IT’S SO HARD TO SAY TEAR-IO
Wane reveals turmoil over decision to quit Warriors
SHAUN WANE choked back the tears as he opened up about his bombshell decision to leave Wigan.
The Warriors coach was clearly emotional at the thought of ending his 36-year association with his hometown club.
But Wane, 53, insisted the decision was entirely his rather than the club deciding not to renew his contract.
He said: “It has been strongly on my mind for the last few weeks. It has been tough but I made up my mind last week.
“I’ve been here a long time and I’ve had some fantastic times and won lots of things, but everything comes to an end.”
Wigan legend Shaun Edwards is tipped for the job after 17 years in rugby union with Wasps and Wales.
But Wane sent a warning to the dual code superstar, saying: “It’s a very different game now. It’s a big ask. He is a very smart operator and he’s been successful wherever he has been, but this would be a big challenge.”
Wane then lifted the lid on the pressure that faces any Wigan coach from their fanatical fan base.
He said: “You cannot underestimate how much pressure there is. It is absolutely huge and you have to be ready for it.
“This is the most decorated club in the world and you have to win. If you’ve got injuries and players out you still have to win.”
But Wane insists that is not the reason he’s leaving at the end of the season, his seventh year as head coach.
He said: “That’s the only thing that concerns me about leaving – whether I can cope a week without pressure. I live for that.”
Wane, who has been linked with
Catalans Dragons, says he hasn’t decided on his next career move.
But he insists he wouldn’t have a problem coaching against Wigan, adding: “It would be hard but I am a professional coach.
“I need a job. I just want to do something different and challenge myself in a different way. I am open to anything.”
That includes a possible move, as an assistant, to rugby union although he insists he would look at job offers in other sports too.