I agree out of the other candidates id rather of seen McDermott.
In terms of going forwards, I think this is a backward step.

Like above my first choice would of been Kear

I'm willing to see how it goes.

At least he's used to working with a poorer set of players than his opposition

I think its a similar appointment to Steve McClaren for England football coach (TERRIBLE). At least McClaren won something with borough before he got the job what has this muppet done?

I would have give it to Brian McDermott

Well we saw a sneak peak of Steve getting his way when he was assistant to Tony Smith. Thankfully Tony Smith told him to shut up last year so we could look respectable in the four nations!

Doesn't exactly fill me with confidence, but to those saying its a poor choice who else is available? IIRC Kear had ruled himself out, as had Noble so as far I could see the only other option was McDermott (assuming he wanted it). Which isn't exactly an awe-inspiring choice. Either way people would have been disappointed.

However the best part of it is to have Brian Smith as a mentor. Ok he might not be as good as Wayne Bennett but hopefully he might instill some of that NRL confidence and mental strength in the English players.

Would of thought it would be quite an easy job, Expected to come second or third (Dependant on injuries) in world cup. expected to beat France & Wales, Job done. Dam should of applied myself.

I think Kear would have been a good candidate. But we only have 5 out of 14 (6 if you include Tony Smith) SL head coaches who are British (not that it means much these days in terms of coaching the national team - there's another debate!).

We often talk about SL being a retirement package for NRL players, and whether clubs do enough to develop home grown playing talent. Can the same be said for developing the next generation of coaches? I'm not in any way an expert but what programmes do the RFL have coaching development in the professional sport?

Be interesting to see how many assistant coaches we have in SL who could be up for the job when McNamara steps down late Autumn!

I feel sorry for the Bulls supporters.
I imagine many will be glad to be rid of Mac but gutted he's got the England job.

Noble had a fairly decent record as club coach and failed big time as international coach, so god help us with Mac in charge.

A whitewash in the 4 Nations beckons.

....and I've tried to be as optimistic as possible with this announcement!!!

Once again, Leeds do their fair bit in developing people behind the scenes, with Barrie, Franny and Willie being in prominent positions.

Now are they any good, and showing improvement? I don't know, but we are trying to develop a sustainable model long term and not just on the pitch.

Some people label this as jobs for the boys though, rather than thinking why these players may have been chosen.

mcnamara will be the best british coach in our game in 10 years.

George Riley makes some good points on his BBC Blog. rlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/georgeriley/2010/04/mcnamara_gets_his_chance_to_sh.htmlrl

Apparently McNamara is the players choice, his coaching methods are well recieved, which after a long season is a massive positive. (compare this to the criticism sean long and other senior players laid against Brian Nobles coaching style during the last tri nations down under).

also, in club rugby, the noble vs McNamara debate isnt exactly fair, Noble inherited a large chunk of the team which he lead to success, whilst McNamara has had to start from scratch.

at the same time Bradford now break even where as they operated with a large debt burden whilst Noble was at the helm, maybe more of a commentary on the Bulls business model in general rather than the skills of either coach. But it indicates that Nobles Bradford team cost alot more than McNamaras, or that Noble was given more money to spend assembling a squad and then retaining it.

I wasnt a fan of McNamaras potential appointment, but having read Rileys comments and considered things for a moment, it might not be as bad as everyone expects.

heres hoping anyway.

RFL get all they deserve, even let him have it part time until the 4 nations, he'd struggle full time.
Bradford could have got shut of dead wood, be a few quid in compo better off & maybe unearthed the next top young coach in Steve Menzies.
No real winners only Mcnamara.

Its an absolutely shocking shocking shocking appointment! What on earth are the RFL thinking? What coaching credentials does he have to have this job?

This appointment is the most important one for England. With the very talented youngsters coming though the system it is vital the right man takes charge. Instead McBanana will take charge of Eastmood, Tomkins and a host of other promising youngsters. FFS is this the best the RFL could come up with? Ill struggle to follow the four nations later in the year, save me the pain of watching smug Inglis and Slater laughing at us. Lets just hope the likes of JP, Sinfield and Mozza tell him to stfu go sit in the corner and take charge themselves.

I'm in full agreement mate but do we really expect anything else from this administration?
The Welsh farce,joke disciplinary panels and a Refs boss who has done nothing to improve the whistle blowers since he took the job!

Has anyone told him he can't pick anyone from the Manly veterens XIII?