This Season

[OldSchool]

What impact do you see all this distraction with with board and the off field finances will have on the players this season ?
Being a Bulldogs supporter myself, I have a fair idea about the impacts to the supporters but it is always interesting to see how the players respond. It normally either galvanises the group into better results with an us versus them attitude or really unhinges the group into poorer than expected results.
Interested in your thoughts.

 

[The Shev]

I reckon our players would be used to it. The merger, Gutnick, Woewodin, financial problems, etc... I think they would be very keen to make up for last seasons poor on field performances rather than worry about the off field stuff.

 

[footyman]

I think it will have an impact. Gardner and the board have shown they mean business by sacking Ellis, and people like Daniher and Corcoran are right under the pump now. Off field the club was in a financial mess, action was taken. If On field success doesn't occur action is surely going to be taken as well. The players will be aware that their coach is under the pump - time will tell whether they respond to that.

 

[BT]

The pressure could offer the footy deparment an out? A convenient excuse for under performing if they choose to accept it. They won't last long if they do however.

In all honesty, it shouldn't have any impact on field at all. Board members don't kick goals. The coach will come under pressure if we under perform, I hope the players aren't let off too easily either. Too often I hear "ND is crap etc.." I agree that he is to be held accountable, just as long as the players are too.

The players have a had a much improved pre-season compared to last season & we've added some talent to our list. I see no excuses anywhere for the MFC this season.

 

[OldSchool]

Originally posted by BT
In all honesty, it shouldn't have any impact on field at all. Board members don't kick goals. The coach will come under pressure if we under perform, I hope the players aren't let off too easily either. Too often I hear "ND is crap etc.." I agree that he is to be held accountable, just as long as the players are too.

I tend to think it could have a big bearing on the playing group especially if you have to go to the players and ask a number of them to take pay cuts like the Doggies had to.
From that moment on Browny was as good as gone.
Daniher has been at the helm for a few seasons now and whilst he has had some good results he must be feeling the pressure more than most.
I think he is an excellent pre-game coach but on occasions once the match starts he does not revert to plan B quickly enough if plan A is failing. This is a fairly common problem with a number of coaches.
This season he has a few coming back from injuries and I think Ben Holland might be a decent addition for him as a tall defender so he has a good enough group available to him. I agree with you that the players must be held more accountable because too often people focus on the coach and blame him for losses rather than putting the favourite players under a bit more scrutiny.

Do you think a few more heads will roll ?

 

[BT]

Originally posted by OldSchool


Do you think a few more heads will roll ?

If performances are poor I have no doubt action will be taken. Gardner has shown his hand already with Ellis' contract not being renewed. I don't necessarily think that type of pressure is healthy for the footy department but it is there. As long as it's applied fairly to both the playing list & the coaching staff, I'll be happy enough.

We still have no excuses.