The fans do support the team on the pitch very well, except when their levels of effort fall well below standard such as in the second half against Leeds or against Rovers. The problem is we now turn up at the match with a sense of trepidation. Any sense of optimism has evaporated and as you say only a change of coach is likely to lift the gloom.

Not just any coach either.

Kear
Sharp
Agar
Gentle
Radford

They're all assistants. It's time for a top dog, a head coach who commands respect, to galvanise the whole club, players, backroom staff and fans alike.

The problem is, whos out there that fits this bill, that we could realistically get?

Over the past few months there have been a few names banded about;
Noble - he's certainly had success in his time, but his suggestion was met with a lot of negativity. Would he have the fans on his side?
Brian Smith - Sentimental reasons? Had mixed success since he left.
Daniel Anderson - stated he doesn't want to be a head coach again.
McNamara - I don't think anyone would be too happy about that one.
Tony Smith - Would he leave Warrington to come to us?

I'll throw a few more names in

Mark Aston
Glen Morrison
David kidwell
Steve Foulkes
Stephen Kearney
Paul Deacon

Craig Fitzgibbon

Stephen Kearney is the only name on that list who would make a difference. Isn't he currently working with Wayne Bennett at Broncos

Deacon & Morrison - Possibly in a few years, but not yet.
Kidwell - an assistant, but already built up some impressive experience.
Folkes - been out of the game for years hasn't he?
Kearney - does he have the relevant experience as a club head coach we need? I don't know much other than his stint at the Eels.
Aston - Good shout.

Daryl Powell i'd be happy with too.

Another assistant - isn't this what we need to get away from?

Bobbie Goulding as assistant seems to be a new rumour.

Entirely of his own creation from what I can see.

The way I see it is that Pearson needs to dig into his pockets and spend a lot on a new coaching staff completely before we are going to start to see an progress. I still don't understand what progress we are making which Pearson has seen.

Nothing wrong an assistant, if it's the right assistant.

Tony Smith, Michael maguire and Trent Robinson were all assistants, but did well.

Kear, sharp and gentle all did pretty well in limited time.

It's more than just a head coach IMO, we need a whole new setup.

Another two names Justin Morgan and Mick Potter.

I hope if we do need a new coach , Pearson consults with Ellis, Mini and Pryce.

If I were in charge I'd pick the phone up and ask Wayne Bennett and Craig Bellemy who they thought were the best up and coming coaches in Aus who were ready for their first head coaching role. Unfortunately I don't think this is going to happen.

Another name I'm surprised no one has mentioned yet (at least I don't think they have). Craig Fitzgibbon.

Some will argue that, like Radford, he was a part of the failure that has been the last 8 seasons, and I know there are still a few players here that he played alongside. I think Fitz is professional enough for that not to be an issue however.

That said I doubt he would give up the two very good roles he has now.

Too nice?

Fitz is still relatively raw coaching wise. Think this is his first year as an actual assistant to Robinson, he's been water carrier/Academy coach before that.