The Eels have had a modest return this century. Some good times, some real lows. Back in the year 2000, coach Brian Smith was well into his 244 match career at the club. It commenced in 1997 and went until 2006 and he remains the longest serving coach. League winners in 2001 and 2005, the first took them to a losing grand final, the second one game short of the final. The last 16 matches in the 2006 season were overseen by caretaker coach Jason Taylor.
Michael Hagan's 51 games at the Eels produced a 50-50 win-loss record but he chose to leave after two seasons for personal reasons. Stephen Kearney was the new coach in 2011 but his win record plunged to a quarter and culminated in a wooden spoon in 2011.
Ricky Stuart was then employed to lead the team but a 20% win rate was the disappointing result. Back to back wooden spoons were the outcome, showing changing coaches in quick succession isn't always the answer. Surely more stability with coaches was required.
Brad Arthur was the man chosen or as I refer to him, Mr. Frown. The three year deal he was initially offered has continued to now, his 8th season. He promised no wooden spoons while he was coach, a promise that lasted until 2018. He skillfully shielded his players through a salary cap issue in 2017.
It is with credit to the Parramatta club that they promised to keep Brad Arthur for the remaining year of his contract in 2019. This was probably due to the way he handled a difficult season the year before. He stayed on coaching after a much improved 2019 and while trophies have eluded the club for some time now, they had four seasons of strong performances. 2023 ended a bit limp though.
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