have had some input into the Lions decision as the AFLs football operations manager.AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said in August this year that the league, which has already investeed heavily in the cash-strapped Lions, would work w

Kevin Magnussen says a lack of commitment shown towards him by Renaults management lay at the heart of his departure from the team, with the Dane now set to join Haas.The 24-year-old was also left unimpressed by Renaults courtship of other drivers for 2017 - joking that I think at one point the Pope had an offer!The build-up to the Brazilian GP has been dominated by moves in F1s midfield driver market. First, Renault announced Jolyon Palmer would partner the incoming Nico Hulkenberg next season after the British rookies stronger second half of 2016, before Force India confirmed the signing of Esteban Ocon on the sports arrival at Interlagos.Magnussen has insisted it was his decision to leave Renault and cited the length of the contract offered to him - believed to be just one year - as being the key reason for his exit. Grilled about his future in the Brazilian GP paddock, Magnussen said he was not yet able to confirm his 2017 plans despite widespread reports a minium two-year term at Haas has been agreed.The F1 Gossip ColumnIt was my decision, he told reporters. I had an offer, but not a good enough offer that I could take it.It was more the failing of commitment from Renaults side. If they had committed to a longer contract I would probably have looked at that much more seriously. 2017 F1 line-ups Mercedes Lewis Hamilton Nico Rosberg Ferrari Sebastian Vettel Kimi Raikkonen Red Bull Daniel Ricciardo Max Verstappen Force India Sergio Perez Esteban Ocon Toro Rosso Carlos Sainz Daniil Kvyat Williams Valtteri Bottas Lance Stroll McLaren Fernando Alonso Stoffel Vandoorne Haas Romain Grosjean TBC Renault Nico Hulkenberg Jolyon Palmer Sauber TBC TBC Manor TBC TBC But it was more the feeling of them not really committing, taking so long and offering the drive to many drivers - I think at one point the Pope had an offer! It was a bit messy, so its better for me to leave.Magnussen added that he was kept in the dark about Renaults driver moves with the French team thought to have made approaches for Carlos Sainz and Valtteri Bottas, in addition to Hulkenberg who signed up last month.Although F1 newcomer Haas have scored 21 more points than Renault, a team a with title-winning history, this year, their respective fortunes could be reversed in 2017 once the French manufacturers factory might starts to show after a season of rebuilding. Watch Kevin Magnussen leap clear of his burning Renault during Practice 1 of the Malaysia GP Magnussen, however, believes his 2017 team have strong prospects too.I think it could be better - I hope, obviously, it will be better, he added. It will be competitive.While Magnussen is heading for his third team in as many racing seasons in F1, Palmer says he is absolutely delighted to have been handed a new deal by Renault.The former GP2 champion believes his stay was earned by his recent results relative to Magnussen on track, with the most recent coming in Mexico when he finished ahead of the sister Renault in 14th from a pitlane start. The deciding factor I think has been my rate of progress, recent form, and working hard with the team, putting in a lot of hours at the factory, Palmer said.Clearly, the recent form has probably been the biggest thing and its been getting better and better.He added: I thought it would be between me and Kev [for the final seat]. My recent form has been stronger over the second half of the year, and especially in Mexico I did a better race. I felt off the back of all these things that there was a chance, but you never know whats in the minds of the decision makers.It was a really good feeling [when I was told].Also See:Palmer staying on at RenaultThe Formula 1 Gossip ColumnCustom Brooklyn Nets Jerseys . LOUIS -- St. Henry Ellenson Jersey . Durant finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds, Jackson matched his career high with 23 points on 10-of-14 shooting and Lamb scored 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting, lifting the Thunder to a 94-88 win over San Antonio and snapping the Spurs 11-game winning streak. https://www.netsrookiesshop.com/Deandre-Jordan-City-Edition-Jersey/ . John Tavares, Thomas Vanek and Kyle Okposo were also being counted on to slow down sizzling Rangers forward Rick Nash. That plan didnt go so well early. David Nwaba Jersey . -- Ryan Getzlaf grabbed the three pucks wrapped in tape and held them up to his chest in the Anaheim Ducks dressing room for a celebration nine seasons in the making. Theo Pinson Jersey . Cote was eligible to become a free agent Feb. 15. Cote helped running back Jon Cornish run for a league-high 1,813 rushing yards en route to being named the leagues most outstanding player.Alastair Clarksons premiership-laden reign at Hawthorn is set to produce another AFL senior coach, with Brisbane to announce the appointment of Chris Fagan.The Lions are expected to present Fagan as Justin Leppitschs successor at a press conference on Tuesday.He will join Western Bulldogs premiership coach Luke Beveridge, Richmonds Damien Hardwick, Greater Western Sydneys Leon Cameron, West Coasts Adam Simpson and Carltons Brendon Bolton as current AFL coaches to have worked with Clarkson.Fagan, 55, has been the frontrunner to replace Leppitsch since he was sacked following the clubs disastrous three-win season.Blues assistant John Barker was also believed to have come under strong consideration.Fagan has been with the Hawks since 2008, where he experienced premiership success on four occasions and worked alongside Mark Evans, who will have had some input into the Lions decision as the AFLs football operations manager.AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said in August this year that the league, which has already investeed heavily in the cash-strapped Lions, would work with the struggling club to get the right people in key positions.ddddddddddddThe AFL was instrumental in luring respected football operations manager David Noble from Adelaide to oversee Brisbanes overhauled football department.Fagan will take on a senior coaching role in the AFL for the first time and never played at the elite level, but is a well-respected figure in the industry who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge.He was an assistant coach to Neale Daniher at Melbourne, where he also took on the role of football operations manager and has a strong coaching and playing background in his native Tasmania.The five-person selection panel that oversaw the search for a new coach was led by Lions chief executive Greg Swann and included club great Simon Black, list manager Peter Schwab, psychology firm executive Matti Clements and Noble. 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