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Cape Town - Outgoing Sharks CEO Brian van Zyl says he wanted John Plumtree to remain as Sharks coach for at least two more years.
John Smit will replace Van Zyl as Sharks CEO on July 1, and the former Bok captain made his first move earlier this week by appointing Brendan Venter as the new director of coaching at the union.
Plumtree, whose contract at the Sharks expires at the end of this year, will lead the team until the end of the Super Rugby competition before Venter takes over the reins for the Currie Cup.
But there are clear differences in opinion between Smit and Van Zyl regarding the new coach, reports the Beeld website.
"I want to make it very clear that I feel John (Plumtree) should have received another contract as coach for two years," said Van Zyl.
"I believe he did a fantastic job at this union - and he deserves a chance as coach for at least two more years."
But Smit feels winds of change are needed at the Sharks.
"I feel we need fresh, new ideas," he said of the appointment of Venter.
Smit also hinted that the Sharks could follow a blueprint similar to what had been successful at the Bulls for so many years.
"What we will be doing is assessing when we are, whether we are on par with the other teams, behind them or ahead of them, and then we’ll spend some time putting a strategy together so that we’re never on par or behind but always in front, and how we can sustain that year after year.
"That won’t just take one person - the CEO - but everyone that’s involved with and employed by the Sharks.
"Hopefully that will get us a good result and a great future."
John Smit will replace Van Zyl as Sharks CEO on July 1, and the former Bok captain made his first move earlier this week by appointing Brendan Venter as the new director of coaching at the union.
Plumtree, whose contract at the Sharks expires at the end of this year, will lead the team until the end of the Super Rugby competition before Venter takes over the reins for the Currie Cup.
But there are clear differences in opinion between Smit and Van Zyl regarding the new coach, reports the Beeld website.
"I want to make it very clear that I feel John (Plumtree) should have received another contract as coach for two years," said Van Zyl.
"I believe he did a fantastic job at this union - and he deserves a chance as coach for at least two more years."
But Smit feels winds of change are needed at the Sharks.
"I feel we need fresh, new ideas," he said of the appointment of Venter.
Smit also hinted that the Sharks could follow a blueprint similar to what had been successful at the Bulls for so many years.
"What we will be doing is assessing when we are, whether we are on par with the other teams, behind them or ahead of them, and then we’ll spend some time putting a strategy together so that we’re never on par or behind but always in front, and how we can sustain that year after year.
"That won’t just take one person - the CEO - but everyone that’s involved with and employed by the Sharks.
"Hopefully that will get us a good result and a great future."
