St Helens' interim head coach Eamon O'Carroll expects to remain in charge of the first team until the close of the current campaign after the club moved swiftly to replace Paul Rowley this week.
Quick transition and steadying the group
O'Carroll, who has stepped up from his assistant role, said the coaching team and playing group had to react quickly when the decision was taken earlier this week. He described the last few days as a "whirlwind" but paid tribute to the squad for how they responded to the sudden change in leadership.
"We're all thinking of Rowls... I spoke to him last night, and had a great conversation with him. He was more concerned about how we are and he was saying, I'll be watching and I want you boys to go well and that tells you everything about his character."
O'Carroll indicated he expects to remain in temporary charge until the end of the season and said he would be willing to revert to his previous role should a permanent head coach be appointed and available before the campaign finishes.
Personal plans and club search
Despite taking on first-team responsibilities, O'Carroll reiterated that he has already agreed to leave Saints and the 13-man code at the end of the calendar year to take up a position with Llanelli Scarlets. The club has begun a search for a new full-time head coach; O'Carroll made clear he would step back to assistant duties if a new manager is appointed and ready to start before season's end.
- Interim manager: Eamon O'Carroll
- Outgoing head coach: Paul Rowley (stepped down this week)
- O'Carroll's future: Leaving Saints at the end of the year for Llanelli Scarlets
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Paul Rowley | Departed from role earlier this week |
| Eamon O'Carroll | Stepped up as interim head coach; expects to remain until season end |
| Future move | O'Carroll to join Llanelli Scarlets at year end |
O'Carroll said the coaching team tried to "energise the group" and that decisions had to be taken rapidly when they were informed ahead of the next training session. He underlined the need to focus on immediate tasks, preserving continuity in preparation rather than making sweeping changes.
The club's appointment process for a permanent successor is now under way. In the meantime, supporters will be watching closely to see whether the interim period brings stabilisation on the field and how quickly a long-term replacement can be secured.
