Parker slams Manly legends' plot to axe Seibold

Corey Parker and SENQ Breakfast co-host Ian Healy have launched a scathing attack on a group of former Manly players who are reportedly driving a campaign to see Anthony Seibold sacked as coach.

Seibold, who has two years to run on his current contract, was last week given the full backing of the club’s board amid the whispers that there was a push to get him out.

Manly are in a tight battle to secure a finals berth this season – Seibold’s third at the helm – despite an unfortunate run of injuries.

According to reports, Anthony Watmough is leading the charge for a change in coach with backing from George Mimis. They want Matt Ballin to replace Seibold at season’s end.

But the very notion of former players having any influence over the coaching of a club is ludicrous to Parker.

“What right do former players of the Manly Sea Eagles have right now,” he said on SENQ Breakfast.

“This happened when I was at Brisbane.

“Just because you’re a former player and you don’t like what’s being done you think you all of a sudden have a voice and you throw all these fractions in? I disagree with it.”

Last week, Sea Eagles owner Scott Penn acknowledged the coup and went public with his support of Seibold.

“There are a few people in the background trying to create a bit of drama,” he told News Corp.

“People see an opportunity to throw a few grenades.

“We had a board meeting this week and we understand some of the pressure we have had on our forward pack with the injuries.”

Ian Healy was equally irked by the absurdity of ex-players try to control the club.

“The board has come out in support of Siebs whatever that means but you can’t have people thinking they’re more important than the team going on the field every week,” he said.

“If you’re not happy, state it and stay in support of the club. That’s all you can do.

“They’re doing it the wrong way. Be more professional than that.

“If its not changed because of your opinion you have to trust in the majority of people that are going to do a good job for the club.”

Manly, currently 10th on the ladder, play West Tigers this weekend before a run home including clashes with the Dolphins, Dragons and Warriors.