SHANE FLANAGAN REINSTATED AS HEAD COACH

The following is a statement from the Cronulla Sharks Board:

On 8 March 2013 the Board announced that having become aware of management failures within the Cub’s football operations, it had appointed business advisory firm, Grant Thornton to conduct a full management review of the club. This review included urgently reviewing the performance of Head Coach Shane Flanagan during a period in the first half of 2011.

Grant Thornton has now completed the initial stage of the Review and the Board of the Cronulla Sharks, having reviewed its findings, has determined it is appropriate to reinstate Shane Flanagan as Head Coach with immediate effect – but has agreed with Shane that new management practices must be implemented in the future, with specific reference to the operations and defined responsibilities required of him as the Head Coach of the club.

The first stage of the Grant Thornton advice to the Board confirmed there were management failures within the Club’s football operations. Grant Thornton is continuing with its broader management review into the Club.

Cronulla Sharks Chairman, Glenn Coleman said; “We are pleased that we have been able to work through the issues with Shane and we have reached an agreement that there has to be change in the methods and practices of how the coaching program operates at the club in the future.

“Our interim CEO Bruno Cullen is going to drive the introduction of new processes and governance throughout every level of the Club. It will begin with an education campaign and will be planned in conjunction with the findings of the full Grant Thornton review."

Shane Flanagan said; “It has been a tough few weeks for all of us, but I now understand why I was stood down and why the board made the decisions it has. There were management failures. We have agreed that there have to be changes in the way we work and the way we look after players. I look forward to working with Bruno Cullen and the Football Operations team to improve the way we all work for the betterment of the club.”

ASADA Investigation

The Club has nothing further to announce in relation to the ongoing ASADA investigation. It wishes to reiterate that in the absence of ASADA action against any player, no player will be stood down or otherwise adversely treated by the Club. Each player is entitled to an unfettered presumption of innocence.

The Club has ensured the players who may be subject to an ASADA investigation have independent legal representation and the full support of the Club.

Players, Staff and Fans

We thank our players, staff and fans for their patience and support as the Club works through the current circumstances.

In particular, we acknowledge the professionalism of Assistant Coach Peter Sharp and our playing group and commend their performances in the first two weeks of the competition.