St George Illawarra Dragons have today, Friday, announced that Paul McGregor has been appointed head coach for the next three years.
McGregor, the interim coach since round 12 and former club captain is now in charge for 2015-16-17 seasons.
Dragons chief executive Peter Doust indicated that the process had been detailed and deliberate with the board determining that McGregor was the right person to lead the Dragons over the coming seasons.
''We are very pleased to have been able to reach an agreement with Paul McGregor that will see him take on the head coach role full-time from next season,” Doust said.
“Anyone who knows and speaks with Paul can clearly understand his passion for the Dragons, his honesty and drive to succeed."
“A very detailed process was undertaken with a variety of coaches and scenarios considered but on balance, the board determined that Paul was the most appropriate fit for our club moving forward."
“Away from coaching Paul has developed skill sets and expertise that the board believes are advantageous to the all-round requirements of a head coach, such as his knowledge and experience in athletic development and performance, management skills acquired through the development of his own business outside of rugby league, and his coaching experience over a number years.''
McGregor said he is humbled and excited by the opportunity to be given be the head coach role on a full-time basis.
''It was an absolute honour to play and captain the Dragons and to now be given the opportunity to be the head coach on a full-time basis is an even greater honour,” McGregor said.
“I am extremely passionate about the club, I understand what this club means to everyone associated with it and a big part of me wanting to take this position is the opportunity for me to give back to the club and game that has given me so much."
“When I first began coaching after retiring from playing, I did this because I felt that I had something to offer and I wanted to share my experience and make players both better players and better people and this will continue to be a guiding principle for me.''
What should be Paul McGregor's immediate priorities?
