McRae up for the challenge

Jun 12 2007 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

FORMER St Helens and Hull FC boss Shaun McRae has been confirmed as the new coach of Super League bottom side Salford.

The Australian has agreed a four-and-a-half year contract, his appointment having been widely expected following the sacking of Karl Harrison last month.

The 48-year-old was unveiled at the Willows yesterday morning and faces his first test in the club's battle against relegation when the Reds face Harlequins RL on Friday.

Chairman John Wilkinson said: "I'd like to welcome Shaun to his new position as head coach at Salford.

"We feel that with 11 crucial games to play that this is a very important signing for the club.

"We felt we had to make a signing of a person with vast experience and an enviable track record and I am positive everybody will get behind him and we can complete the season on a high note."

The length of the contract means McRae will remain at the club, who are three points adrift at the bottom, if they are relegated from Super League this season.

But the new coach admitted: "It was probably me that pushed for the longer term. I don't think six months would have suited either party.

"It is two-fold. There is the immediate situation and there is the future of the club.

"I was very impressed with what I heard with regards to the future.

"When the new stadium is built and the team are playing there it will be a major boost for the club, but I understand there is a massive job before that."

McRae coached throughout the first nine seasons of Super League, winning the title with St Helens and then moving on to Gateshead and Hull.