Potter hits back at criticism

SAINTS legends Sean Long and Paul Sculthorpe believe that Mick Potter's decision to step down as St Helens coach at the end of the season was inevitable.

But the ex-Catalans boss remains defiant in the wake of accusations from Sculthorpe that he doesn't have the same "personal relationship" with the players that his predecessors had.

"Not many people warmed to Potter and I think that's because his personality is so different to Daniel Anderson's," Sculthorpe told BBC Five Live's George Riley.

"Mick doesn't like the limelight and keeps himself out of the picture. The fans don't like that.

“As a manager, you have to be more personable and have a relationship with players."

Long, meanwhile, believes Potter's failure to bring silverware to the club is the driving force behind his impending Knowsley Road exit.

“I'm disappointed for Mick, he is a good bloke, but Saints are used to winning trophies," said Long.

"He came up with nothing last year so it was probably on the cards really.

"They have got to bring in some new faces and a new coach."

But head coach Potter has come out fighting.

“The gist I got [from the comments] was that I need to be personable with the players.

“Since I have been here Paul has been at training three times so I am not sure how he
can make a legitimate comment on myself and my coaching.

"As for the way I am perceived by the fans – well for a coach to be carrying on the sidelines, gesturing and looking anxious is not a good coach and does not show composure. It oozes panic," he continued.

“People can agree or disagree but that style is not me nor does it make a good coach.

“And apart from that I don’t think the fans come to watch the coach carrying on on the sidelines.

“They come to watch the players play good Rugby League. If they want a coach to carry on they are not going to get it from me.”

Potter has been dealt a blow by the news that Maurie Fa'asavalu will be out of action for three months.

Scans have revealed that the shoulder injury he picked up back in round 12 is worse that first feared and the 30-year-old now requires surgery.

Better news surrounds Paul Wellens who suffered a head injury during Friday's defeat to Salford.

Examinations failed to uncover any lasting damage and the experienced fullback is expected to be in contention for Friday's visit of Hull KR.