Daniel Anderson takes over as Eels coach

Peter Cassidy | 17/11/08 | 0

AUDIO - EXCLUSIVE FIRST INTERVIEW: Ray Hadley with Daniel Anderson

The Parramatta Eels have unveiled Daniel Anderson as their new coach for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons.

Former New Zealand coach Anderson assumes the position following Michael Hagan’s decision to walk away from the role at the end of the 2008 season.

Anderson, who has arrived in Australia after three successful seasons with UK Super League club St Helens, met with the Parramatta board last Wednesday to discuss the terms of the contract.

Speaking exclusively with 2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley before being officially installed today, Anderson admitted he was excited by the prospect of returning to the club where he plied his trade under the tutelage of Brian Smith.

"I'm very, very privileged and honoured to be given the opportunity," Anderson told Hadley.

"It was a family decision to come home [to Australia]... I'm really looking forward to it and I'm a little bit nervous and excited at the same time."

Anderson was involved with Parramatta's successful junior representative program in the late 1990's before being appointed as Smith's assistant coach in 2000.

He then joined the Warriors, guiding the club to the 2002 grand final before his tenure ended on a sour note.

Anderson then headed to the UK where he forged a reputation as a champion coach, steering St Helens to three Challenge Cups, a World Club Challenge title and a grand final.

His success in England saw him awarded the BBC coach of the year award in 2006, elevating him into the company of Manchester United's Alex Ferguson, Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and former England rugby union steer Clive Woodward.

Anderson told Hadley the Eels will stick with their current support staff.

"I don't envisage any changes to the staff support structure here at the club," said Anderson.

"I'll be working with some people who I've known for a long time.

"Same with the squad. The squad's already been assembled.

"I'm walking in as the head coach and working with the people and players that are here."

Anderson admitted his time in the UK had made him a better mentor.

"I feel I'm a more experienced, and probably a more settled coach (from when he was under Smith)."

And on the daunting prospect of turning the Eels' disappointing 2008 season around?

"It's a great club," Anderson explained.

"They (the fans) deserve to have the expectations.

"I'd say the expectations would be just as high from within the camp."

I'm a little bit nervous and excited at the same time... Daniel Anderson tells Ray Hadley