With their fanbase bitterly disappointed following the speculation and now the confirmation, the South Sydney Rabbitohs club will presumably enter a rebuilding phase after they opted to part ways with head coach Michael Maguire.
At a club board meeting today, the decision was made and in the eyes of the club, it was agreed that parting ways was in the best interests of all involved.
Despite taking the Rabbitohs to a premiership in 2014, Souths have seemingly fallen from the top of the perch since then despite the emergence of some good young talent.
With off-field failings coupled with poor on-field success and a lack of genuine recruitment, fans are scratching their heads at some of the decision making processes going on.
Nevertheless, Rabbitohs General Manager of Football spoke on the matter and said it was the move that had to be made.
“Michael helped deliver the Premiership title in 2014 and for this, we will always be indebted to him,” said Richardson.
“He led us to the premiership victory, the 2015 Auckland Nines win and the 2015 World Club Challenge
“However, we feel it’s time for the Club to go along a different path in terms of the leadership of the team and the direction the team is taking, and they are the responsibilities of the Head Coach.”
Richardson went on to praise Maguire and his efforts and made mention that all parties – Maguire included – were in agreement.
“Michael also feels it’s in his best interest to head in a different direction in his coaching career,” continued Richardson.
“Michael is a great Head Coach and we believe he will go on to do a good job at another Club, but as I said, it’s time for a change here at South Sydney.”