South Sydney boss Shane Richardson has described his decision to sack coach Michael Maguire as the most difficult of his 30 years in rugby league.
The Rabbitohs on Thursday unveiled Anthony Seibold as their new coach, but also dismissed claims of a bitter divorce from Maguire after his dismissal on Tuesday afternoon.
"We felt we had a mutual agreement regarding parting of ways," Richardson said on Thursday.
"But from his point of view, he did nothing but express to us his love for South Sydney, the opportunity to give him he was appreciative off.
"There was no animosity whatsoever, even though inside he might have been feeling all sorts of things and I'm sure he still is."
Rabbitohs chairman Nick Pappas paid tribute to Maguire's success early on in his tenure, but made clear the determination to go their separate ways was mutual.
"He took us to the heights of the NRL, he took us to a World Club Challenge victory, and for that he will always be remembered," Pappas said.
"I also want to add that it was a very pleasant meeting we had with Michael with our board on Tuesday.
"The meeting that followed was also very pleasant and held in a very good spirit.
"We all shook hands and laughed at the end of our meeting.
"It was a mutual decision of both parties, that it was in everyone's interests that we separate at this point in time."
Richardson said the club wouldn't have won the 2014 premiership without Maguire.
"The decision for us to both mutually part company on Tuesday was the toughest decision in my 30 years of football," he said.
Richardson stressed the club had never questioned Maguire's ability to coach, but conceded that the underperforming team needed to hear from a new voice.
He was adamant the playing group played no role in Maguire's demise.
"I don't believe Michael had lost the players ... not one player came to see me about Michael Maguire or complained about Michael Maguire," he said.
"We won 18 from 52 games.
"From our point of view and from the board's point of view, we're a members-based club, we need our membership to grow, and we need to be better than 12th."
Share
