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McDermott slam press witch-hunt
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| Media melee: Brian McDermott has been beseiged by phonecalls this week. Deadlinepix HY2308 |
Brian McDermott has reacted angrily to press speculation on his future after his comments following Harlequins RL's Millennium Stadium defeat to Catalan Dragons on Sunday.
In an emotional press conference in the wake of Quins' last-gasp 18-16 loss, the coach questioned whether aspects of operating in London worked.
But national hacks interpreted those comments as McDermott signalling his intention to leave, and that has left the tough-talking Yorkshireman seething.
McDermott said: "It is a load of bullshit.
"I have given countless press conferences in the past where I have talked about our academies, the growth of the game in London et cetera and nobody has written anything.
"I make one comment and, suddenly, I am getting 15 phone calls in a day.
"People are now asking me about my commitment to this club and I am f****d off.
"This place has had my guts for two years and I am more than happy here."
Quins RL chairman Keith Hogg has brushed aside all criticism of his coach, and laughed off suggestions his job may be on the line.
He said: "If people are saying this could cost Brian his job, then they are totally wrong.
"Brian is a passionate person and it is no surprise that after the game he was incredibly frustrated.
"What we saw was an outpouring of emotion from a very passionate man and I have no problem with that.
"Brian is quite right to question how we are doing things at Harlequins.
"There are things we have to look at - for example, how we are travelling to away games .
"Professional sport is all about winning and that is what is frustrating me as much as it is Brian."
Quins appeared to be cruising in Cardiff after scores from Michael Worrincy, Scott Hill and Chris Melling opened up a 10-point cushion.
But the Dragons profited from late mistakes to grab two tries and snatch victory.
Despite the setback, McDermott refused to blame tactics.
He added: "Last season we played a certain type of football that did not score tries.
"I want the team to play off the cuff and so far this season we have scored some great long-range tries.
"But people have to understand that you cannot turn that around overnight."
With Leeds visiting the Stoop on Sunday in the Challenge Cup, further bad news came in the form of injuries to Rob Purdham (hamstring), Scott Hill (hamstring) and Michael Worrincy (back).
McDermott said: "They are players that would always start if they were fit.
"But it gives someone else the opportunity to step up and make no mistake, the boys that do play will give it a good crack."
10:28am Friday 9th May 2008
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