VIDEO: As Warrington Wolves’ boss Tony Smith prepares to leave the club after nine years he says he has no current plans to return to the game which he says doesn’t excite him at the moment.
After agreeing to leave the club by “mutual consent” Smith says Warrington will always have a a place in his heart and he will always look out for the club’s results as a fan.
“I am proud of what we have done and will walk away from here saying it has been and honour and a privilege to have coached here.
“But I don’t judge myself on trophies – it has been about developing and improving players – and sometimes the by product of this is a trophy, which is great for the club and the supporters.”
But Smith says he has no immediate plans to return to the Super League or Rugby League.
“It doesn’t excite me at the moment,” he said. “There need to be some changes in the way the sport is run and set up.
“I am not excited and a lot of people are not excited which is a real shame and we need to do something about it and protect our sport a bit more. I need to go away and recharge my batteries and spend some time with the most important person in my life – my wife.”
Smith says he leaves the club on good terms with owner Simon Moran and he wants to see the club “grow and prosper.”
“It will always be in my heart and be a big part of my memories and I am keen to finish off strong with the last two games.”
2 Comments
Tony Smith certainly wore his heart on his sleeve during my farewell video interview above
Tony, who is parting company with the club after nine, mainly successful years, is currently disillusioned with the sport and has lost his appetite for the game, which is a sad state of affairs for someone who has given so much.
He clearly transformed Warrington as a club both on and off the pitch and came close to the elusive holy grail on three occasions, after putting three challenge cups and two league leaders shields in the previously empty trophy cabinet.
I for one will be sorry to see him go and pretty much agree with his sentiments that the game needs a shake up at RL HQ.
We can’t continue to have a game which continues to move the goal posts and I have say I think the middle 8s system currently being used is a complete farce.
We need a game whereby the team that finishes top of the league at the end of the season are the champions, followed by a meaningful play-off competition and proper promotion and relegation.
Thanks Tony, it’s been ‘our’ pleasure and ‘our’ privilege. Thanks for everything and best wishes for you and your family! You will always be welcome at the HJ!!