Paul Deacon has opened up about his departure from Sale Sharks, describing the move as both "gutting" and "sad." After a decade as attack coach, and a brief stint as interim head coach, Deacon's contract was allowed to lapse, with Joe Ford stepping into the role. Now back with Wigan Warriors, Deacon reflects on his tenure and the future potential of Sale under its current leadership.
Deacon, a former rugby league standout with Bradford Bulls and Wigan Warriors, didn't mince words about his exit. "It was Sale’s decision," he disclosed. "My contract was up and they opted for a new direction. I was a bit gutted and saddened by it, but ten years is a long stint at any club. It’s likely been beneficial for me to make a move as well, to be honest."
"I've no hard feelings against Sale whatsoever; it was amicable, but it was their choice."
Returning to his roots, Deacon has embraced his short-term role at Wigan Warriors and acknowledges his growth through his rugby union experience. "Without a doubt, coaching in rugby union made me a better coach. You gain different perspectives, work with various coaches, and learn from each one," he said.
Deacon credits much of his development to his interactions with players like Danny Cipriani, Faf de Klerk, George Ford, and the Curry twins. "I’ve seen the Currys grow from academy players to England internationals, and Tom's influence with the British and Irish Lions is immense. The best players challenge you, asking why we do certain things, which really pushes you as a coach."
Despite Sale's lack of a Premiership title since 2006, Deacon is optimistic about the team's prospects under Alex Sanderson and the ambitious ownership led by Simon Orange and his wife Michelle. He firmly believes in the club's potential to clinch a championship soon.
"100 percent, I do. In the last five years, we've made it to four semi-finals and one final but just couldn't clinch it. It was hugely disappointing because I would’ve loved to have won a Premiership title at Sale."
While Deacon has turned a page in his coaching career, his legacy at Sale, marked by a blend of successes and near-misses, sets a substantial precedent for what's possible under the club's current regime.
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Paul Deacon has opened up about his departure from Sale Sharks, describing the move as both "gutting" and "sad." After a decade as attack coach, and a brief stint as interim head coach, Deacon's contract was allowed to lapse, with Joe Ford stepping into the role. Now back with Wigan Warriors, Deacon reflects on his tenure and the future potential of Sale under its current leadership.
Deacon, a former rugby league standout with Bradford Bulls and Wigan Warriors, didn't mince words about his exit. "It was Sale’s decision," he disclosed. "My contract was up and they opted for a new direction. I was a bit gutted and saddened by it, but ten years is a long stint at any club. It’s likely been beneficial for me to make a move as well, to be honest."
"I've no hard feelings against Sale whatsoever; it was amicable, but it was their choice."
Returning to his roots, Deacon has embraced his short-term role at Wigan Warriors and acknowledges his growth through his rugby union experience. "Without a doubt, coaching in rugby union made me a better coach. You gain different perspectives, work with various coaches, and learn from each one," he said.
Deacon credits much of his development to his interactions with players like Danny Cipriani, Faf de Klerk, George Ford, and the Curry twins. "I’ve seen the Currys grow from academy players to England internationals, and Tom's influence with the British and Irish Lions is immense. The best players challenge you, asking why we do certain things, which really pushes you as a coach."
Despite Sale's lack of a Premiership title since 2006, Deacon is optimistic about the team's prospects under Alex Sanderson and the ambitious ownership led by Simon Orange and his wife Michelle. He firmly believes in the club's potential to clinch a championship soon.
"100 percent, I do. In the last five years, we've made it to four semi-finals and one final but just couldn't clinch it. It was hugely disappointing because I would’ve loved to have won a Premiership title at Sale."
While Deacon has turned a page in his coaching career, his legacy at Sale, marked by a blend of successes and near-misses, sets a substantial precedent for what's possible under the club's current regime.