Grant Thomas; coaching and contracts

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Thread starter #1
Heard a bit of rumour today that if true could rock the saints. Grant Thomas has been asked about his availability for next year in regard to coaching a melb based club. He has since been in contact with a few of the players he is closest with and are out of contract next year to gauge their thoughts on being re-united. This has been the straw that broke the camel's back so to speak with the board and Im led to believe that at a board meeting last night it was decided to "out" him but without details. Todays statement from the president was a warning telling him to back off. Thomas knows the ins and outs of every contract at St.kilda and the saints are running a bit scared which is understanable. Watch for the saints to try and discredit him over the next few weeks and months to try and scare off any club that might be interested in him.
 

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panthers

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#4
I really believe that if a st kilda supporter posted the trash that has been written by randy_stote that the st kilda supporter would be harrassed and verbally abused for putting such a lame post up. I would liketo hear from randy who his source was and why would a hawthorn fan even care less what happens with 1. Grant Thomas and 2. The StKilda football club. If and that is a HUGE if Grant Thomas ever coached another AFL club i would be absolutely amazed.
 

PHX

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#6
Away from this extreme.

Do you St Kilda supporters think Thomas still has a link too strong to alot of the playing group.

Or you disagree with Buttess and think it doesnt really matter even if he is about a bit.

Just interested . . . .
 

sauce_head

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#7
Heard a bit of rumour today that if true could rock the saints. Grant Thomas has been asked about his availability for next year in regard to coaching a melb based club. He has since been in contact with a few of the players he is closest with and are out of contract next year to gauge their thoughts on being re-united. This has been the straw that broke the camel's back so to speak with the board and Im led to believe that at a board meeting last night it was decided to "out" him but without details. Todays statement from the president was a warning telling him to back off. Thomas knows the ins and outs of every contract at St.kilda and the saints are running a bit scared which is understanable. Watch for the saints to try and discredit him over the next few weeks and months to try and scare off any club that might be interested in him.
Ha ha ha ha! That is the funniest thing I have ever heard. Who told you that, your grandma? I suppose she saw it in New Idea?

Go write for X Files, freak.
 
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#8
I think he would make a GREAT footy operations manager. Would love him down at Geelong of Balmy left.

I understand the "he is Saints through and through" but the game is littered with men who have had massive alliances but have moved clubs for job opportunities. I think if he was offered the right job at another club (not obviously the head coaching position) Grant would at least entertain the offer. He would be stupid not to and I dont think he is stupid.
 

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#9
Heard a bit of rumour today that if true could rock the saints. Grant Thomas has been asked about his availability for next year in regard to coaching a melb based club. He has since been in contact with a few of the players he is closest with and are out of contract next year to gauge their thoughts on being re-united.
Thomas' relationship with the players is based on him being "st kilda through and through". Sounding them out about going to another club would expose him as the fraud he is and those friendships would basically end immediately.
 

Bluebear

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#10
This is ridiculous.

Butterss has done a mighty job in getting people asking questions about Grant Thomas and what he may or may not have done......and I aggree with Mike Sheehan (I feel dirty for having said that):

Herald Sun said:
But, short of actively trying to convince Riewoldt to leave, how does a former coach undermine a footy club?
Is he asking them to play dead? Hardly.
Is he responsible for the soft-tissue injury epidemic? Wouldn't have thought so.
Should he suddenly avoid all contact with former players? Please.
Yes, Thomas does need to move on, and, hopefully, he will when he takes a full-time job.
But, I simply can't see how he can represent the biggest problem for this football club.
Who is asking question about Ross Lyon? Who is asking after 10 rounds whether the players are having trouble with the new coach?
Who is questioning the players committment to this coach and this club?

No-one. Why? Because we are talking about Grant Thomas.

Master stroke from Rod if you ask me, but maybe people should get back to asking questions about what might actually affect the results of the club and stop jumping at shadows.:thumbsu:
 
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#11
Master stroke from Rod if you ask me, but maybe people should get back to asking questions about what might actually affect the results of the club and stop jumping at shadows.:thumbsu:
you call that a "masterstroke?" - people asking for the president to be sacked - talk of player dis-harmony? what happens if the saints get smashed this week? all of a sudden it will all be about the players not standing up for lyon - making a stand about butterss handling of their ol father figure grant thomas:rolleyes:

far from a master stroke - childish, chaos is more like it:thumbsdown:

things were not moving too badly down there until the moorabbin move and this trash talk. most people had accepted that the saints poor record this season was a result of a new coach-instilling a new game plan - and horrendous injury list.

now people are talking of sacking the president, that thomas should have been retained - that the players still see grant as their leader etc.

the question is now - unless rod can make good of proof of his claims, will grant look at taking legal action against rod for public defamation of his character and professional reputation?
would appear to me he would have a good case to hold against him.

then what happens? the players get called into the court rooms and have to choose on selling out the clubs president - or their close friend grant?

this has "club identity crisis" written all over it. going for richmond and carlton -

i always thought i would enjoy seeing another club go throuugh this sort of crap (since both of mine have been doing that dance for quite a while ) - but strangely, i don't enjoy it. another sign that victorian clubs are too busy "self destructing" ever 5 years, to actually ever reach any noteable success:(
 

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#12
you call that a "masterstroke?" - people asking for the president to be sacked - talk of player dis-harmony? what happens if the saints get smashed this week? all of a sudden it will all be about the players not standing up for lyon - making a stand about butterss handling of their ol father figure grant thomas:rolleyes:

far from a master stroke - childish, chaos is more like it:thumbsdown:

things were not moving too badly down there until the moorabbin move and this trash talk. most people had accepted that the saints poor record this season was a result of a new coach-instilling a new game plan - and horrendous injury list.

now people are talking of sacking the president, that thomas should have been retained - that the players still see grant as their leader etc.

the question is now - unless rod can make good of proof of his claims, will grant look at taking legal action against rod for public defamation of his character and professional reputation?
would appear to me he would have a good case to hold against him.

then what happens? the players get called into the court rooms and have to choose on selling out the clubs president - or their close friend grant?

this has "club identity crisis" written all over it. going for richmond and carlton -

i always thought i would enjoy seeing another club go throuugh this sort of crap (since both of mine have been doing that dance for quite a while ) - but strangely, i don't enjoy it. another sign that victorian clubs are too busy "self destructing" ever 5 years, to actually ever reach any noteable success:(
Spot on.

If what has come to light in the media is true then both Grant and Rod are in the wrong. This issue is totally de-stabilising. Grant and Rod need to figure all this rubbish out behind closed-doors in a professional manner and put this whole thing to bed for the good of the club. If both of them have the best insterests of the club in mind then they should have the sense to not play this out in the media.
 

superfreak

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#13
Heard a bit of rumour today that if true could rock the saints. Grant Thomas has been asked about his availability for next year in regard to coaching a melb based club. He has since been in contact with a few of the players he is closest with and are out of contract next year to gauge their thoughts on being re-united. This has been the straw that broke the camel's back so to speak with the board and Im led to believe that at a board meeting last night it was decided to "out" him but without details. Todays statement from the president was a warning telling him to back off. Thomas knows the ins and outs of every contract at St.kilda and the saints are running a bit scared which is understanable. Watch for the saints to try and discredit him over the next few weeks and months to try and scare off any club that might be interested in him.
There is some basis to this rumour, so dont shoot him down. For what its worth the club is the Kangaroos.
 

Bluebear

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#14
Spot on.

If what has come to light in the media is true then both Grant and Rod are in the wrong. This issue is totally de-stabilising. Grant and Rod need to figure all this rubbish out behind closed-doors in a professional manner and put this whole thing to bed for the good of the club. If both of them have the best insterests of the club in mind then they should have the sense to not play this out in the media.
"They" as in the club. To the best of my knowledge only 1 party is "playing this out" in the media.

It began with an unsolicited comment on radio, there was a brief response, but then the "coaches pressconference" about this weeks game was hijacked for political purposes.........and as yet no substance to the accusations have surfaced............smoke and mirrors.

Anyone lese find it curious that when Butterss was asked if he had tried to call Grant about this he said "Well maybe its time I did"

....what, after launching a public attack?.......yeah right. :rolleyes:
 
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#15
well if you like to think of grant thomas as dog poo, then perhaps its safe to think that rod butterss should have looked before he spoke - because he has a big steaming grant thomas on his shoe.

stupid post mate - that silly president has publically turned your club into a gossip segment. no one knows for sure grant has been doing anything, but maintaining a friendship with the young players who ( have several) looked up to him as a father figure for the past 6-7 years.
perhaps the players want to grant to remain as a friend , perhaps they trust him?

rod has made st.kilda big news for all the wrong reasons - no one had any clue of any of this, and all of it could have remaind that way.
sorry astro bot, was not aware there was post police and you cant have an opioion.

Thomas is no different to any other employee, he was asked to move on. He is the one losssing credability and will have trouble getting further employemnt especially in the footy industry.
Rem,emebr Butters has been appointed boss and he along with the board make decisions and they have made the decision to move thomas on, get over it, i dont giva flying if he has a relationship with some younger players, and others dont like him big deal, hes not there get over it and all should move on with the new coach. Those players who dont want to stay move them on, just have a look at Hawthorn
 
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#16
sorry astro bot, was not aware there was post police and you cant have an opioion.

Thomas is no different to any other employee, he was asked to move on. He is the one losssing credability and will have trouble getting further employemnt especially in the footy industry.
Rem,emebr Butters has been appointed boss and he along with the board make decisions and they have made the decision to move thomas on, get over it, i dont giva flying if he has a relationship with some younger players, and others dont like him big deal, hes not there get over it and all should move on with the new coach. Those players who dont want to stay move them on, just have a look at Hawthorn
not the post police mate - but i can't understand what your angle is here?

thomas was let go - yes - he left, but what exactly is he doing to lose credibility. i have listened to SEN a lot there, and i have never EVER heard him say anything paying out the stkilda footy club?

the president is the one losing credibility - making accusations he can't , or won't then explain - and yes, because of these comments, thomas will find it hard to get work in a football department. which is totally unfair, because their are no facts available to anyone, to suggest why rod is making these comments. this to me is completely opening up the door for thomas to sue rod butterss for libel and defamation. he is effectively harming grant's personal & proffesional reputation & character, and in doing so, making it near impossible for him to be able to earn a living in his chosen career.

it also definitely leaves him completely capable of sueing the st.kilda football club also - as it is their president speaking as their president (and his former employer) making the allegations. grant would never sue the saints - as he quite obviously gives a toss about the club.

i am starting to wonder if rod thinks the same - or if his ego and insecurities about how the clubs players see him as a person, after sacking grant - his Former best friend.
 

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#17
it also definitely leaves him completely capable of sueing the st.kilda football club also - as it is their president speaking as their president (and his former employer) making the allegations. grant would never sue the saints - as he quite obviously gives a toss about the club.
Also interesting to see that the club are withholding some of Grant Thomas' severance due to breach of contract. Watch this space for legal proceedings I think.

By the way - the only one losing credibility is Butterss. Unless he can come up with something concrete and credible, most neutral parties wouldthink he is a tosser. Maybe he can see the writing on the wall regarding another year of lost opportunity with this current group and is looking for a scapegoat.
 

Bluebear

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#18
Given that Thomas negotiated the player contracts when he was coach, do you think that maybe Riewoldt and possibly others sought his knowledge, or advice whilst re-negotiating their new contracts.

GT may have helped them get more out of the club such as four years, or more money.........could explain why nothing is being said as the contracts are still being negotiated......would explain why the club is super pissed off........would explain a lot actually.

Its has been alleged that he may have talked to NR about his contract - but everyone assumed that it was to leave the club. maybe not so.


Food for thought.
 

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#19
Did anyone watch TFS? Nixon, Riewoldt manager didn't answer the question 'Will nick be playing for the Saints next year'. Twice, he said he wasn't answering that question. How hard is it to say, 'most likely, we are still sorting out a few things and i'll discuss it later on in the season'. Didn't look to good. Even Judd has said, he'll discuss it later, not just 'no answer'.
 

gandaal

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#20
Did anyone watch TFS? Nixon, Riewoldt manager didn't answer the question 'Will nick be playing for the Saints next year'. Twice, he said he wasn't answering that question. How hard is it to say, 'most likely, we are still sorting out a few things and i'll discuss it later on in the season'. Didn't look to good. Even Judd has said, he'll discuss it later, not just 'no answer'.
Saying yes would lower the contract offer. Saying 'no comment' and spreading rumours that Nick wants to leave would increase his ultimate offer. The more money Nick earns the more money Nixon earns.
 
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#21
GT may have helped them get more out of the club such as four years, or more money.........could explain why nothing is being said as the contracts are still being negotiated......would explain why the club is super pissed off........would explain a lot actually.

.
this is certainly the impression i'm getting out of all this.

but again, what is grant doing wrong?
giving advice to a friend who asked for it? perhaps the club should be more upset in the players for going to grant for advice on these matters?

and honestly, if anyone would be able to squeeze an extra buck in a contract, it would be ricky nixon, not grant thomas.

and lets face facts even more so - nick reiwoldt, could pretty much put a figure on his head of 4.5million over 5 years - and i think about 6-8 clubs would jump at that offer to secure a real deal match winner (richmond, carlton, bulldogs, pies, melbourne, north melbourne ...) all would find the money and space on the cap - especially with the extra $$ from the tv rights, and cap room.

any advice grant could give nick about a contract renewal - ricky nixon and the common man could give him really.

end the other major problem with what rod did without explaining his claims, is exactly this.

his own players are now being accussed of being involved in this sort of stuff, because people want to know whats happening - and we can only assume, and listen to rumour and innuendo.:(
 

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#22
this is certainly the impression i'm getting out of all this.

but again, what is grant doing wrong?
giving advice to a friend who asked for it? perhaps the club should be more upset in the players for going to grant for advice on these matters?

and honestly, if anyone would be able to squeeze an extra buck in a contract, it would be ricky nixon, not grant thomas.

and lets face facts even more so - nick reiwoldt, could pretty much put a figure on his head of 4.5million over 5 years - and i think about 6-8 clubs would jump at that offer to secure a real deal match winner (richmond, carlton, bulldogs, pies, melbourne, north melbourne ...) all would find the money and space on the cap - especially with the extra $$ from the tv rights, and cap room.

any advice grant could give nick about a contract renewal - ricky nixon and the common man could give him really.

end the other major problem with what rod did without explaining his claims, is exactly this.

his own players are now being accussed of being involved in this sort of stuff, because people want to know whats happening - and we can only assume, and listen to rumour and innuendo.:(
Don't get me wrong, I think Butterss has stuffed this up big time by playing it out in the media.

Thomas has knowledge that Nixon would be guessing at.

Lets say Nick wants a big payrise, but isn't sure how much the club can afford.
He wants more money but in the same vein doesn't want to bankrupt the club (I.e. have to let other players go to afford him), by asking for 1 mill per year.

Nixon would be guessing as to the TPP and wht room they may have......but GT would know EXACTLY what the TPP is and whether the club has 50, 100 or 500k up its sleeve to offer Nick.

The allegation in the media that Thomas was asking about details of players contracts is ridiculous. He negotiated them all over the past 3 years......he would know the details.

I think he has been giving his mate Nick some "advice" (insider knowledge) about exactly how much more money he could get and still keep the team around him.......i.e. not lose Dal Santo......

Thats my take.

The club would have every right to feel pissed off.......but its their own fault for allowing the head coach complete control over such matters........Butterss has made his bed and must lie in it.
 

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#23
lol, what a ridiculous post/topic.

GT has stated he will not coach unless it was st.kilda, yet people use fiction over facts. :thumbsu:
 

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#24
not the post police mate - but i can't understand what your angle is here?

thomas was let go - yes - he left, but what exactly is he doing to lose credibility. i have listened to SEN a lot there, and i have never EVER heard him say anything paying out the stkilda footy club?

the president is the one losing credibility - making accusations he can't , or won't then explain - and yes, because of these comments, thomas will find it hard to get work in a football department. which is totally unfair, because their are no facts available to anyone, to suggest why rod is making these comments. this to me is completely opening up the door for thomas to sue rod butterss for libel and defamation. he is effectively harming grant's personal & proffesional reputation & character, and in doing so, making it near impossible for him to be able to earn a living in his chosen career.

it also definitely leaves him completely capable of sueing the st.kilda football club also - as it is their president speaking as their president (and his former employer) making the allegations. grant would never sue the saints - as he quite obviously gives a toss about the club.

i am starting to wonder if rod thinks the same - or if his ego and insecurities about how the clubs players see him as a person, after sacking grant - his Former best friend.
I must say I have heard Grant have a couple of snipes at the club, but only ever as a result of a direct question. And if there's one thing I always admired about Grant it was his honesty in the media. He won't just say what you want to hear. If he is asked a question he gives a considered response.

Butterss however, :mad:, he needs to pull his head in. He has put everything into the public eye. He is the one who can't seem to get over the rift with Thomas. He is using the club to attempt to publicly discredit GT to gain an advantage in a private matter.

Memo Rod Butterss: You are destroying the St. Kilda Football Club single handedly, just as us long suffering fans thought we were some sort of chance to make the ultimate goal. :thumbsdown::thumbsdown:

Memo Lindsay Fox (or someone with the smarts and no agenda outside the club): PLEASE get in there ASAP and save our club before it completely implodes and we spend the next 20 years wondering why we bother.

Bugger me:(
 

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#25
Didn't Foxy have a go at being President in the 80s? It was hardly a raving success, from what I recall. I think he's a great guy, a fantastic businessman, and a great club man, but I think a return to Lindsey Fox running Moorabbin (or Casey as the case may be...) is just a return to a dark past we don't need.

Stick with Butterss. In the six-or-so years he's been there, we've got out of debt, we've gained stronger members (we only lost so many members this year 'cause we ditched Tassie - and tell me how THAT was a bad thing?!?). I agree the best presidents are usually pretty quiet, but I reckon Rocket will be remembering that too, and we won't hear much from him after another week.
 
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