Anderson favourite for Souths
coaching job

Former Australian coach Chris Anderson has emerged as the clear favourite to coach South Sydney next year after Paul Langmack was controversially sacked from the position last night.

Langmack is expected to be paid out the remainder of his contract.

The Rabbitohs board opted to replace Langmack with Premier League coach Arthur Kitinas, who has no first grade experience.

Many fear Kitinas will simply inherit the problems Langmack has faced all season, including the club?s horrific injury toll which is the worst in the league.

Anderson, who was dumped from the Sharks last season, was tipped to come on board at the Rabbitohs earlier this year in a role similar to the one that Phil Gould holds at the Roosters.

But that option was shot down in flames by Rabbitohs officials ? the same officials who are expected to chase Anderson hard for the next four months.

Langmack told Sydney newspaper The Daily Telegraph that he was gutted by the decision of the board at last night?s extraordinary meeting, that lasted nearly three hours.

"I'm shocked and disappointed,? Langmack said. ?I don't know what I'll do now.?

Rabbitohs Chairman Nick Pappas said last night that Langmack simply didn?t have the support of the board to carry on in the position.

?On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank Paul for the effort he has shown and wish him well in the future,? Mr Pappas said.

?Paul?s contract with the Club gives the Club the right to excuse him from providing his services and the Board has resolved that it is in the best interests of the Club, its players and supporters that this occur immediately.?

Souths fans are understood to be upset at the decision ? claiming Kitinas will do no better than Langmack, considering this season is a loss already, as far as making the top eight is concerned.

Langmack is the first coach to be dumped this season, but he is not expected to be the last. There?s renewed pressure on Parramatta coach Brian Smith this morning, and it is now understood that Warriors mentor Daniel Anderson could be sacked by the end of next week.