Leading Wests Tigers players pushed for Andrew Webster to replace Jason Taylor as head coach

A PLAYER push to have former Under 20s mentor Andrew Webster as head coach was a major factor behind Jason Taylor’s Wests Tigers sacking.

Andrew Webster‘s time in the big chair might only last one game. Photo: Gregg Porteous

A player push to have former Tigers SG Ball and Under 20s mentor Andrew Webster as head coach was a major factor behind Jason Taylor’s sacking at the joint-venture club.

The Sunday Telegraph can reveal a number of Tigers players approached the club’s board to express concerns over their lack of development under Taylor.

This prompted officials to re-sign Webster from the Warriors in an assistant role as leverage to retain the team’s off-contract stars.

In addition, it’s understood some Tigers players were heard spruiking at the team’s Mad Monday celebrations last year that Webster would soon replace Taylor as head coach.

CLEARY CLOSING IN ON TIGERS JOB

This calculated move by some players follows leading Tigers denying any involvement in Taylor’s departure.

However, sources have confirmed the playing group were far from satisfied with their coach. It’s understood the players were particularly unhappy with Taylor’s lack of man-management.

Despite this, the player push for Webster to replace Taylor could backfire with ex-Warriors and Penrith mentor Ivan Cleary expected to be named Tigers head coach in the coming days.

There is also no guarantee Webster will be retained under a new coaching structure.

This comes as Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe has already made contact with Cleary’s agent George Mimis to register the club’s intentions.

Andrew Webster‘s time in the big chair might only last one game. Photo: Gregg Porteous

If negotiations with Cleary can be fast tracked, he will take charge from interim coach Webster for the club’s round five clash against St George Illawarra on Sunday.

Tigers officials have previously said they’ll go through the formal process to hire a new coach, which could take months, but there is a chance an appointment could be announced as soon as this week.

In a bid to convince Cleary, the board is prepared to allow him to oversee all football and recruitment operations.

He will also be handed ultimate authority to make the tough decisions, including the fate of the team’s four off-contract stars Mitch Moses, Luke Brooks, James Tedesco and skipper Aaron Woods.