Saints Still Cagey over New Boss Speculation

WhileSt Helens fans wait with bated breath for smoke signals regarding the appointment of a new coach, chairman Eamonn McManus is remaining as cool as ever.

Despite reports that Catalans Dragons boss Mick Potter is in negotiations to take over from Daniel Anderson as Knowsley Road supremo at the end of the season, McManus is sticking rigidly to his club’s policy.

He said: “We’ve said all along that when we’ve sorted out a deal for a new coach, we’ll announce it. It’s as simple as that.

“There may be other clubs involved and we don’t wish to prejudice anybody’s position.

“I don’t see any point in making an announcement before matters are done and dusted.”

Potter himself has been a little more forthcoming having admitted he has spoken to St Helens and is now “weighing up his options”.

It is understood he has been offered a two-year extension to his current deal by the Dragons but the lure of silverware may well tempt him to cross the channel.

Despite picking up the wooden spoon in his first season at the Dragons, the former St George fullback has since impressed many observers by guiding the French side to an historic Wembley final last year and to a club record winning run this term.

In the meantime, current boss Anderson has been preparing his men for Sunday’s Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth round tie against London Skolars at Knowsley Road.

The National League Two minnows shouldn’t provide too big a hurdle for Anderson’s men eventhough they look set to be below full strength.

Paul Wellens is expected to be on the sidelines for up to three weeks after picking up a quadricep injury. Matt Gidley will deputise at fullback.

Hooker James Roby will be rested after taking on a heavy workload this season but his mentor Keiron Cunningham returns to action after a long injury lay-off.

Anderson has chosen to leave out loose-forward Paul Sculthorpe with an eye on next Friday’s crunch Super League match at Warrington Wolves and scrum-half Sean Long is also out.

Liverpool Echo