with Ulster, winning the Celtic Cup but failing to achieve Pool qualification in the Heineken Cup. Left to take over at Northampton in 2004 and had a torrid time with the English club where his heavy leaning towards South African players and stringent discipline caused considerable disharmony. Was sacked in November that year after eight successive defeats. Currently working as technical director for the IRB and assisting Andy Ward with the coaching duties at Belfast Harlequins, Favourite for the job.

STEVE WILLIAMS

15/8

A Welshman who won 29 caps as a second row, Williams coached Coventry out of relegation trouble when he took over there in 2004.

The following year became Assistant Forwards Coach at his old club Northampton before taking over at Pertemps Bees at the end of the 2005-06 and moved to the role of Ulster assistant coach this year, now caretaker after McCall's departure. His main experience has been as forwards coach and much will depend on how he goes over the next few weeks.

ANDY WARD

20/1

A New Zealander who arrived in Ireland in the mid-1990s to play for Ballynahinch and never left, Ward is an Ulster legend.

He famously helped Ulster on their way to an epic quarter-final victory over Toulouse in their European Cup-winning year of 1999 before dashing in his gear to the hospital to present for the birth of his son Zac. Won 28 caps as a flanker for Ireland before becoming player coach at Ballynahinch and now at Belfast Harlequins for whom he still lines out at 37. It would be a big step up for Ward but a very popular one within Ulster.

GARETH JENKINS

9/2

Still looking for a job after being axed as Wales coach following their failure to qualify from their World Cup pool, Jenkins has a proven pedigree with Llanelli and assisted with the Lions before getting the Wales gig. Although he endured a torturous spell with Wales, Jenkins is highly regarded and well liked by players -- the best candidate for the Ulster job.

JEREMY DAVIDSON

22/1

Another Ravenhill cult hero, the former Ulster second row is currently assisting at his former club Castres.

His would be a popular appointment but his coaching abilities are not conclusively proven as he had decidedly mixed results during his time with Dungannon when he was unable to string together a consistent run of performers.

AND THE LONG SHOTS . . .

Willie Anderson

Another ex-Ulster lock who had with mixed results as coach of Dungannon. Would love the Ulster gig but has been most successful employing his considerable technical abilities as assistant coach. A forthright character, Anderson's tendency to speak his mind might scare off the Ulster Branch.

Matt Williams

Recently said he was abandoning his coaching career, following a stint in Sydney club rugby. However, Williams likes Ireland and is always attracted by the limelight a job like Ulster would guarantee.

Disastrous with Scotland, he had some big days with Leinster but whether he would uproot his family again is debatable.

Stev_o · 14-11-2007 5:46pm

Gareth Jenkins then if they have any sense what so ever all the rest are have a go coaches who have fed of success from someone else

McCall Quits as Ulster Coach

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