SALFORD City Reds have announced that Australian Shaun McRae has been appointed as the new head coach at The Willows with immediate effect.

Shaun has, most recently, been coaching in the NRL after highly successful spells in the Super League with St Helens and Hull FC.

He takes up his position having signed a four and a half year deal taking him up to the end of 2011, giving him the opportunity to guide the team into their new iconic stadium at Barton.

McRae won the Super League title with Saints then moved on to Gateshead and Hull before heading Down Under to coach South Sydney.

McRae said: "I am delighted to be appointed as Head Coach of such a prestigious and famous Rugby League Club. The vision for the future, the business acumen of the Board and the passion of the fantastic supporter's we have here will ultimately provide success for everyone involved."

Speaking of the appointment, chairman John Wilkinson said: "I'd like to welcome Shaun to his new position as head coach at Salford.

"We feel that with 11 crucial games to play that this is a very important signing for our club.

"We felt we had to make a signing of a person with vast experience and an enviable track record and I am positive everybody will get behind him and we can complete the season on a high note.

"The board have offered a four-and a half year contract because it is our intention to be awarded a franchise in 2009, and we felt a contract of this length shows our commitment to the cause."

Shaun's first game in charge will be against Harlequins RL at The Willows this Friday.