I too believe now that at the end of this season it will be time for a new coach. However there are mixed messages coming out of the Board. Morrison recently said that they are looking at all options and Rickie is part of lots of them. He even said they might consider appointing a assistant coach next year who would work under Rickie and then take over as head coach the following year. So the "sack Rickie " crowd might have more time to wait. It seems like nothing has been ruled out. I guess the Board are waiting to see how the season pans out before moving...they would look silly if they said now that Rickie is finished and then he coaches the team on an amazing end of season run and finishes up in the Grand Final.
I think the best way forward IMO is do what is standard practice all over the football world. The old coach gets sacked and a new guy comes in with fresh ideas, tactics and recruits. Having Rickie hovering around in the background as Director of Football is a bullshark idea. We are not Real Madrid.....we don't need nor can we afford a Director of football. You are never going to get a high calibre coach who would put up with having a mentor looking over his shoulder...especially in such a small club
The problem the Board has is the whole vibe around the Nix has gone a little flat. Lots of negative publicity about small crowds and dull football have not helped. Around Wellington it used to be sexy to follow the Nix...it was the place to be seen...not any more. The expectations of the people who care about about the game were raised..this was meant to be our season but we have only won 3 games in 13??? key players look old and/or out of form. The whole thing looks tired and predictable....... it needs a total refresh job.....starting with the coach.
.