Denis Whittle talks Rubgy League with Saints' coach Shaun McRae DISAPPOINTED but certainly not bitter. That was the totally characteristic reaction by Shaun McRae on being told he will be leaving Saints at the end of the season.

WHITTLE: So know you know! The worst-kept secret of the season is out and you will not be offered a new contract. When and how did you learn your fate?

McRAE: I met with chairman Tom Ellard and vice-chairman Howard Morris on Tuesday and was told that, due to unsatisfactory results over the last 15 months, my contract was not to be renewed. Naturally I was not happy with the news because I wanted to stay at Saints, but the Saints' board have made their decision and I have to accept that. Our meeting was brief and to the point, and although respective views were frankly expressed, the exchanges were never acrimonious. There was no suggestion of me being paid off and, as with Brett Goldspink, I shall honour my contract until the end of the season.

I would like to add that, despite what has happened, I am not anti-St. Helens because they gave me my first position as a head coach and I have made many friends among officials, players and supporters.

However I am enough of a realist to understand that some fans will be glad to see me go and that is their right but, as they say, as one door closes another opens, and I certainly hope that is the case with me. WHITTLE: Surely you must be relieved that you can now plan your future?

McRAE: Indeed. But first I would stress that I know nothing of media speculation linking me with Gateshead, Cardiff, Swansea, Australia or a career in television. I am nudging 39 and not interested in franchises that don't exist at the moment, but like to think that I have still some good years left in me as a coach, so I will just have to wait and see if some club comes in with a offer. What is certain is that I have booked a flight to my home city of Canberra when Super League Three is over.

WHITTLE: It has already been well documented, but two Challenge Cup wins, a first Super League triumph, two Premiership Final appearances and three victories over Wigan must be some consolation to you?

McRAE: Without doubt. At the time of all that heady success fans were saying that it was Saints' best record since 1966 but, as you well know, you are only as good as your next game in Rugby League and only a fool would deny that things have not been going well this season. And, as coach, the buck stops with me. WHITTLE: Like your two most recent predecessors, don't you think you have paid the price for lack of continued success against Wigan?

McRAE: One is tempted to ask who does enjoy on-going wins against the Central Park side who, I am led to believe, have a success ratio of something like two-to-one against Saints since their first meeting more than 100 years ago.

WHITTLE: Have you any thoughts on a likely successor in the Knowsley Road 'hot seat?'

McRAE: In reality this is not my concern. However If I was asked to recommend anyone it would be Mike Gregory, who has proved loyal and trustworthy and has matured greatly since coming to Saints as my assistant

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