Next Manly coach between John Cartwright and former Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire
MANLY’S search for a coach to replace Trent Barrett appears to have come down to two choices — but even then, the Sea Eagles’ troubles are far from over.
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SOUTH Sydney premiership-winning coach Michael Maguire has drawn alongside John Cartwright as equal favourite for the vacant Manly coaching position.
The Daily Telegraph understands Maguire and Cartwright are the only two genuine contenders although former Canberra, North Queensland and Gold Coast coach Neil Henry continues to be mentioned.
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Cartwright has been favoured for the top job over the past six weeks but Maguire has some influential support from within the club.
There was a suggestion Manly had made Maguire an offer but this couldn’t be substantiated.
Manly co-owner and chairman Scott Penn is overseas while Maguire was not returning calls on Wednesday.
Sea Eagles management has a strong regard for Maguire but also rate Cartwright highly.
Cartwright has experienced success at every club he has coached while Maguire etched his name into South Sydney folklore by guiding the 2014 side to a famous grand final win.
Current coach Trent Barrett has resigned and is locked in a battle with the club over a payout. Barrett is still technically Manly coach until July next season.
Manly and Barrett may be headed to the courts unless the two parties can resolve the festering issue.
And unless the stand-off can be settled within the next six weeks, there is every chance Barrett will return to the club’s Narrabeen headquarters when Manly resume off-season training in early November.
Essentially, Barrett is claiming breach of contract — and so is Manly. Barrett resigned from his post in July.
Most of Manly’s football department staff have re-signed until after the 2020 season.
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