DANNY McGUIRE was in “absolute disbelief” and then “angry” over Castleford Tigers’ decision to axe him as head coach, according to his agent.

McGuire was given his marching orders earlier this month after just four wins from 17 Super League fixtures.

But the decision surprised many fans with McGuire building for the future alongside new director of rugby Chris Chester.

“I didn’t feel there was a massive ‘Danny Out’ campaign,” said agent Craig Harrison on The Full Eighty Minutes podcast.

“Usually you’ll look at social media and there’s a bad defeat you’re going to get the boot. Social media is horrendous.

“When the first texts came through, he was angry and as angry as I’ve ever seen him. He didn’t see it coming.

“In that aspect it was absolute disbelief off Danny and then it was anger.

“It would have been (former managing director) Mark Grattan originally that gave him a fantastic opportunity, bringing a young coach in at that age. It was a massive gamble.

“Danny had done four years as an assistant, he could have done with more as an assistant or academy coach.

“I think it was a fantastic thing to give him a chance.

“But do I think Danny was told of a three-to-five year plan? I thought everybody at the club – including the fans – were aware that this was going to be a tough gig for the first two years.

“Danny first went into develop the likes of Fletcher Rooney and Jenson Windley.

“I think the same happened as it did throughout sport – the pressure. I’ve never seen anyone as honest as Danny after a game.

“He was brutal, he’s that much of a winner and people didn’t realise he had that in him.

“Danny saw a defeat and would say after that his players were trying their best but that they weren’t good enough.

“Where does the pressure come from, the fans? They won’t blame Danny, they will blame the board instead and say why wasn’t Danny given the money?

“Danny Wilson (Castleford CEO, and previously director of rugby) would have got his arse torn a thousand of times and then they aim for the owners. If Martin (Jepson, owner) has put £2 million in, let’s say, the last thing he wants is negativity.

“I think that’s what has happened. I think they could have sold it better to the fans originally.”