Rugby league reporter Sam Ackerman talks to Brian McClennan - watch the 6 News story
By 3news.co.nz staff
Former Kiwis coach Brian ‘Bluey’ McClennan has been named as the new Warriors coach by the team's chief executive Wayne Scurrah today.
McClennan was the clear favourite to replace Ivan Cleary, who leaves the Warriors at the end of this season.
Cleary was the longest-serving coach in Warriors history, coaching the team over the past six years.
“There was interest in the position from inside the club and from coaches overseas including some in the United Kingdom.
“Brian came through as the most suitable candidate. He has had outstanding results with every team he has been involved with, be it the Kiwis, the Leeds Rhinos or club teams in Auckland and we’re delighted one of the best coaches in New Zealand rugby league history is to be the next coach of the Vodafone Warriors," says Scurrah.
McClennan will coach the Warriors for two years, starting next year. He will begin transitioning into his role from September 1st, but wants to make it clear to fans he isn't going to get in the way of Cleary.
“While this a huge moment for me, after today’s announcement I will step back. It’s important everyone gives Ivan and the team all the support they can for the rest of this season. That’s what matters most right now," he says.
He will be the club's seventh coach, after John Monie (1995-1997), Frank Endacott (1997-1998), Mark Graham (1999-2000), Daniel Anderson (2001-2004), Tony Kemp (2004-2005) and Cleary (2006-2011).
3 News
source: newshub archive
