Quote: Trashcansinatra "I reckon most coaches have a natural shelf-life whatever position they find themselves in. 5 years ish seems to be the average these days. In that time if you can leave the club in a better position than you joined it then overall its a success, and Cullen certainly did that at wire. Cullen had gone as far as he could true, but it's testimony to his achievements that (the ill-judged Lowes period apart), the new coach was in a position to win a trophy so quickly. If Smith had taken over Wire when Cullen did I doubt he would've achieved much more before being replaced.
Smith himself took Leeds from nearly men to GF Winners but it took a new coach to ensure they've taken that to the next step (3 in a row!).
I think Widnes will look to Cullen to have learned from experience at Wire, and possibly, in a five or so year period put them in a position to get back into Superleague and (maybe) consolidate a lower league position at which time he will have gone as far as he can before handing over to a new coach to take them to the next level. If that happens, he will have been a success.
At the same time, Wire, under Smith should expect to be competing reasonably regularly in Semis and the odd final etc, but shouldn't expect a Saints/Leeds style dominance until the next coach comes along.'"
Spot on!
I think Cullen was a success story overall and we all have to admit that he may have outstayed his welcome in many ways but he deserved the time because of how long he has served the club and how passionate he is about not only the club but the town!
The Lowes 08 season is deemed a success as well because we finished in the playoffs and although a few bad and really bad results occured we also beat big teams and finished above where we were when he took over.
Yet for me like in any sport doesnt this always or majority of the time happen in sport when a new guy comes in.. The players dig deeper to impress the new guy freshens thinsg up, thats all Lowes did.
Smith might win the GF with us but I wonder if he will be given as much time as Cullen if he doesnt bring home the Super League... I think he will on the merit of this years CC Win...
But what Trashcansinatra said I have to agree.
