View Full Version : O'Donnell being groomed as our next coach
Maverick
20 Sep 2002, 22:40
With Matthews only having another year on his contract, and having already publicly stated on a number of occasions he would like to end his coaching days at the Hawks, the fact that the Hawks are in a downward spiral, would suggest that Matthews may not be around for too long.
The Lions must start thinking about a contingency plan to replace Lethal at the end of his tenure. Either that, or re-sign him now as they are trying to do.
If Leigh is to move on..then O'Donnell would be a good choice IMO. Perhaps O'Donnell has not thrown his hat in the ring for other vacent positions due to his coaching ambitions being north? Think about it.
SpecialBruce
20 Sep 2002, 23:55
I think we are going to keep Matthews longer. There were talks this week about extending his contract. Terry Wallace will be at Hawthorn at the end of next year. He was hoping Schwab's health would get the better of him or the Hawks sack Schwab so he can get the gig. But now that next year is Schwab's last year, Wallace knows that and knows he will get the job. If Leigh does go to Hawthorn instead of Wallace, I reckon we get Wallace as our next coach or Blighty.
CarterS
21 Sep 2002, 00:16
I think Leigh will go to Hawthorn, it seems like the perfect situation. But he has been (and will continue to be) a brilliant coach and servant of the Lions (an adopted QLD'er!). He has done so much for the club, look at where we were before he came here, we had a wooden spoon but he has transformed us into one of the best sides in recent history, winning 1 flag and staring down the barrell of a second.
As for another coach, I would love Terry Wallace to be the next coach, I think he is a tactical genius.
I've heard that Essendon are planning on signing G.O'Donnell up as their Football Manager, at the end of this season.
For our next coach, I reckon we should be looking at a younger person, who has had quality experience as an assistant coach at another club. I think the club needs to look towards a long-term structure, as opposed to merely getting a "ready-made" to assist the "public face" of the club.