the club was expected to show further improvement. A buying program prior to the season landed the signatures of 1987 Manly premiership player, NSW Origin representative and Australian international Phil Daley, former Queensland State of Origin centre Brett French, Manly half Paul Shaw, and former St George outside back Clinton Mohr. However these players could not help deliver the anticipated wins. Shaw, who like Daley was a member of Manly's 1987 premiership side and had led Manly's reserve grade team to the 1988 premiership, joined the Seagulls looking for a permanent first grade spot after being stuck in reserve grade behind Geoff Toovey, Cliff Lyons and Des Hasler at Manly Brett French (21 games) and Mohr (20 games), rendered good service throughout the season, but 1986 Kangaroo tourist Daley, and Shaw failed to reproduce the form that earned a premiership playing together for Manly. The 1990 season started well with a round four victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs, but this was to be their last victory for three months. Their quest to ward off the Wooden Spoon looked forlorn for much of the season. But the Seagulls finished the season with three victories in their final six matches. And in doing so, leapfrogged 1989 minor premiers South Sydney. The Seagulls overtook Souths with a then club record 38–12 win in August, which was also the club's first win away from home. Brett French and Robert Grogan both scored 2 tries each. Gold Coast coach Bob McCarthy dealt with speculation over his future for most of the season. Although it wasn't until the final match of the season that he was told his services were no longer required. He was replaced for the 1991 season by reserve grade coach and former Canterbury-Bankstown (1973–77) and Leeds (1985) first grade coach Malcolm Clift. The Seagulls were happy with the development of youngsters Tony Durheim, Eddie Fallins, Michael Searle and Brett Horsnell. However disappointment continued for two of their young stars. Halfback Geoffrey Bagnall, who was expected to help lift the struggling side, only made nine run on starts with the club, while veteran forward Keith Neller made only 10 appearances. Injury and some poor form cost Neller a chance to play State of Origin football for Queensland in 1990. The Seagulls veteran hooker, Billy Johnstone announced his retirement at the end of the season. He appeared in 61 games for the club