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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
David Craven

Hull KR's Danny McGuire won't "lose sleep" over lack of contact with Tony Smith

Hull KR caretaker coach Danny McGuire admits he found himself “on the periphery” under former boss Tony Smith.

Assistant McGuire has been in charge since his ex-Leeds chief was sacked in July. His final game will be Saturday's derby at Hull when KR have shockingly only been able to name a 16-man squad due to injuries and suspensions. With that in mind, McGuire says people are growing “disillusioned” with the sport given the negative impact of a packed fixture schedule and a lack of “common sense” when applied to bans.

But he has also revealed how things started to go wrong for him under Smith, the ex- England boss who made a shock announcement in April that he’d be leaving at the end of the season.

McGuire said: “Last year after being heavily involved and us getting to the semis, I felt like we had a good group and was really excited about this year. Things changed over time. I was doing reserves and having less influence on the first team. I found myself on the periphery a bit.

The way things happened with Tony wasn't great for anybody and probably left a sour taste. It took us a while to get over.

Former Hull KR boss Tony Smith (James Heaton/News Images) (James Heaton/News Images)

“I haven't spoken to him since he left but if I saw him in the street, I'd shake his hand. I always thank him for what he did for me as a player and I learned lots and lots from him in the early parts of my coaching as well.

Things happen in sport and in life. I don't take anything to heart.”

Asked if he was surprised there had been no contact with Smith, McGuire said: “I've not really thought about it too much and won't lose sleep over it.”

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