Jebel Ali begin search for new head coach

Matt Jones - Editor 22:58 21/06/2015
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  • Murray Strang (c) wants to concentrate on playing for Jebel Ali Dragons.

    The managerial merry-go-round of UAE club rugby continues with the news that Jebel Ali Dragons are looking to hire a new head coach ahead of next season.

    Although last season’s player/coaches Murray Strang and Sean Crombie have yet to officially stand down, new club chairman Mike Lewis admits Dragons are actively seeking to put in place a dedicated head coach for the 2015/16 campaign.

    Lewis revealed to Sport360 he is yet to have a proper sit down with Scottish duo Strang and Crombie, although he said both would be keen to return to purely playing duties if a replacement can be found.

    Lewis said fly-half Strang and hooker Crombie will “definitely” be at Dragons next season, but that both found juggling playing and coaching a struggle last season.

    “We’re definitely looking to put in place a head coach for next season,” said 44-year-old Welshman, Lewis.

    “I’ve spoken to a few people and we’re actively looking. I welcome any applications for the head coach role.”

    Dragons are looking to rise from the ashes after a disastrous 2014/15 campaign and Lewis believes a coach with the sole responsibility of managing the team will be key for the club to return to winning ways.

    “I’m yet to have a conversation with Sean and Murray but I know Muz wants a crack at being a player next season, as he started and ended the last campaign injured, while Sean and he found it difficult combing the playing and coaching role.

    “Whether it leads to Murray and Sean officially stepping down or helping a new coach out (as both had done the previous season), both will definitely be part of the Dragons’ playing team next year.”

    After a period of unbridled success for Dragons, the Scots struggled to replicate the success of previous coaches Shane Thornton and Ross Mills, who had led Jebel Ali to back-to-back trebles in 2012/13 and 2013/14 respectively.

    Dragons were unrivalled for two seasons in which they won a total of six trophies, claiming the UAE Premiership, Dubai Sevens Gulf Men’s League title and West Asia Cup two seasons running.

    Dragons before 2014/15 season:

    West Asia Cup final:

     
    2012/13

    Jebel Ali Dragons 29-20 Abu Dhabi Harlequins  

    2013/14 Jebel Ali Dragons 32-11 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

    Dubai Sevens, Gulf Men’s League final:

     
    2012/13

    Jebel Ali Dragons 14-5 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

    2013/14 Jebel Ali Dragons 19-7 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

    UAE Premiership final:

     
    2012/13

    Jebel Ali Dragons 28-12 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

    2013/14 Jebel Ali Dragons 37-8 Dubai Hurricanes

    Lewis admitted Dragons “stagnated” last season but he refuses to dwell on the past, instead choosing to look ahead to the future, with aims to get back to winning ways. The club has already made several changes behind the scenes.

    “We’re pushing forward. We want to win everything back,” said Lewis.Lewis has replaced the long-serving Tim Wood as chairman, while he will be helped this season by club captain Joe Cooper and Chris Milnes, who replaces Matt Seale as treasurer and secretary.

    “It didn’t go to plan last year and we want to be winning again, and get the fun back. There was not a great feeling around the club last season and we want to get back to winning ways.”

    Lewis says he has been encouraged by a lack of player departures thus far and he spoke positively about new player arrivals over the summer, although he said the club would refuse to spend money in order to attract players to the Jebel Ali Centre of Excellence.

    He said: “We want to win but we are not willing to win at all costs. We want players here who want to play for Dragons and a few players have approached us, so we do have potential new additions. Pre-season will be interesting.”

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