Ex-Salford City Reds head coach Phil Veivers insists he has no interest in his former employers as he seeks a settlement over unpaid wages.
The 48-year-old was unveiled as assistant coach for Brian McClennan’s Exiles side this week – an exhibition team made up of southern hemisphere Super League players.
Veivers was sacked from his position with the Reds two months ago and hinted at an interest in the vacant Castleford Tigers head coach job.
“I think if I look over my shoulder I’ll get a kink in my neck,” he told MM.
“I’ve got to try and get a settlement from Salford for starters and we’ll take it from there.
“I’ve got an agent looking out for me on both sides of the globe, so you never know what will turn up.
“I know I got shunted and Basil [former Castleford head coach Ian Millward] got shunted and they’re the only two opportunities at the moment.
“I think every man and his dog are chasing the Cas job so we’ll just wait and see what happens.”
The Exiles – captained by Wolves fullback Brett Hodgson – will face England at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium on June 14 for their only World Cup warm-up match.
Veivers took over the helm at Salford in November 2011 – succeeding Matt Parish – but could only guide the Reds to 11th in his only full-season in charge.
And despite steering the club through its toughest off-season – 14 players leaving as Salford headed towards administration – the Australian was dismissed by owner Dr Marwan Koukash just five games into 2013.
Head of youth Alan Hunte took over temporary first-team coaching duties in his absence, alongside ex-assistant coach Sean Long – who has since joined Wigan Warriors.
But with new head coach Brian Noble taking charge of his first Reds game on Saturday, his former Bradford Bulls colleague admitted it was a shrewd appointment by the club.
“Brian Noble is Brain Noble,” he added. “I worked with him for seven years so I know what he can bring to the table and they’ve employed him, so good luck to him.
“Sean’s got a mind of his own as everyone knows but I think it’s a good move for him going across to Wigan.
“He did a fabulous job when he I as there and I’m told he’s held the ship together at Salford, but I think switching will not only benefit him, it’ll also benefit Wigan.”
Image courtesy of Super League TV, via YouTube, with thanks
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