Phil Gould praises Cameron Ciraldo despite Penrith Panthers' semi-final exit to Cronulla Sharks

Penrith Panthers General Manager Phil Gould has given his vote of confidence to caretaker coach Cameron Ciraldo despite the Panthers' semi-final exit to Cronulla.

Speaking on 100% Footy, Gould was questioned on when a decision would be made on the Panthers' permanent coach moving forward, and was effusive in his praise of Ciraldo.

For all of Phil Gould's discussion on the Panthers' season and off-season action, tune into 100% Footy at 10.45pm on Nine.

"We're not changing anything, so it is what it is at the moment," Gould said.

"I've been really impressed. The last month I've got to say internally in our club it has been nothing but positive.

Gould highlighted Ciraldo's management of a difficult situation following the unceremonious sacking of former head coach Anthony Griffin as being especially impressive.

"The changeover was seamless and things improved remarkably in a number of key areas and our coaching staff did a wonderful job," Gould said.

"Cameron Ciraldo in a difficult situation took control of that and I think he did an amazing job.

"I thought our sides were better prepared than they had been all season in the last month of football and it showed because that downward spiral eased and then they came back up and they were ready to play against the Sharks."

Following the dismissal of Griffin, the Panthers were linked current Wests Tigers coach Ivan Cleary, but Cleary has since pledged his future to the Tigers for the time being. 

Cleary was in attendance on Friday night to cheer on the Panthers and his son Nathan as their courageous comeback attempt fell just short against the Cronulla Sharks.