Lethal unhappy with Brown rift rumours
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Leigh Matthews says there is no truth to the rumours he and Jonathan Brown had a falling out (AAP: Dave Hunt)
Leigh Matthews says he is bitterly disappointed at continued speculation of a rift between himself and Lions co-captain Jonathan Brown.
Brown, who did not commit his future to the Lions until this week, last night dismissed rumours he only agreed to stay in Brisbane after he found out his coach was leaving.
Matthews, who stood down after 10 seasons in charge at the Lions, says he enjoyed a healthy relationship with the star forward.
"Browny is probably one of the half a dozen players I've coached that I regard as a friend," he said.
"It's really disappointing and you can't seem to nip the rumour mill in the bud unfortunately.
"I guess we know the truth but unfortunately the truth is not always what gets reported."
Matthews says incoming coach Michael Voss's close relationship with his former team-mates could potentially get in the way of his new job.
Voss, a triple-premiership winning captain, will replace Matthews from next season after agreeing to a three-year deal earlier this week.
Matthews says Voss will have to make some adjustments in dealing with his former team-mates.
"Obviously the players Michael played with have got a certain relationship with him," he said.
"And it's now a different relationship on a professional level anyway, not necessarily a personal level, and this is a slight impediment.
"I'm sure Michael will handle it OK."
