Coaching Angst - ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Only if you've already decided that Ricki is the problem. And Steve-O decided that Ricki is the problem three years ago (go back to first post in this thread) and has stuck to that belief ever since. A stopped clock is right occasionally, but you never know when.

I am honest enough to say that Ricki might be the problem, or he might not. But my personal theory is that the real issue is the players don't like or trust Welnix. I think Ricki's end-of-season review should be tough and he should be sacked if he doesn't have a feasible plan to make things better next year. This may be complicated by a bunch of players leaving because they don't want to work for Cat-Killer Morgan any more.

You couldn't exactly call the ANBL stable could you? they have a similar number of clubs that have folded over the years. In recent memory The Sydney Kings [back this year], Brisbane Bullets & Gold Coast. Its drawing a pretty long bow to lay the blame of the Nix poor performance on the stability of the A League.

Sorry if I was unclear - that was exactly my point. In my opinion it would be easier to win the ANBL than the A-League.

I think comparing leagues across different sports is a bit pointless because of relative strength and the inability to measure it. What you want to compare (I think to a degree) is club operations. Youth programs, fitness and training programs, coaching appraisals  scouting opposition, match day preparation, medical programs, psychological assessments, nutrition....

While sports are different, pretty much every pro team will go through those. I think the Breakers have really benefited from bringing in an experienced winner in Bruton (and he was the turnaround guy) because Bruton was told 'If we are doing something wrong, tell us with justification and we'll change it'

The Phoenix for me, need a proven experienced level headed winner whom is a performer that can be allowed to speak up and say 'I think this needs to be changed' and feed into it. I can't think of one in the A League off the top of my head that would demand that kind of standing. Archie? What I have just described is easier said than done.

I am honest enough to say that Ricki might be the problem, or he might not. But my personal theory is that the real issue is the players don't like or trust Welnix. I think Ricki's end-of-season review should be tough and he should be sacked if he doesn't have a feasible plan to make things better next year. This may be complicated by a bunch of players leaving because they don't want to work for Cat-Killer Morgan any more.

[/quote]

This is quite some theory. I would really like to know how you have come up with this, because to me it comes across as you just coming up with any theory that takes some blame away from the coach. From my sources from what I have been hearing if the players are unhappy with anyone its Rick Hermit himself. Also who would be the players leaving? Not sure many would be getting better offers than what they are on now. Im sure most of these players arent that passionate about their domestic pets.

Some senior players aren't on board with the short term pain for long term gain philosophy, and fair enough too. They also can't believe some of the words coming out from the top (mainly Gareth). All of which culminates in them seeing it all as one big shambles and something of a joke. 

I think internally some part of them just gives up on the whole thing, as you would any job where your bosses are a shambles, its quite demotivating. But on the other hand they want to do well for the fans, which I think they have a closer connection to (and sympathy for) this season. 

Not being loved up to the owners is something I would say is pretty common across most clubs. If we look at the history of other owners in the A-League and other Leagues there is often very little in the way of a relationship between players and owners. Most professional players learn to not get involved with the dealings of the owners especially as they pay their wages. Players know full well that the most influential relationship they can have is with their coach. Players not being impressed with some of the PR work by Gareth is quite some distance apart from players not playing well because they don't like or distrust the Welnix.

I'm sure the players prefer a loud mouth owner instead of a bankrupt owner.

You have to remember guys the previous owner did all he could to hide his financial problem from the players and public in general (though he didn't do a great job of it).

Ah, TV asks for evidence that "the players are fed up with Welnix"; he gets it; he changes the subject. Also, he doesn't reveal his "sources" that reveal that it's Ricki the players are fed up with. Danny Hay doesn't count as a source.

Didn't ask for evidence just how you came up with that theory. I wouldn't be stupid enough to use Danny Hay or any other attention seeking journalist as my source.

Well, all right, can you say what your sources are? Actual players? "Sources close to" players? Sam Worthington? Because I've seen public evidence that at least one player is tired of Welnix shenangians and I haven't seen any of them telling Ricki to screw off, except of course Pav.

I apologise doloras as certain people wouldn't be impressed to find out they are quoted on the yellow fever forum. You are more than welcome to ignore my comment abou rick hermit if you choose. And I should never have mentioned a source if I am not prepared to give any more detail.

I agree with this. I wouldn't care less who the owners were if I was a player, as long as I got paid.

Good contribution as usual. 

For me, ricki has done very well in the past with little resources. I'm quite interested to see how he does without too much off field dramas and a stable financial footing. 

On the other hand, this season has been unacceptable, and he has to take a lot of the flak for that. Especially with not one but 2 heavy defeats thrown in there. 

Very much on the fence. If he does stay however I would love to see a shiny new assistant (I have a preference, but don't want to name again) working alongside him. We have to try something.

Thanks man !

In response to your first point,  Ricki has had over a year.....  And produced sweet FA.

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results! -Albert Einstein

Who else could it be ?

Could just be a quote from Albert Einstein. Could be relevant to any part of his life, or he could have just liked the quote and decided to share it. 

Meh. 

It doesn't read too well in light of current circumstances..

I'd it does happen to be a dig at something, I think it's the tactics.  But who knows

Could be in relation to absolutely anything I do with any aspect of his life. I would be very surprised if he is having a dig at Herbert on a very public forum such as twitter

To my mind, if you think your head coach needs a strong assistant to make him perform better, then you've got the wrong coach in the first place.

You think differently?

Especially when your talking about the coach with the most a league experience. Wouldn't you think he would be able to better handle the lack of assistance more than any other coach in the league.

Show me a coach that has won much without good assistants.

Well then maybe he should have recruited a better assistant (I know what's next, it's. It not his fault the club couldn't afford anyone else)

That's more a good reflection on the coach for choosing the right assistants that complement him. A coach should be competent enough to run a club on their own, if they are not - hire someone else because there are plenty of coaches out there that are competent.