Succinct

They factored that into the maths apparently and yes the stats are still "Great" as Tony the Tiger would say!

Currently the debate for discussion is my match attendance being worse than Horne's win rate - I think they are clutching at straws now

I agree but the interview and Hanley's departure was prompted by a certain Mr Harrison just dropping all support and walking away yet to this day we still seem to treat said Mr Harrison as some messiah who only gives us the best players.

Before I set off that morning I'd been informed that Craig had 'gone' and wouldn't be at the game. I suppose it was inevitable that Ellery would follow but the fact that the post-promotion interview was all about his decision to quit still rankles with me.

I said then and stand by it now that the decision to go should have been announced later in the week so that the players and supporters could have at least enjoyed the result at the time.

Ray Green phoned me that afternoon and for once I was pretty speechless. I don't think I could take it in and just about managed to thank him for letting me know.

I attended the funeral at York Minster. What a fantastic turn out!

Even under people like Singe there were chunks of fans who left saying "I won't come again while he is here". Most of which never came back even when he had gone. No one will ever be universally liked, it's a sliding scale

I agree, no one's going to be liked by everyone but I thought the fans stuck by Paul Cooke incredibly well when we had that horrendous season in the championship and finished bottom, after finishing fourth the previous season. I don't recall any forum discussions about wanting him sacked even though we were doing so badly.

I didn't want Paul Cooke to go. For whatever reason, the club (and maybe Paul Cooke) went down the youth policy route, rather then investing in more experience, and it went wrong. I recall a 'meet the players' event before the season started where the young lads were paraded. Many of them left as the season progressed as they weren't getting picked. We ended up with a thin squad.

I always had a lot of time for Tony Miller. He was easy to talk to and a good guy. I'm not sure he got the credit he deserved.

Richard Horne is pretty much a 'mystery man'. He doesn't just keep his cards close to his chest, he keeps them under his skin! The lack of closer contact with supporters probably doesn't help him build any sort of bond with the fans, which doesn't help with his popularity. Maybe that doesn't bother him, maybe that's the type of person he is. I don't know.

Tony Miller definitely doesn't get the credit her deserved, particularly for his last stint at the club. He pretty much rebuilt the mess that Hanley left and got us into the top half of the Championship, and with only one (what I'd call) star player in Paul Cooke, who incidentally didn't feature in the grand final run in.

Paul Cooke kicked that side on then, as you say, it went badly for whatever reason. Although I'd agree we went too young. By his own admission I think he'd lost the dressing room and had no no choice but to leave by the end, which is shame because he had a real rugby brain and think he could have kicked on. I do remember people calling for him at the time, and there was particular anger over him not playing himself, which amplified when he then played for Featherstone briefly.

Personally I have never been one for calling for a person to lose their job, I'll never know the full story of what is happening so to expect a person and their family to go without so I can be a bit happier for 80 minutes 20 times a year doesn't feel like it's my call to make. I have preferences and those confidants close to me know damn well what those are

100% agree with Tony Miller statement very underrated coach and very approachable

Not a mention of the Dons in the Free Press.
I was convinced Steve Hossack would do a number on us...he doesn't buy the bull crap...
Perhaps we avoided giving him details....or he has given up watching.

Seems like a good call. Look after yourself mate.

Take care, Donny, mate.

We'll look forward to seeing the stats when you've had time to put them together. Thanks for taking the time to do it.

Interesting Stats from the Dons first two seasons.
1951-52 Coach Gareth Price
Played 40 League & Cup Games Won 21.Lost18 Draw1.
Season 1952-53 Coach Jack Kitching
Played 42 League & Cup Games Won 12.Lost 29 Draw 1. (Includes friendly match against Australia)
Jack Kitching was coach at the Dons from Sept 1952 to September 1957

Thanks, Geoff.

It's amazing to think they played so many games back then. It makes you wonder how teams survive on gate receipts from 9 home league games these days.