'Timing is ridiculous': Newcastle rocked by Nathan Brown bombshell
Knights fans have reacted with shock over reports Nathan Brown will leave the club at the end of the season.
Despite reassurances in recent weeks from club hierarchy that Brown would lead the side in 2020, the Newcastle Herald is reporting that he will exit the club.
The Knights have lost seven of their past nine games to sit in 10th spot, despite a star-studded roster which was expected to be a finals contender.
Brown last year signed an open-ended performance-based contract with the club after lifting them off the bottom of the ladder, following three straight wooden spoon seasons, and into 11th spot.
The Knights, led by the likes of Kalyn Ponga, Mitchell Pearce and David Klemmer, looked like premiership contenders midway through the season.
Following their round 11 win over the Sydney Roosters, they found themselves in the top four.
But a recent six-game losing streak brought them back down to earth and appears to be the impetus behind Brown's reported exit.
Currently 10th with three rounds to play, they’re still just two points out of eighth spot.
Fans reacted with disappointment, especially considering the timing of the announcement.
Wow!
— Matt Ferrier (@Mattswimlife) August 20, 2019
This is pretty sad I would have loved to see him coach the young fellas coming through for a year or two toa, best and hoy
— Carl Schroder (@CarlSchroder1) August 20, 2019
Could they of not announced this at seasons end instead the timing is ridiculous 😑
— Aaron jones (@Aaronj77) August 20, 2019
Completely agree mate. He has been a solid and sound coach for us, this is indeed disappointing news.
— Zachary J Garred (@ZJGarred) August 20, 2019
Wtf!!!! Where did this come from?!?!
— Andrew Black (@a_d_black) August 20, 2019
Wasn't expecting this
— Stephen Rushton (@StephenRushton2) August 20, 2019
Devastating news.
— MOIST SMEAR (@_FENZEE) August 20, 2019
Brown has coached the Knights since 2016, attempting to rebuild the club.
Newcastle finished last in 2016 and 2017 – before finishing 11th last year.
Two coaching bombshells in one day
The news comes just hours after Fremantle Dockers coach Ross Lyon and CEO Steve Rosich were sacked by the AFL club.
The Dockers' board informed Lyon, who had a year to go on his AFL coaching contract, of their decision on Tuesday morning.
The axings follow the club's failure to make the finals since 2015.
Assistant David Hale will take over in a caretaker-coach role for Fremantle's final game of the season - Sunday's clash with the Power at Adelaide Oval.
"Leadership change is necessary to begin the process of renewal and to set our course for the next 10 years," Dockers president Dale Alcock said.
with AAP