this sounds silly at the very least, but does Wane himself think he is ready? he may not actually want the first team role yet!

Not silly at all. This has to be in the mix also. He may feel he needs more time as number 2 . It certainly isnt nailed on that Wane will be our next head coach.

David Fairleigh has been mentioned on the Saints board? He's been coaching at Newcastle pretty much since he left Saints at the end of 2003.

FWIW, I'd stay miles away from both Brian Smith and Daniel Anderson - they'll make sure you compete, but I'm afraid that whole coaching school, which includes Nobby and Potter, is too limited in its forward orientated tactics to succeed in the modern, salary capped game of RL.

Not silly at all - IMO this should be the deciding factor

Looks like we can scratch Tim SHeen's name off the list of candidates.
rlhttp://www.dailystar.co.uk/rugby/view/186872/Tim-Sheens-staying-put/rl

Wow, staggering that he wasn't up for SL. Who'd have thunk it.

But what would then happen to whoever was the assistant to Wane? - would they also drop down a level?

As much as i would like Wane to be given the job im also cautious that it could be too soon for him and that part of the reason why IL is disapointed that Maguire is leaving is because of this.

The good thing for Wane is that Maguire himself as nominated him to takeover at the club following his departure to Souths.

3 years under Maguire would of been better that 2 though.

IL himself said that Shaun Wane was one of the favourites for the job, but let's be honest - he's not going to say anything else. Imagine the outcome for the rest of this season if Wane knew that he was going to be passed over.

I still expect that Wane will be one of the front-runners, but I honestly believe the ultimate decision will depend on who applies.

I can't think of a single other British-based coach who I'd want. I'd be wary of Nathan Brown as his outbursts to the press are frankly embarrassing. I much prefer the 'we do our talking on the pitch' approach that Madge takes. Tony Smith would probably be good, but he's clearly well settled at Warrington so there's no point even thinking about him.

That only leaves the Aussies, and then the 'wild card' factor - Shaun Edwards. I'd love to see Edwards back at Wigan, but I don't think he could step straight into the top job without serving at least a short apprenticeship, and for some reason, while he might have been willing to work under Michael Maguire, I can't imagine him agreeing to work under Shaun Wane. Not only that, would Wane want someone like Edwards - clearly the king-in-waiting - as his number two?

Perhaps a more realistic option would be to appoint a seasoned Aussie coach, and advise Wane that he has to serve another two years as assistant - by which time IL will know for sure whether or not he can handle the top job.

Isnt Noble free?

DONT HIT ME! haha

It is for domestic Rah Rah but I think Edwards is contracted to Wales until after the World Cup in October/November

Personally I'd go for an Australian but in IL we trust, he hasn't done too badly so far

Wane to take over, no doubt about that. With Kris at assistant officially, but working closely with Mark Bitcon, Darren Fletcher & Deacon. Don't need to rock the ship anymore than we need to!

Shaun Edwards wont leave London, union is where his heart is at, aswell as money!

The problem is that Kris has said a number of times that he doesn't want to do any coaching.

Or at least, he's been reported as having said that.

A lot of people keep saying that Wane might not yet be ready. Valid point in some respects, but how old is he? At least mid 40's as he was MOM in the WCC v Manley 24 years ago.

If he leaves it much later, he isn't going to have that many years as a top-flight coach - although I know there are some in their 50's still plying their trade.

Very difficult decision for IL - pros of appointing within ( a la Liverpool bootroom), pros of appointing Edwards, an outstanding Aussie or even Ellery......

Very inexperienced coaching set up.

Maguire wasnt a bad find considering he went from assistant coach to head coach. But if we are looking Australian and we want a current head coach, the pot looks bleak. Of those currently struggling in the NRL, the names of Matty Elliott at Penrith must be under consideration. Although the Panthers finished strongly last year, this year they are Pants and he has a track record in the UK. Other than him, David Furner (former Wigan player) at Canberra is taking a lot of stick for his tactics in a team that had top 4 aspirations. Gold Coast have been unlucky this year losing 4 of their 5 matches to the strongest teams in the NRL, he is their only NRL coach in history, but with a lot of good signings next year, Titans may be looking to off load. Perhaps IL may look at Ivan Cleary at the NZ Warriors, they are also not performing at their potential and his contract expires at the end of the season.

But my choice would be Shane, please give the aussies a rest this time.

MATTY BOWEN - WIGAN WARRIOR 2012