Shepherd will take on the role of head coach until the end of the 2014 NRL season.
Cronulla Sharks have announced stand-in coach James Shepherd as head coach for the remainder of the 2014 season.
In the in an interim capacity since the resignation of Peter Sharp three weeks ago, Shepherd will now assume the top job for the final seven matches of the season.
Sharks chairman Damian Keogh said the club is confident Shepherd’s had the coaching ability and the confidence of the players to handle the role.
“James has expressed a willingness to step into the role and is familiar with the players, staff and the systems here at the club so his appointment will result in minimal disruption,” Keogh said.
“He is an accomplished coach who we have every confidence in and he has the backing of the senior playing group.
“It has been a challenging season for all concerned, with James now our third NRL coach, added to the fact that we have been without key players such as Gallen, Lewis and Fifita for much of the year and have battled a massive injury toll.
“Through it all James has gone about his business very competently and with a minimum of fuss and we have no doubt he will continue to be able to do that for our remaining games this year.”
Shepherd said he was grateful for the opportunity and said he would do all he could to ensure the bottom-of-the-table Sharks finish off the season on a good note.
“I’m privileged to have been given this opportunity,” Shepherd said.
“Having been at the club a number of years now I’m happy here and comfortable with the playing group.
“Over the past few weeks the senior players have been excellent and with their continued support we will come together to try to win as many games as possible over the next seven weeks to finish our season on a positive note.”
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