Hull KR caretaker coach Danny McGuire admits he found himself “on the periphery” under former boss Tony Smith.
Assistant McGuire has been in charge since his ex-Leeds chief was sacked in July. His final game will be Saturday's derby at Hull when KR have shockingly only been able to name a 16-man squad due to injuries and suspensions. With that in mind, McGuire says people are growing “disillusioned” with the sport given the negative impact of a packed fixture schedule and a lack of “common sense” when applied to bans.
But he has also revealed how things started to go wrong for him under Smith, the ex- England boss who made a shock announcement in April that he’d be leaving at the end of the season.
McGuire said: “Last year after being heavily involved and us getting to the semis, I felt like we had a good group and was really excited about this year. Things changed over time. I was doing reserves and having less influence on the first team. I found myself on the periphery a bit.
The way things happened with Tony wasn't great for anybody and probably left a sour taste. It took us a while to get over.
“I haven't spoken to him since he left but if I saw him in the street, I'd shake his hand. I always thank him for what he did for me as a player and I learned lots and lots from him in the early parts of my coaching as well.
Things happen in sport and in life. I don't take anything to heart.”
Asked if he was surprised there had been no contact with Smith, McGuire said: “I've not really thought about it too much and won't lose sleep over it.”
