It is definitely too early for them to write off the season but if we do miss the play-offs I would like Welnix to come out and say:
1. We're sorry we implemented this change of playing style nonsense mid-season. It should have been done pre or post-season.
2. We're sorry we didn't communicate the change better. It came across like the change was forced on Ricki when it wasn't. He was fully a part of the discussion and fully in agreement.
Actually, maybe they should say that at the end of the season anyway.
They are never going to come out and say "Ricki is shite". In fact, it appears they quite rate him. The thing for us to remember is that this is 9 highly qualified businessmen working alongside Ricki and the rest of the team on a daily basis. Sure, they are not all football guys but they are certainly not idiots. And I am not so arrogant that I think I am in a better place to make judgements on his ability versus other options than they are, especially when it's their cash (sensitive point I know). I have my own opinions but if they think Ricki is still the man for the job then that's good enough for me.
I also think that statements like "Ricki can't deliver this change" or "Ricki only knows one way to play" are without foundation. The fact is that Ricki has largely played one way up until now because it has served him pretty well (3 finals appearances in a row) and he has had no compelling reason to change. This season he finally has some compulsion to change. OK, it's a bit of a disaster so far but the jury is still out on whether he's able to pull it off or not.
Who is to say it was not in place at the start of the year actually, looked like it against Sydney, and didnt come out till later.
Name me the coach that says to all the others, oh we are changing our playing style actually, just thought you would like to know in advance...
I will back Ricki to carry on with the change, and see where we are at the end of the year. It wasnt our playing style that was wrong on Sunday, it was a failure to respond to the tactics of WSW in the second half, and either a lack of fitness or belief by the players.