News Thank you Bolts

[Davey33]

Listening to Docherty speak, he sounds so well spoken and composed I would almost think he's the best candidate to fill Bolt's position!

assertive and all

 

[Blue and Blue]

Problem with giving a number publicly is it ties your hands somewhat.

If our effort had been top notch the last month, but we were just falling short, I think he'd still be coaching even with a 1 & 10 record. As much as win/loss was clearly a factor, I think the performance of the group within the losses has been the real keystone. When the effort dropped, and Bolton wasn't able to get it back within a month, the question had to be asked.

Glad we didn't give in to pressure to put a number on it. We shouldn't have.

Absoluetely it was the manner of the losses not the losses themselves despite what was said in the press conference. It's the way the team was allowed to lose by an absence of self interest on Boltons part. Maybe that makes Bolton a bit naive. He could have made moves to save or win games but clearly the ethos was let them kids learn the hard way. I think they must have privately had a number at which point it was deemed to be unsustainable. The truth is we will never know if Bolton had the capabilty to coach bigtime because he was given nothing to work with except some youthful hope and a truckload of bad luck.

 

[fnm_just a man]

Today, I would say we cut the 2nd best thing that has happened to the CFC in the last 20 years, behind only Patrick Cripps. From my perspective:

Who do I blame? Firstly, the media. They got what they wanted. It's more than just the focus on Bolton, it's the way their coverage creates that pressure-cooker environment on our club/players. I've no doubt it's why our players are full of self-doubt, miss shots on goal etc. The media will slowly ruin this game. They thrive on the vulnerable. I stopped following all footy media coverage a few weeks ago partly because I knew where it was going to end. Today, whilst sad and disappointing, did not come as a surprise. I will not follow footy media into the future either.

Secondly, the players. They are victims of the above (as well as being young) but I just can't imagine running out and not giving 100% every time. Our players haven't done that. I think a lot of them will be devastated at losing Bolton, but in many ways they only have themselves to blame.

Thirdly, SOS. Not the Stocker trade - I'm ok with that. Luck determines a lot in footy and it may go against us, but it's really not that big of a deal to where we're at as a Club. His drafting has been good (not amazing, but good) - I certainly can't complain bc he has drafted a few players that I wanted. It's the mature-age types that he has brought in - some really ordinary players there and that did not help Bolton at all. Slight list imbalance as well - to not have that specialist small-forward (or two) is a joke, the lack of speed/endurance around the ground as well.

A measured analysis of Carlton sans the external pressure, would not result in the coach being culled. As it was, there was ridiculous external pressure impacting our players and the club as a whole, and something had to give - Bolts, for better or for worse, was the scapegoat. It's for that reason I feel for Bolton. He has done exactly what was required at the Club and won't get to see the rewards. Instead, he'll be remembered for a poor win/loss record and that is unfair. He sacrificed himself by doing what was best for the Club.

I am one of those crazy footy fanatics who lives and breathes all things footy (not just Carlton), but year-by-year I grow more disillusioned. I can feel myself slowly withdrawing - there is an element of fear there for it has been such a massive part of my life but even blocking the media these past few weeks has been rewarding. I hope for the day where the VFL becomes an independent and well-funded organisation that shuns Americanisation, Corporatisation and allows the game to flourish at what it does best - be a game that is great to watch and play without the relentless media involvement.

Massive thanks to Bolton. You were exactly what the Club needed and I'll always be grateful for that.

 

[Bamboo Harvester]

Just got home and reading through all of these tributes with a tear in my eye.

Bolts is just a class act, and went out with the class and dignity that defined his tenure at our club.

Thank you for picking up our club from the brink, and giving all of us supporters hope for the future. That's the reason we keep supporting the mighty Blues.

All the best for the future mate, I'm sure you'll be a relieved man now after being in the pressure pot with the media and many supporters putting the blowtorch on you. You'll have time to just sit back and relax now, and I wouldn't be surprised if you got a sneaky phonecall from the Hawthorn FC with an invitation to reunite with your old coach and mentor. I can't stand that mob, but would be rapt if you found your niche back there again.

Either way, thank you Bolts.

 

[blueblooded]

Unfortunately it needed to end this way. The players went into their shells too much. Judging by the response of Liddle I dare suggest he'd lost the playing group. Brad Lloyd went to him and said the message isn't getting through and that was the end of it.

Now for the remainder of the season we need to release the shackles and play free flowing and attacking football, play forwards deep, see if we have any small forwards capable at all, play Gibbons, Murphy and Ed on ball with Crippa, give Fisher, Samo and Walsh license to run and carry from the wings and the flanks, not the centre bounce. Have some fun boys and lets see who can actually play football with a bit of a freedom. try to score goals is modus operandi! We don't know how much we can actually score because Bolts whole strategy was around containment first and foremost and in the end the players just stop believing in it and it cost him his job. thats my take.

He was a good man Bolts and a class act today he really was and I'm sure he will get another job in Football. His direction and tactical play just wasn't right for this group it seems and the pressure needed to be released. In time we will know if this is a good decision or not. No one can say for certain any of this will work. Football is a guess.

 

[Juddafideslenko]

A huge part of rebuilding our brand and club. Unfortunately we couldn’t quite get those close ones for him.
Not many people were upset about his ability to coach or our list when we matched it with some strong clubs, even though we were going misssing for much of the game.

Now our backline is decimated, our midfield young and easily moved off the ball and beaten, thus high pressure inept delivery to our forwards renders us uncompetitive. Our depth is sadly still lacking, so no surprise to me at least that we are getting spanked lately.

But unfortunately the losses were not wins and it’s easier to sack a coach than to drop the whole senior team. Bolts didn’t unfortunately get a chance to work with this group for too long, which is a shame and quite sad.

The talent is there no doubt, so let’s hope we can save face to a degree and knock a few off in the remainder of the season, so we can be proud of our club once again.

Thanks for your tireless work Bolts.
All the best for your future.

Cheers and..

GO BAGGERS!!


On iPad using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Big_Luch]

Not sure you can blame the media, there wasn't really a circus around this and most journos and supporters have bought into the rebuild with a fair dose of patience.

 

[Bordertoon]

Bolton did the hard work and whoever comes in will reap the benefit of that. Bit rough getting sacked in the 4th year of a 7 year rebuild but we are Carlton and this is the sort of thing we do. It's why we've been so bad for 20 years.

The worst thing about all of this is that it goes to prove we had no idea what was going to happen when we begin doing what we have done and that is on guys like Stephen Silvagni and MLG's head. If they didn't realise rebuilding through the draft with kids and virtually no senior foundations would make us this bad for this long then they are fools and that's being kind. That's concerning for me.

It raises serious concerns in regard to our administration and whether we actually know what we are doing and that we probably haven't changed our ways at all over the last 20 years. Here we are, a club with really bad list problems and again we sack yet another coach. We are the sort of club who fixes a flat tyre by replacing the engine and keeps doing it over and over again and wondering why it's not going anywhere.

This really really makes you wonder about people who thought we could go down this path and be competitive by now with a team of kids. Why does our football club believe that if you don't have senior players and rebuild with kids that it takes about 5 years to compete. Do they know anything about football at all?

I would hope the people at our club learn something.

On the positive side I don't think this will hurt us too much. There are some things to look forward to.

We should improve next season unless we start losing decent players and fail to gain good mature players. I think we are still a couple of seasons away from being a decent side regardless of who is coaching as I don't think the coach is too important in a modern setup.

The new coach effect should kick in for a month or so. Just about all sides overperform for a short period of time under a new coach. Not sure why but it seems to motivate players and kick things into gear.

On the negative side, unless our list looks really attractive I can't see too many coaches putting their hands up to coach us unless we really overpay and that's going to really hurt us with our off field cap. Our record with coaches and our tendency to sack them makes us really unappealing. In fact after this, after Ratten, after Malthouse I would think we would be the last place you would want to coach to be honest unless we pay and pay well. Then again there are always people out there looking for a head coaching job.

I can't help to think this was a typical Carlton decision to appease powerbroker board members, fans and media people. Typical of us, looking for someone to blame and it's always the coach.

I don't think time will tell whether this is a good move or not as our list should improve unless we start failing with recruitment and when it matures, whoever is coaching is going to be fortunate enough to have a list with quality and time to further build on their side.

I feel sorry for Bolton and feel this was a real nothing move. I think he knew what he was doing, he just didn't have the players. Hopefully whoever comes in will come in and be fully supported in all aspects and goes really well.

A thought provoking post GB that I would have largely agreed with prior to the North game, but imo (aside from the Pies outlier) something went seriously wrong from that point on, after which we found ourselves in a dramatic tailspin that looked set to continue. Imo, our performances and organisation against North, GWS, and seriously depleted Saints and Bummer outfits were simply unacceptable, and the signs from Crippa, Simmo, and Daisy down through most of our list were poor of late. Unfortunately, I think that the players’ belief and confidence were shot, and along with those things their effort was falling away. In short, it appeared to me that Bolts had lost the group, and that a point of no return had likely been reached.

Of course, we could have persisted with Bolts until the end of the season, to see if he could somehow turn it around, but imo that would have jeopardised our recruitment needs for 2020 - a few more months like the past 5 or so weeks and we would have been an absolute no go zone for any decent mature players, which we desperately need to attract at season’s end. No, as gutted and flat as I feel today - because I genuinely wanted Bolts to be “the one” - I think that the club has taken the correct decision. As I see it, we’ve stuck with the horse (plan), while changing the jockey (senior coach) ... although I live in hope that our strappers (assistant coaches) will be heavily scrutinised in the weeks and months ahead.

 

[DJMacca]

I'm sad it didn't work out for us and bolts...he really did the best he could in helping our club become great again but the win-loss stats could not be ignored. I understand and agree with the decision.
All the best for him and I thank him for his service.

 

[Jabba73]

I hate how my club behaves right now. Give a guy an almost impossible task, then kick him to the curb at the exact moment you should be backing in your choice and the direction you set him upon.

Thanks Brendan for all your positivity and the effort you went to trying to teach leadership to a rudderless playing group. I am sorry it was ultimately them who let you down.

I wish your time at the Blues had ended differently and hope this is not the end of your journey as a senior AFL coach. Ultimately the club will move on, however this decision in no way diminishes the value you have added to all those working at the club, the supporters and the playing group.

When we do eventually get to the big dance, I will raise a glass to you and your efforts to drag this club kicking and screaming into the modern era.

Best of luck to you and your family during the next phase of your career and life.

 

[Warsaw]

I don't know if Bolton was up to the role, I can't well argue that he was. But I know the club need more people like him, than the petty standard of men that exist only to help themselves. Where Carlton's success is only a means to propel their own individual worth.

 

[norway blue]

A huge part of rebuilding our brand and club. Unfortunately we couldn’t quite get those close ones for him.
Not many people were upset about his ability to coach or our list when we matched it with some strong clubs, even though we were going misssing for much of the game.

Now our backline is decimated, our midfield young and easily moved off the ball and beaten, thus high pressure inept delivery to our forwards renders us uncompetitive. Our depth is sadly still lacking, so no surprise to me at least that we are getting spanked lately.

But unfortunately the losses were not wins and it’s easier to sack a coach than to drop the whole senior team. Bolts didn’t unfortunately get a chance to work with this group for too long, which is a shame and quite sad.

The talent is there no doubt, so let’s hope we can save face to a degree and knock a few off in the remainder of the season, so we can be proud of our club once again.

Thanks for your tireless work Bolts.
All the best for your future.

Cheers and..

GO BAGGERS!!


On iPad using BigFooty.com mobile app

Yeah . Balanced post .


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[setantypants]

Thank you Bolts. Who knows if you could coach, but your exuberance and passion was ******* fantastic.

 

[prisoner777]

The only 2 I will be happy with is Clarkson numero uno, or get on our blended knees and beg Rattan to come home where he belongs.

It is amazing how Ratts has come back into focus.

 

[prisoner777]

DEFINITELY THINK ROBERT WALLS WAS A POOR APPOINTMENT.
Hope they bring in a ex senior coach as head of coaching next to whoever else comes in

I'd like to see David Parkin have an advisory role. As our most successful coach and an astute strategic thinker I believe he would have a lot to offer.

 

[reg_lower91]

Thanks, Bolts. Not a bad coach. Someone will come in and reap the rewards of the foundations he’s set. I hope he gets another chance elsewhere. Fantastic person who galvanised our club. Still, I understand the clubs decision.

All the best, Bolts.

 

[prisoner777]

I hate how my club behaves right now. Give a guy an almost impossible task, then kick him to the curb at the exact moment you should be backing in your choice and the direction you set him upon.

Thanks Brendan for all your positivity and the effort you went to trying to teach leadership to a rudderless playing group. I am sorry it was ultimately them who let you down.

I wish your time at the Blues had ended differently and hope this is not the end of your journey as a senior AFL coach. Ultimately the club will move on, however this decision in no way diminishes the value you have added to all those working at the club, the supporters and the playing group.

When we do eventually get to the big dance, I will raise a glass to you and your efforts to drag this club kicking and screaming into the modern era.

Best of luck to you and your family during the next phase of your career and life.

I understand what you are saying but the turnaround did not seem to be coming and it is clear the mental state of the players has shifted....and not in the right direction.

 

[gbatman]

A thought provoking post GB that I would have largely agreed with prior to the North game, but imo (aside from the Pies outlier) something went seriously wrong from that point on, after which we found ourselves in a dramatic tailspin that looked set to continue. Imo, our performances and organisation against North, GWS, and seriously depleted Saints and Bummer outfits were simply unacceptable, and the signs from Crippa, Simmo, and Daisy down through most of our list were poor of late. Unfortunately, I think that the players’ belief and confidence were shot, and along with those things their effort was falling away. In short, it appeared to me that Bolts had lost the group, and that a point of no return had likely been reached.

Of course, we could have persisted with Bolts until the end of the season, to see if he could somehow turn it around, but imo that would have jeopardised our recruitment needs for 2020 - a few more months like the past 5 or so weeks and we would have been an absolute no go zone for any decent mature players, which we desperately need to attract at season’s end. No, as gutted and flat as I feel today - because I genuinely wanted Bolts to be “the one” - I think that the club has taken the correct decision. As I see it, we’ve stuck with the horse (plan), while changing the jockey (senior coach) ... although I live in hope that our strappers (assistant coaches) will be heavily scrutinised in the weeks and months ahead.

It can be really hard to get motivated in a team that is always losing, especially if you are an older player so I get that. I've been there. Footy hurts, it hurts more when you're older, it's hard work, it's harder when you're older. You need something to motivate you to keep going and keep trying and keep pushing through pain and fatigue.

It's a tough one. The coach can't give the players what they need to motivate them and that is wins, they simply aren't good enough to win.

A new coach will have a motivating effect on a playing group short term so hopefully that can start something.

You have to wonder, we had a strange agreement with him didn't we where he was employed as general staff and not a contracted coach? You may know better than me, all I remember is it was unusual. I wonder if this event was one which was seen.

I mean doing what we are doing with no foundation, we're going to be bottom for 5 years. Not many coaches can survive that let alone at Carlton.

It's a tricky one, players need winning incentive to be motivated, players aren't good enough to win most games.

I don't doubt a new voice will motivate them and hopefully things follow on a bit.

I am hopeful our replacement will be good enough to stick with it and follow through.

 

[resolute_blue]

A really sad day. I echo the sentiments of many here.

Bolts, thanks for all your loyalty, dedication and commitment to our club and players across your tenure.

You have been a fantastic mentor and educator to our young playing group. Not only in regards to footy but importantly in growing them as people too.

I’m saddened you didn’t get those close wins earlier this year that could have been the difference to our club’s and your own fortunes. A bad run with injuries and of course the harsh cuts of the rebuild meant you were always up against it.

Much like you taught our playing group to do you too have endured under such trying circumstances. You have gained my utmost respect.

Classy and selfless up to the very last presser.

Thanks so much Bolts.

 

[AB_Blue]

I feel like bolts could have really benefited from a director of coaching after Craig left


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[AndyWalkersGirl]

Interesting listening to Tim Watson and Damien Hardwick on TF.

Bolton bought into what the club was saying they’d do. Did they do it? Did they give him everything he needed to succeed? Hardwick speaking of the importance of having a good team -how he’d be no good if it wasn’t for the team around him.

Makes me think we had too many inexperienced, C-graders around Bolton which hindered the overall ability to win.

 

[ShanDog]

Couldn't help but notice Bolton referring to the club as "we" when discussing future plans for the lost etc. Gave me a real pang of guilt.

 

[BlueBayou]

I too will add my thanks to BB.

From all reports he has turned around a toxic culture, added layers of positivism and professionalism, and a winning smile.

An all round good fella from what I can gather, never having met him. I wonder if there is a role for him to remain at the club as a conduit for the players, some sort of councillor/teacher/mentor for the U21's? maybe?

I have been a defender and supporter of keeping Bolton, but changed my view over the past 2 weeks. In the first 6 weeks, (as I've said elsewhere) the Blues were stiff not to win 2 or 3 more games and been sitting maybe 4-7. Some dubious umpiring, and silly decisions cost us premiership points and ultimately cost Bolton his job.

Unfortunately in the last month something has gone horribly wrong. With the exception of a Cripps inspired fight against the Woods, the spirit had gone from the team. There seemed to be lack of purpose, lack of cohesion, lack of effort. The lack of effort on Sunday was the nadir. Crippa told us all with his body language that he was just going through the motions, he appeared tired of carrying the weight without help.

As sad as this end is, in my view this change had to happen.

.

 

[FRUMPY]

So yes, obviously it will bring about some change in the short term like an fresh start does but in terms of the bigger picture what will it do.???

Gives the club more time to look for a coach and a chance to get the best option before another club.

Also gives prospective coaches a chance to watch our playing list and get a good read on players. Will help with any list decisions etc.

Also take all the pressure off the club and we can go about our business of setting up for next year. In 2 or 3 weeks time no one will be speaking about us.

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[ShanDog]

Thanks BB for what thus far has been largely unrewarded effort on your part.

The players performance yesterday was so apathetic it was inevitable that your stint as coach was over. I think the timing was right. The players on the list are much more talented than they are showing. They have lost confidence and it is clear BB has lost confidence.

The CFC is now in a much stronger position than it was in at the end of 2015. I expect success in the years ahead and if it comes a significant component of that success will be built on the early teachings of BB, who has made sacrifice to a higher cause more than a turn of phrase. True to form the dignified manner of his departure shows BB lives truly the meaning of that message.

Being a young coach of a young developing list was always a high risk/high reward strategy for all concerned. There is no point doubling down on the bet. If we were going to change course it would always be the coach overboard first.

Fantastically put.

It makes sense that an experienced coach is what we need to replace BB with. It would take someone extraordinary to replace him as a first-time coach.