JOURNEY into the unknown. That was Shaun McRae's assessment of his forthcoming move to newly-franchised club Gateshead.

WHITTLE: So Super League's most successful coach is heading for pastures new. When did you actually put pen to paper?

McRAE: It was done via a fax from Shane Richardson and Kath Hetherington on Monday afternoon, and I was due to travel to Gateshead yesterday (Wednesday) for an 'unveiling' session with the media. One point I would like to make abundantly clear is that Gateshead only dispatched the contract to me AFTER Saints had categorically stated they would not be changing their minds. As far as I am concerned Saints were acting perfectly within their rights to seek a new coach when my time was up. I am naturally disappointed, but I was not sacked, bear the board no grudge, and it was quite a boost to realise I was Gateshead's first choice. As for the present my number one priority will be to do my best for the Saints until the end of the season. Then it's all systems go in order to acquaint myself with Gateshead and the North East in general, because I have only stayed there briefly in the course of my coaching career. Yes, it is a brand-new challenge, yes, it means upheaval because I will have to re-locate there, and of course I will be leaving a club steeped in history for one that only received its licence to operate a fortnight ago. WHITTLE: No doubt you are aware that there was a considerable clamour among many supporters for you to stay at Knowsley Road?

McRAE: Yes I was, and I would like to thank those who sent messages of goodwill by phone, letter and word of mouth. Some have remarked that it would be the supreme irony if Saints went on to Grand Final success while I am still at Knowsley Road and, although it would be a nice way to bow out, it's far to early to talk of that. No, it's time to move on - or almost!

WHITTLE: Four wins in as many games since you were told you were not being retained. Is there any significance in that or is pure coincidence?

McRAE: I believe the latter to be the case, because anyone who expounds the theory that the players are pulling out that little bit extra for me is talking utter nonsense. The reality is that most things seem to be coming right on the field and an air of confidence has followed in its wake. However, we are in for a really tough fortnight against Halifax and Leeds, and I will reserve judgement until those games are done and dusted.

WHITTLE: With Mike Gregory released by Saints do you think he might join you at Gateshead?

McRAE: I will certainly be championing Mike's cause because he has matured greatly since arriving from Salford, and has guided the Alliance team to second place in the league table. His name has been mentioned for the Widnes job, but it would suit me fine if we still continued to work in tandem. However, it would be a big decision for 'Greg' to move his wife and baby daughter up there, so we will just have to wait and see.

WHITTLE: Another highly professional performance, this time at a rain-soaked Boulevard of all places!. A morale-booster surely?

McRAE: Agreed, and what really impressed me was that Saints kept the Sharks at bay until 90 seconds from time despite playing for 68 minutes with only12 men due to sin-binnings.

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