Saders to part company with boss Dixon
Bye, Bye John
By Chris O'Brien,
September 12 2009
John Dixon will part company with the Celtic Crusaders after Sunday's trip to Castleford. The Australian's future has been the subject of intense speculation, and it has now been confirmed that Dixon will not be offered a new contract for next season.
Despite masterminding the Saders' rapid rise from National League Two to Super League, Dixon has seemingly struggled to adapt to the high-pressure invite of RL's top-flight.
To date, the Saders have only three wins to their name and have also struggled off-the-field, particularly in the wake of the six deportations.
Club officials have thus decided to make another big change to the club's infrastructure. Next season will see Cru in a new ground, with a new badge and a vastly changed playing staff. There will now also be a new manager at the helm.
Dixon is clearly saddened but typically subservient after learning his fate, saying: "I am disappointed to be leaving but I respect the chairman's right to bring change,
"I would like to thank all the players, staff, and the very loyal band of supporters who I feel have all played integral roles in the successes that the club has achieved over the last four years."
Dixon has been in charge of the club since the very beginning, leading the Saders to victory in their opening game with a 50-10 thumping at the Hemel Hempstead Stags. Ahead of Sunday's game, he has been in charge for 123 matches including friendlies, winning 70, drawing 1 and losing 52.
Rumours continue to link Wigan Warriors coach Brian Noble with the vacancy. However, it is unlikely any such announcement would be made until the Lancashire club's play-off campaign is over.
It has yet to be confirmed whether Dixon will continue as manager of the national side ahead of this autumn's internationals. However, he is expected to return to Australia in a bid to find a new full-time coaching role.
Good luck to JD in the future. A thoroughly nice bloke who has been somewhat unlucky this season. Let's hope he can see us off with an unlikely win on Sunday.
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Thanks for all your hard work over the years.
Thank you John and good luck in the future.
I suppose after some of the things that have happened this season, you can’t blame them. The club’s name has been dragged through the dirt a bit.
This does seem rash though. JD has been nothing but loyal to the club throughout the season and has put up with a lot.
I just hope it is Brian Noble coming in. What happens if Wigan win the play-offs? Will he still leave? Word is they’re after the NZ coach, and Noble has said this week he “isn’t an idiot” when questioned about his future.
I’ll put my neck on the line and say I’d love to have Noble here. Only if we get him, will I think the club has done the right thing with Dixon.
I’d love to have kept JD here in a development role, but I doubt the budget would allow and perhaps JD wants to be head coach elsewhere instead. He has been very gracious throughout the campaign and I wish him luck and hopefully he’ll pay Rodney Parade a visit next season.
I wonder if he’s still in charge of Wales?
Anyone fancy a drive down to see his first game in charge at the new side LOL