PICTURE: Bobby Goulding

ANNOYED and embarrassed! That was the natural reaction of Shaun McRae to media speculation that he was to be replaced by John Monie next season.

WHITTLE: The disclosure was sensational to say the least and swept the town like wildfire, with many people asking me what I knew about it, which was precisely nothing. It must have been a bombshell to you?

McRAE: It was, particularly in view of the fact that neither the newspaper concerned or the reporter who wrote the story had the courtesy to ask either Saints or me to comment on its accuracy or otherwise. I have the assurance of the Saints' board that there was no substance in the article, and they have registered their protest both to the editor and journalist involved. I would like to make it clear that I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my future with Saints when my present contract expires, because I am happy at Knowsley Road and believe my relationship is good with everyone at the club. At the end of the day all I want is to do the job I am paid to do to the best of my ability. WHITTLE: I think you would agree that Saints flattered to deceive in the first half at Castleford, because the second half fade-out meant the Tigers enjoyed their first win over Saints in five games. Did you see the game that way?

McRAE: I would go along with what you say in that Saints did well to come back from being 10 points down to draw level before the break, but I was disappointed with some crucial decisions later including a penalty count in favour of 10-2 to Castleford until the closing stages. And I firmly believe that Saints did not tackle badly, a point underlined by Castleford having to resort to kick-throughs to pierce our defence, with three of their five tries coming via this ploy. Post-interval ball security was the area in which Saints fell down, and this compared badly with that of relegationed-threatened Cas who did not put ball to ground for fully 30 minutes and, on balance, were worthy winners. On a player note some fans have asked why, after being on the bench, Apollo Perelini was not brought into the action. Quite simply my plan was to bring him on in the last 15 minutes and by then the issue was decided with Saints losing 31-15, and I thought it best to leave Apollo fresh for Friday. However, I have to say that, with Andy Leatham also absent with a shin injury, Andy Northey produced a hard-working stint on the open side of the front row.

WHITTLE: Be that as it may, the Castleford reverse means Saints are involved in a dog-fight with Wigan for fourth spot in the table, and with it exemption from the qualifying round; a home draw in the Premiership and - if the rules are amended - entry into next season's World Club Championship, a lot still to play for then?

McRAE: Saints' remaining fixtures are Warrington away, plus Leeds and Paris at home, while Wigan travel to Oldham and Bradford before entertaining Leeds, so with Saints one point ahead of the Warriors, it could quite well go down to the wire. Certainly we are under no illusions about tomorrow night's trip to Warrington, who are on a mini-roll after casting off the prospect of the dreaded drop from Super League with consecutive victories over Salford and Paris. Saints versus Leeds is invariably a classic no matter where they play, and Easter Monday at Knowsley Road will be no exception with the Rhino's hell-bent on second place. And - as at Wilderspool - the game is not on television so there should be real atmosphere generated by a bumper crowd. WHITTLE: What is your view on the removal of Bobbie Goulding from the captaincy?

McRAE: I was empowered by the club to inform Bobbie of the decision, with which I agreed and the player accepted it with good grace. However, the well-being of their baby daughter, Ellie, is paramount to both the player and his wife, Paula, at this trying time, and we shall have to wait and see what develops before Bobbie can even think about returning to the game.

WHITTLE: Alan Hunte's request for a transfer has come like a bolt from the blue for many fans, as it must have done for you no doubt?

McRAE: It did but, as a class act, Alan is not going anywhere and will fulfill his contract at Saints as far as I am concerned.

WHITTLE: Alan has been suffering from medial ligament strain and that beggars the question as to when he will be fit to resume?

McRAE: Not until the play-offs according to Saints' medical staff. But the good news is that Andy Leathem should be ready for Warrington. However, Steve Prescott, Dean Busby and Tommy Martyn are ruled out until next season.

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