don't worry, Brian. You'll be fine

Totally agree about the similarities. There is a tendency for both Macs to talk too much.

They also use a style of language that came out of the American boardroom/football and into Australian RL coaching manuals over the last 10 or 15 years. When Australians use it, it feels natural and organic whereas when 'young British coaches' use it feels inappropriate and embarrassing. I think this adds to an issue of players respecting coaches which come from a lesser/weaker RL culture. In Brian's favour he was a much tougher player and competitor than Steve and whilst his achievements in London aren't brilliant, they aren't wholly damning either.

However, when Leeds are currently the top club in the land and could have recruited from the NRL (by far the most successful option in SL so far) why have they chosen a coach who wouldn't have got another first grade post in either hemisphere. The reasons given for Bluey's leaving don't wash. Brian's CV in no way suggests he is 'ready'. If Leeds struggle without Peacock and Maguire (at least) in the opening rounds the South stand will show him no mercy after the years of success.

I said it all along Exeter and I still think McDermott has all the hallmarks of following McNamara's example, albeit perhaps without the same extreme results. Whereas McNamara took us from being WCC winners to 10th I reckon McDermott will see a more gradual slide. Leeds aren't in the process of offloading the spine of the team like we did in 05/06. I expect the transition to be a bit more carefully managed. However losing senior players over the next few years will see a decline in fortunes. It'll be hard to replace the likes of Senior, Webb, Peacock and Sinfield as they get older, pick up more injuries and retire.

McNamara showed he couldn't spot a decent player if he fell over one, he took a number of punts on players from lesser sides and not one managed to improve. Some of his signings from overseas were also less than inspired. His record speaks for itself. McDermott has yet to prove himself either way in this regard.

I'm waiting to see who Leeds recruit to be McDermott's assistants. This seems to be taking time for some reason. It's interesting to hear the rumours of all not being well behind the scenes at Headingley last year. Dave Hadfield mentioned this in RLW. It explains why a number of staff members left. You wonder if McLennan going will improve things now. It'll be also interesting to see what kids come through. Hadfield again mentioned that there wasn't much there.

It's going to be an interesting season.

On what basis?



Obviously. So the problem is?



Given your statement above, what element of surprise is introduced that suddenly accentuates the "decline" given the emergence of a number of young players

Really?

McNamara is irrelevant to the point. McDermott has clearly produced and assisted some excellent London produced talent. Observing their playing roster makes that abundantly clear.




Why would the club taking their time to secure the "right" person be a cause for concern to anyone?



There is friction at every club, Bluey was the major problem and his relationships with individuals who shall remain nameless.

Hadfield believing there "isn't much there" holds zero value to anyone who has observed the players I've outlined above. I would take every single one of those young players at the Bulls without hesitation. Or we could continue to blow sugar up the ringpieces of the Burgii who are held in esteem by the likes of Hadfield for absolutely no other reason than their DNA and surname.

There is a huge urban myth about the decline of our dear neighbours and I would sway our squad for their "ageing" one on any given Sunday. Anyone who wouldn't should be bouncing off padded walls.

Indeed, some interesting responses so far

I think Macca will go OK for Leeds. But would have been a terrible appointment for us.

Great comparison I think, a coach with one of the League's best talent rosters, the budget to bring in "world class" players versus one with negligible budget who produces a plethora of London born players with real talent. An objective most keyboard smashers perennially bleat on about.

That is all.

11th and 11th, that is all.
Lamont Bryant and Will Sharp


Wow weeee.

How do you define "real talent"?

Who's McDermott brought through at Quins who has "real talent"?

Lamont Bryant, Will Sharp and that Albanian Kid.

Awesome.

Dont you just love [iagents provocateur[/i?

Half of me thinks Mac will do a good job and surprise a lot of people; the other half thinks he will be another Macca (or Jimmy Lowes - all from the same shed).

From what I have seen and heard, I would expect him to do a better job than Macca in the same circumstances. I'm not sure whether he's likely to be in the Maguire category though. But I'll not ridicule the appointment - it might just prove to be quite enlightened.

Is Google that bit too difficult to use?