Erin Molan negotiates her own new three-year deal with Nine

SHE has been left in tears after a tough week which saw The Footy Show axed and scathing criticism by a number of journalists. But Erin Molan has something to smile about after resigning with Channel 9 in a big-money contract.

• NRL Footy Show axed after 25 years
• Molan to remain host of Sunday show

THEY may have fallen out of love with the Footy Show, but that doesn’t mean Channel 9 bosses have cooled for its host Erin Molan.

In the same week Rugby League’s former flagship fan pleaser was kicked into touch after 25 years, Molan has resigned to Nine in a big-money, three-year contract.

And unlike other media celebs who drag their agents in for contract negotiations, Molan handled the talks herself with advice from the sideline by celebrity accountant Anthony Bell.

Erin Molan has resigned with Channel 9 for another three years. Picture: Christian Gilles

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Nine’s director of sport Tom Malone has refused to reveal what hosting roles Molan will look after in the future, however he did confirm the Sunday Footy Show would be back next season as would the late Monday night show 100 Percent Footy.

Explaining why the network was quick to make sure they didn’t let Molan slip through their grasp, Malone said: “She’s a star, she’s a great broadcaster and we love her.”

It has been an upbeat end to an incredibly tough week for Molan, who was hurt by the criticism of her television performances that flowed following the canning of The Footy Show.

Earlier this week, it was announced The Footy Show has been axed after 25 years due to disastrous ratings. Picture: Supplied

Nine colleagues said she was reduced to tears by a scathing opinion piece written by veteran journalist Mike Colman.

Replying to criticism that she took six weeks off for the birth of her daughter, Eliza, Molan said: “I will try not to give birth mid-season again.”

However, she remains upbeat about her future at Channel 9.

“I’m really excited about what’s to come,” Molan said.

Molan was criticised for taking time off mid-season after having her daughter Eliza. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

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“To continue to work within Wide World Of Sports is such a privilege and to be able to combine it with weekend news and radio is even better.

“I will always work incredibly hard and always do the best job I can.

“Channel 9 has been home for nearly 10 years and I couldn’t ask for a better workplace or more support.

“I’ll be forever grateful for seven wonderful years on The Footy Show and genuinely thank all the people who supported me — and even those who didn’t.

“Whether you loved us or hated us, it was with such an incredible passion that only rugby league fans possess — and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”