Aussie Parish is expected at The Willows in mid-July. In the meantime, Reds must keep winning to boost their chances of winning the battle to secure eighth spot.
Chairman John Wilkinson is keen for the club’s final season at The Willows to be extended by play-off involvement.
Reds have only ever figured once in the play-offs but with eight games left, including tomorrow’s home clash with Harlequins, Salford know their improved form must be maintained if they are to make the play-offs.
Parish’s arrival fresh from State of Origin duties could be a timely boost for the Reds.
RL legend Alex Murphy expects Parish to hit the ground running and build for the future around half a dozen current Reds stars.
The former Willows coach told MEN Sport: “The pride is now clearly back and Salford have shown what they are capable of such as winning at Warrington.
“The chairman John Wilkinson is a great ambassador for the club and the game. If anyone deserves a bit of success he does.
“It looks to me as if he has been let down badly in the past by many who really should be hanging their heads in shame for what has happened.
“In my view, the previous coach left Salford in a very precarious position. It has been a tough year for them.
“Players I speak to say it was a shambles earlier on in the year but let’s give credit to Phil Veivers for taking charge and turning things around.
“It must be remembered that Veivers has had the same set of players to work with but they’ve clearly responded to him and that’s good to see.
“Back at the start of the season, it looked to me as if too many players had downed tools knowing they were still being paid irrespective of results.”
With Parish’s arrival from Australia imminent, football director Steve Simms insists the future is bright for the Reds.
He said: “There’s a buzz around the place again and that’s good. “We have plenty quality players in the team. Matt Parish is a coach who is totally committed to youth development and I firmly believe that exciting times lie ahead for this club.”
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I hope Matt Parish does have a positive effect on the team. Im glad Veivers is staying on alongside him as he has been a great asset to the club and showed great loyalty staying on after being over looked for the head coach role.
As far as play offs go i think its going to be extremely tight as we still have to play Leeds, St helens(away), Wigan (away), Huddersfield, these will be tough, so its vital we pick the points up against Quins, the two Hulls, and Catalans.
But even if we just miss out, we've had a fantastic season so far, and next year i think is set to be our play off season.
To reach the top eight would be great but if I'm honest that is looking pretty doubtful now.
Great time ahead for the Reds what with our new head-coach on his way soon and of course a new stadium in 2012.
But of course the main thing is we get the nod come the end of July when the Super League franchises are dished out!
COME ON SALFORD CITY REDS..