Harlequins' future assured

McDermott: To be replaced soon

We will formally commence the search for a new coach next week.

David Hughes.
Quotes of the week

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The rebuilding process at Harlequins can finally get under way after chairman David Hughes confirmed the club's future has been safeguarded.

The Rugby Football League have been heavily involved in negotiations with Quins majority shareholder and current Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan for Hughes to take full control at the Stoop.

The Londoners' future has been the subject of extensive speculation and departing head coach Brian McDermott, who was denied a winning send-off against Warrington, declared his own fears for the future of the club last month.

And Hughes admits the protracted talks to resolve the club's ownership crisis means the Super League side are trailing their rivals in the transfer market.

"There has been inevitable uncertainty during this process and in some areas we now need to progress very quickly - the signing and re-signing of players for next season, the appointment of a new head coach and the launch of season tickets," he told supporters before Friday night's 22-36 defeat to Wolves.

"We will formally commence the search for a new coach next week. He will be expected to work with the existing and very capable support staff, but we will be looking for this individual to bring in new ideas, a fresh approach and to lead a successful campaign next season."

No debt

With the ownership issue resolved, Hughes insists the club has "a very bright future" and, although the size of attendances remain a concern, he says they are not in financial difficulties.

"We carry no debt and no overdraft and so I want to make it crystal clear that the well-publicised discussions with the RFL have not been around financial support of the club," said Hughes, who pledged to continue his backing at least until 2014.

"I can categorically state that we have not asked for, and not received, a financial bail of any sort."

Harlequins have yet to make any signings for 2011, but have confirmed that eight players will be leaving the club.

The list includes Luke Williamson, Danny Orr, Will Sharp, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Ben Jones-Bishop, Ben Kaye, Ryan Esders and Ben Jones.