John Cartwright firming to take over from Trent Barrett as Manly Sea Eagles coach
MANLY assistant coach John Cartwright is firming to take over from the departing Trent Barrett as Sea Eagles head coach next season.
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MANLY assistant coach John Cartwright is firming to take over as Sea Eagles head coach next season.
Cartwright has the support of Manly’s playing roster and is well-liked and respected inside the club’s Narrabeen bunker.
The former Test forward heads a list of experienced candidates that includes Tim Sheens, Neil Henry and Michael Maguire.
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While no formal negotiations have begun, Cartwright appears to have the inside running.
The development comes as Sea Eagles godfather Ken Arthurson has called on his former club to appoint a new coach with Manly DNA.
Arthurson, the former Sea Eagles player, coach, secretary and chairman, pointed out the club’s main successes through its 71-year history came through coaches who had previously represented Manly — Bob Fulton, Frank Stanton, Ron Willey, Des Hasler and Geoff Toovey.
Sea Eagles chairman Scott Penn told The Daily Telegraph yesterday that Hasler and Toovey would be considered for Trent Barrett’s job but would most likely be overlooked.
Arthurson, though, believes Manly always thrived when coached by one of their own.
“I don’t know whether Barrett is leaving or staying because I don’t have anything to do with the club anymore,” Arthurson said.
“But if Barrett goes, he goes. If I was still at Manly I’d be looking at appointing someone from within, someone with Manly DNA.
“Over our history in the game, all our success has come with blokes that have been appointed from within. Ron Willey, Frank Stanton, Bob Fulton, Des Hasler, Geoff Toovey — all former Manly players.
“I’m not saying Barrett should or shouldn’t leave. I’m not critical of Barrett under any circumstances but in the event of him leaving, my personal view is that Manly should look to appoint a Manly person as coach.
“Over the years, the most success we have had has been under coaches who have played for Manly.”
Arthurson has always backed and supported Manly, even during such tumultuous times as these.
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