Quote: keithcun "OK, where do we start.
Is it the players fault?
Is it the coaches fault?
Is it the boards fault?
Firstly, let's look at the playing staff. Take away any personal dislike for any players currently in the squad and ask yourself are the players we have got, ability wise as good as the other squads in SL.
Personally, I think they are. Just read down the list, there are some excellent players in the squad with some very good youngsters to boot.
So, why aren't they performing like they should.
Attitude could be a reason. Frustration could be a reason.
What could their thoughts be when Lowes was appointed coach, never mind what they said publicly, I'm more interested in what they would think privately as we all know it would be foolish to come out and slate the head coach.
Surely, when Lowes was appointed full time there was murmours of discontent amongst the players. Another untried coach was to use an excellent squad for his learning curve into SL coaching, but not just that, with Lowes it was his first head role. Why? Why are these players again being used as guinea pigs to further someone else ambitions. We had it with Cullen, is the same going to happen with Lowres? that was my feeling and I'm sure some of the players must have felt the same.
If some players aren't happy with the coaching staff, I would imagine they aren't giving 100% in training or indeed on match days. As a team, they seem to have a laissez-faire attitude and give the impression that they don't care.
Do they question Lowes tactical prowess in training or do they think, give him enough rope and he'll hang himself. Some of these players have worked with excellent coaches, some of the best, do they think during training, christ, what the hell are you on about.
There doesn't seem to ba a team spirit witnessed amongst other teams, such as when they force an error or when scoring a try, rushing over to applaud or even console players when they make errors. Certain individuals have it such as Penny, but it doesn't seem to flow through all the players, as if they would all die for each other. All for one and one for all doesn't seem to be the motto used in the dressing room.
I don't doubt players have personal pride, but they should be playing for team pride. This should be instilled by the coaching staff and that's what I think could be one of the problems. If the players don't respect the staff how are they going to take on board what they are saying.
I think this attitude could have something to do with all the errors we make on the field. We seem to make many more than the opposition, the facts may disagree, but that's the impression when I watch. Silly and stupid errors as well, such as Riley not dealing with the kick and Blythe giving a pen away as soon as he came on. I'm not having a go at the youngsters by the way, there's more experienced players at fault as well. But they are basic, schoolboy errors that shouldn't be happening as regularly as they do. Again, are these errors the result of poor concentration, which is fed by the attitude the players have, which in turn is fuelled by the dismay at the coaching staff.
As for Lowes, who can blame him for taking the job, I won't. it was his ambition and it was offered, fair play, take it. But, he makes a rod for his own back. His attitude since taking over or should I say his public persona has not been the best. Again, it doesn't look like he's taking it seriously, I'm not saying he isn't, just the impression I get.
Again, last night, if reports are correct, getting into verbal attacks with oppo supporters is not what I expect from a head coach or any coach or staff. He should be concentrating on the game as a whole, he should have better things to think about.
I personally wasn't happy about his treatment with Penny. Taking him off the field, are most potent attacking player when we go 2 points behind Saints doesn't seem the most logical thing to do. We had to score to win the game and Penny is one of our best options. But, and this is a big but, we never seemed to have a game plan that would actually utilise Penny's abilities when he's in the team.
We can look at his game plan as a whole. We have King, a very tall 3 quarter. Do we bombard the oppo defence with high balls looking for King? Nope.
Do we look to put Penny away with a long kick to utilise his pace similar to what Leeds did with Calderwood? Nope.
Do we know what a bomb is? Nope.
Do we have link plays, run arounds with our half backs? Nope.
Scrums? Don't get me started.
Grubbers into the in goal? very rarely.
On the defensive side, our goal line defense is shocking and has been for a while and before Lowes was brought in. Every time a team gets in our 10 they look like they will score. This is the major problem that hasn't been addressed. Why? I don't know but I doubt it's down to the players and more to do with the defensive structure we use. But, that is down to Lowes and the coaching staff and to be honest, I get the impression he is currently out of his depth managing a SL club.
The board.
To be honest, they have done a hell of a lot of good to the club, the stadium, the infrastructure, the community work etc, a lot more good than bad. What they haven't been able to do though is to bring in a top coach to match the quality of the playing staff. This is their biggest downfall and probably the biggest problem with the club from what I can see.
When Cullen left I felt it was imperative to get the best coach they could no matter what it takes. They could throw money at Johns to entice him over for a cameo playing role, well what about throwing money at something more important, a head coach. Go and ask the top coaches will they come over if we make it their worthwhile, if you don't ask, you don't get.
Personally, I think it's too late this season as trying to attract a top coach now will be very, very hard. It could be that the rumours are true and Tony Smith is already in line for the role, but what about this season, what about us who have bought season tickets again. Are they really prepared to write this season off whilst they wait for the man they want. If so, that's not acceptable as far as I'm concerned.
So, who is to blame? In my view, it's all concerned but there's only one part of the club that can answer to it and that's the board, they need to sort it out, relieve Lowes of his duties and get a top class coach in as soon as possible.'"
Great post, Keith.
