Catalans owner Bernard Guasch never felt like giving Steve McNamara the chop
Perpignan meat magnate says he was never tempted to sack English boss when times were tough earlier this season
BERNARD Guasch insists he never felt like treating Catalans boss Steve McNamara like one of his famed cuts of meat – giving him the chop.
The Dragons have turned their season around completely after struggling at the bottom of Super League to competing for their first ever silverware at Wembley.
But meat baron Guasch, known colloquially as Bernard the Butcher, is adamant there was no thought of wielding his cleaver and getting rid of the coach.
And he revealed weekly chats convinced him McNamara is the man to take them forward.
He said: “Steve knew where we were going every time and I trusted him in his project.
“Every Monday, he gives a two-hour speech to us together and it’s a very honest one. That helps create a relationship between us and I trust him every time. He’s doesn’t cut corners and is very confident in where we want to go.
“I’ve really started to appreciate Steve. If we’re here now after what we went through last season, it’s thanks to his professionalism and his character. I appreciate the man.”
Guasch is the man behind the Dragons. The man who brought them to Super League in 2006 and who stayed with them through the bad times as they narrowly avoided relegation last season.
Had they lost the Million Pound Game to Leigh, he would have guided them in the Championship – now walking out at Wembley for the first time in 11 years is his reward, even if he thought it would be sooner when he did so in 2007.
And he knows just how big a chance Saturday’s final with Warrington is.
He added: “I was born into rugby league and I’m very grateful for all it has done for me. I wanted to give back what I’ve had from the sport.
“I can’t say how much I’ve put in but when you love something, money doesn’t matter and I cannot leave the club without someone to replace me. I would never have left the club had we lost the Million Pound Game.
“This final is completely different. When we went there in 2007, I thought we’d come back quickly.
“The club has grown a lot but my main source of pride is that 10 French players will play at Wembley, ones developed in our system.
“It’s a huge opportunity for our club and French rugby league. We need that.”
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