Van Zyl wanted Plumtree to stay

Cape Town - Outgoing Sharks CEO Brian van Zyl says he wanted John Plumtree to remain as Sharks coach for at least two more years.

John Smit will replace Van Zyl as Sharks CEO on July 1, and the former Bok captain made his first move earlier this week by appointing Brendan Venter as the new director of coaching at the union.

Plumtree, whose contract at the Sharks expires at the end of this year, will lead the team until the end of the Super Rugby competition before Venter takes over the reins for the Currie Cup.

But there are clear differences in opinion between Smit and Van Zyl regarding the new coach, reports the Beeld website.

"I want to make it very clear that I feel John (Plumtree) should have received another contract as coach for two years," said Van Zyl.

"I believe he did a fantastic job at this union - and he deserves a chance as coach for at least two more years." (Poor bugger was completely derailed by injuries in what should have been a stellar year - Sharks were before all these injuries playing well balanced rugby)

But Smit feels winds of change are needed at the Sharks.

"I feel we need fresh, new ideas," he said of the appointment of Venter.

Smit also hinted that the Sharks could follow a blueprint similar to what had been successful at the Bulls for so many years.

"What we will be doing is assessing when we are, whether we are on par with the other teams, behind them or ahead of them, and then we’ll spend some time putting a strategy together so that we’re never on par or behind but always in front, and how we can sustain that year after year.

"That won’t just take one person - the CEO - but everyone that’s involved with and employed by the Sharks.

"Hopefully that will get us a good result and a great future."
 

It does beg the question as to who made what offer to Nick. In these circumstances it appears likely a "misunderstanding" could happen?  So no more mud slinging  at Mallet please Dr Moz!!

Told you Smit was a twat!!!

It was very rough on Plum especially with an injury list as long as my arm to have done anything more this season.

I wouod like to have seen any coach do better.

The rumours of a divided Shark side is a little alarming. I sure would like to hear a little more about that.

Funny how Frans Steyn's name cropped up regarding the division. 

So Plumtree with his fine side choked more than anything else. Now Smit is probably going to raid the Freestate again.

Mallett have Province running through his veins no way he would accept a job at the Sharks 

 Please clean cut get your facts right...

You should know that Clevermike has this ongoing crusade against Frans Steyn and after he said the divisions were due to him he was corrected by another poster. The divisions are due to the Lions on loan players at the Sharks getting game time ahead of the young developing players and that's the reason why one of the Marais brothers left, in actually reality the younger players look up to Frans.

I think they have a hard time looking past him too. He looks like he belongs at the side of a scrum rather than in a backline

screw the sharks plumtree, come coach the hurricanes, i would rather have u there then that cockhead hammet.

would plumtree consider coaching the kings if offered the job???

No way he would coach anyone else in SA than the Sharks. Who wants to listen to Cheeky anyways?

You can ask Plum himself on twitter @scumtree101

Spazza ... did you notice in my post where I mentioned that I would like to get to hear a little more about this so called split??

Huh??

That usually would give the reader the headsup that I have no details, no facts ... hence the request.

Uh - duh!!!

You got it now??

A little doff aren't we??

Regarding Steyn's involvement ... I can easily believe this fat arse throwing his toys. He doesn't get game time because of poor play so instead of working on his game he blames others for his exclusion.

So the Sharks and Stormers got a big chunk of the Lions players and suddenly went to shit. Can you see where this is going. Even with Mapoe playing for the Bulls they struggled. Those Lions eyb their crap of wherever they goo IMO

Clean Cunt, you must be pretty dim if you're making a judgement with the little information you do have.

Clean Cut ( ex Capone)...I actually agree with you there.It shows there is actually some good in the posters here. I did a ridiculous post on the groundlings...just to humour and spark up banter here but perhaps it was slightly thoughtless and touched a few sensitive raw nerves. For those that are too sensitive I apologise...I really enjoy you guys and I do not intend to insult...merely tease...we are all individuals I hope and not clones!

"It was very rough on Plum especially with an injury list as long as my arm to have done anything more this season."

I surmise it was a hard decision for John Smit...he was coached under him but John would have been very sensitive to matter and would have done it in the most respectful way...indeed Smitty has respect for Plum.

I think there would be no hard feelings between these 2 guys...Smitty is a great man and a gentleman of the highest calibre a man of huge leadership skills...Sharks are very fortunate to have him.

I'm sure Plum understands this...there is a time to move on...John Smit understands that...he has accepted there was a time for him to move on...maybe a bit belated but that's not important.

Think this is clever from SMit. Appointing a ex Freestater before raiding the Freestate. Looks like he want to sweep out the Durban sand and sweep in some Freestate sand by the looks of it.