Well, it's about time?

Who else is sick of watching South Sydney lose game after game? They have been without a doubt THE worst performing team over the past 25 years. In 1989 there was a brief glimmer of hope when they took out the minor premiership only to crash and burn in the semi-finals. Then in 1994 a proud red and green march saw the Bunnies claim the pre-season Tooheys Challenge Cup against a near-International Brisbane outfit, before yet another year of complete failure.

So it is with absolute delight that I observe them finally taking control of their future in a positive manner and putting themselves first for a change.

I applaud the decision to sack Paul Langmack mid-year. Whilst 'Langer's' is a top bloke he's proven to be an unsuccessful coach. Sure, you can make up all the excuses in the world in terms of injuries and what sort of cattle you have under your reign, but at the end of the day his results just weren't good enough.

Some coaches have the ability to bring out the best in their players and inspire them to perform above their expected ability. Brian Smith at St George in 1992, Chris Anderson at Canterbury in 1995, then the Storm in 1999 and Daniel Anderson at the Warriors in season 2002 are examples of this.

Unfortunately, Paul Langmack is not. By getting rid of Langmack now, South's at least give themselves a chance of signing a high profile coach for next season in order to attract the cream of the talent which is coming onto the market in about three week's time. This move by the Bunnie's Board is paramount to their survival. It is their third year back in the NRL and their third year in a row at the bottom of the ladder. There is no conceivable reason to let Langmack see out the year - it will only result in more damage to the club.

Enter Shane Richardson. Now this man knows the game. He's worked at several clubs in his time, both here and in the U.K. and more recently has built the Penrith Club into the Premiership winning fortress it is today. And whilst leaving a club mid-season is unconventional for a CEO, it is certainly not out of the question.

Nor should there be doubts over his loyalty. If anything this bloke is making a huge personal sacrifice to leave the current Premiers in order to try and perform open-heart surgery on the Rabbitoh's and restore "the Pride of the League" to their rightful place.

Challenge?? You betchya!

Hey, I'm sure plenty of money changed hands out at Redfern when this deal was done, but 'Richo' could well have stayed at the foot of the Mountains, churning his 20,000 juniors through the system, bringing them along to first grade standard and more than likely claim another premiership or two in the coming years.

But he decided enough was enough. He thinks he can make a difference at South's and I for one sure hope he can pull it off. Probably the first thing he needs to do is get the best coach he can, and there's a few available right now let me tell you.

So now South Sydney, arguably the greatest club in Australian Rugby League history, stand at the gates of time with a rich past and an unknown future. They've taken a brave step towards what could become a turning point back to the path of magnificence they once trod.

Glory, glory to South Sydney?