Saints Chief David Howes talks to Denis Whittle on the departure of coach Eric Hughes.

THE departure of Saints coach Eric Hughes and the arrival of his successor Shaun McRae brought many unanswered questions.

I found myself bombarded with queries from Saints fans, mystfied by the timing of Hughes' departure -just days after his side's magnificent performance against Wigan.

But rumours about a new regime at Knowsley Road had been in the air for weeks.

For news had begun to filter through from Australia that Shaun McRae was to take over at Knowsley Road as long ago as November.

My source Down Under stated that Mr. McRae had told Canberra coach Tim Sheens of his intentions, was in the process of selling his house, and had arranged a farewell party for his friends. I asked Saints chief executive David Howes about the claims and he replied that it was speculation started by another Australian coach whose services had been declined by Saints.

During what proved to be my final interview with Mr. Hughes on Tuesday, January 16, he told me there had been no new developments regarding his contract, which was due to expire in June.

Next day, Wednesday, a national newspaper carried a headline which said 'McRae to coach Saints' followed by a brief story and in the light of this, I asked Mr. Howes to explain his earlier reply to me.

He said it was true at the time, but agreed that Shaun McRae had indicated his availability and emphasised that it was only in December that Saints opened negotiations with him.

I then held the following question-and-answer session with Mr. Howes:

Q: What were the grounds for dismissal of Mr. Hughes?

A: Mainly the need to upgrade the club to meet the financial and playing challenge of Super League with Wigan the yardstick, improvement in defensive aspects and generally to give Saints a change of direction.

Q: Was the acquiring of the new coach a 'fait accompli' in view of the fact that he was at Knowsley Road in a consultative capacity during the recent World Cup competition?

A: Definitely not.

Q: Is is true that chairman Eric Ashton asked his fellow directors several months ago to consider an extension of Mr. Hughes contract to the end of the first Super League season?

A: Yes, but it was decided that any decision would be made when the Centenary League programme was complete.

Q: It has been reported that the resolution not to renew Mr. Hughes' contract was made by a majority of just four votes to three. Is that correct, and were you involved in the decision-making process?

A: I cannot comment on the first part of your question and, not being a board member, did not vote but nonetheless supported the decision. Q: Would the dismissal have taken effect if Saints had won the Regal Trophy by defeating Wigan?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you know Mr. McRae?

A: I have met him in the course of my career in Rugby League but would not regard him as a close friend.

Q: Who was the 'mole' who leaked the story to the national press?

A: Beyond saying the source was Australian I do not know. Realising that Eric Hughes' coaching abilities have been fully documented elsewhere I will content myself by adding that he is the only English coach to have charge of a team which finished in a top-four place in the Centenary League championship.

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