Canterbury Bulldogs GM of Football Phil Gould has hit back at critics of Canterbury and their handling of contract negotiations with incoming rookie coach Cameron Ciraldo after it was announced the Bulldogs had signed up on a five-year deal.

“You know nothing about the process we’ve been through,” Gould said on Channel Nine’s 100% Footy.

“Nor do I have any obligation to answer that question, nor answer your question, nor answer for any of the things I’ve said over the last few months, all of which, at the time, were true.

“It’s exciting for Cameron and it’s exciting for our club. Keeping in mind with respect to Cameron and Panthers, because he has got a big job to do there for the rest of the season.

“This is the next step in his coaching career and I believe he will be a career coach. It’s a very important brick in the wall for what we are trying to build at the Bulldogs.

“He’s been an integral part of the club’s success. He has done probably a better apprenticeship than most coaches that come into this role.”

Mick Potter will see out 2022 as interim coach of the Belmore club.