Brian McClennan resigns as Leeds Rhinos boss
Leeds Rhinos have revealed that boss Brian McClennan (pictured right) is to leave the club with immediate effect to be replaced by Brian McDermott.
New Zealander McClennan took over at Headingley in 2007 and led them to Super League Grand Final success in 2008 and 2009, but they were knocked out in the semi-finals against eventual winners Wigan this season.
The plan had been for McClennan to stay one more year in Yorkshire, but both parties have decided that a fresh start would be in the best interests of the club.
McDermott joined the club as assistant manager towards the end of last season from Harlequins RL, in a move that seemed a strange decsion considering the high regard he is held in. But now that move makes perfect sense.
Chief Executive Gary Hetherington told the club's offical website: "To better understand this decision, we have to go back to mid-way through last season when Brian McClennan was considering another 1-year extension offer for 2011. After a lot of thought, Brian opted for what would be his last year in 2011 and it was decided then to try and identify his successor.
"Brian McDermott was the choice of Brian and myself and he was appointed to come in for 2011 as Brian's number two before taking over in 2012.
"Brian McClennan now feels the time is right for him to stand down and accelerate the handover to Brian McDermott. Brian McClennan and I have spent a lot of time recently discussing this and I have to say, losing Brian is not something I wanted to hear, but I understand his decision and he will leave after 3 great years and as one of the most popular and influential characters ever to serve the club."
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