It's been a tough year on the northern beaches but Manly fans won’t have long to wait for a reversal of fortunes under incoming coach Trent Barrett, according to long-time Dragons teammate Jason Ryles.

The Manly board  on Tuesday announced the axing of club legend Geoff Toovey with a year still to run on his contract. 

Barrett had been linked to the job since taking indefinite leave from his assistant’s role at Penrith in June and Tuesday’s announcement confirmed that he will take the reins at Manly on a three-year deal from next season.

Toovey will see out the rest of the 2015 season as the Sea Eagles,  in 11th position, attempt to scrape into the finals.

Ryles played six seasons with  Barrett in the Red V and says the qualities he exhibited on the field will equip him well in his new role off it.

‘‘He was one of those type of blokes that everyone respected and looked up to and he always led with his actions,’’ Ryles said.

‘‘When I was coming through I really looked up to him but he had a way of making you feel comfortable around him.

‘‘He didn’t just do that with the top players, he did it with the guys who were trying to bust into reserve grade as well. He’s always had that ability to make people feel wanted and that’s half the battle as a coach.’’

 Barrett will be taking over from a club great and will need to answer to fans accustomed to success but Ryles said it’s the right time for his ascension to a head-coaching role.

‘‘You’ve got to be careful which job you choose,’’ Ryles said.

‘‘You’ve got to make sure the club’s financially sound and that there’s people in the right places to help the club go forward.

‘‘With Bob Fulton re-entering the fold at Manly and the financial backing of their owners, I think they’ve got that. It’s just up to him now to put the building blocks in place to make sure that they’re a good team not only next year but for the next five years. 

‘‘Ever since he finished playing he’s always had the burning desire to go on and coach at NRL level so he’s got that passion. 

‘‘He’s done his time [as an assistant] and he’s at a good club with good people around him so I think he can be successful.’’

While the Daly Cherry-Evans contract saga was an early-season distraction, Ryles believes retaining their star halfback and some other shrewd recruitment will equal a quick rebuild under Barrett next year.

‘‘I think a big key was re-signing Daly Cherry Evans,’’ Ryles said.

‘‘It would’ve been a real battle if they’d lost both their halves and he’d walked into that.

‘‘Then he’s got the likes of Brett Stewart there and he’s recruiting already with the likes of Nate Myles and Darcy Lussick so I’m sure they’ll be a real force next year.’’