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If John Mitchell stays on till the end of 2011, any recruitment by the Force in the off season will be seriously compromised. To be attractive, players need to know who the coach will be, and any change in direction must be imminent and NOT one year away.
To the extent that the coach contributes to the decision, perhaps. But then, it might also be the case that players could prefer the possibility of getting a year under a coach with a proven track record of advancing players on merit rather than reputation, rather than some newcomer that no-one really knows anything about other than certain players that may already have established relationships.
Rumours continue to abound regarding Hickey's future - should they just sack him to give the players certainty? Rumours are far worse than established fact, which is why I am glad we at least know what is ahead. But if I was a player, I would feel much more comfortable with the thought that there will be an exhaustive search for the best coaching candidate incorporating all the post-RWC possibilities, rather than that the team had just grabbed the first warm body that happened to be unemployed when the spot opened up.
"Remember lads, rugby is a team game; all 14 of you make sure you pass the ball to ..........."
End of the 2010 season
Correct, I think it ends in Feb
"Remember lads, rugby is a team game; all 14 of you make sure you pass the ball to ..........."
Making it a good case in point - presumably those feeling there is a rush to shoo Mitchell out the door are presumably also comfortable with it putting Louden out of contention for the job....
The answer is in front of your faces.
At the end of the 2010 Super 14 season announce that Richard Graham will be taking over from John Mitchell at the end of the 2011 season.
That way Graham will be able to fullfill his Wallaby WRC duties and the guys next year will be playing to impress him for WRC duties.
That may well be what happens, although it is perhaps a little presumptuous to assume that the Force coaching position is such a prize he would throw in a Wallabies assistant coaching position (and possible shot at the top job?) for it.
Besides, he is the backs coach for the Force and so far this year...?
exactly Andy,
how many tries have the force backs scored this season?
I think Richard Graham would be a good prospect.
There seems to be the view that Mitchell hanging around for another year would be a POSITIVE for recruitment. I don't think so. Why would someone sign especially if the succession plan is not established?
Further, it is possible that Mitchell's style has already affected recruitment. Remeber when Stephen Moore was keen to leave the Reds he came out West. Something (perhaps a chat to some players) put him off so he signed with the Brumbies.
I have been a huge fan and supporter of Mitchell but I thought the timing of his announcement was a little self serving.
What about Michael Cheika i thought he was supposd to be the next big thing?
Generally speaking you aren’t learning much if your lips are moving!!!
But it also solidifies the impression that he is leaving at the end of his current contract. Anyone with at least half a brain already knew that this was his last contract with us before the current media stuff. Same for Sharpie.
"12 Years aSupporter" starring the #SeaOfBlue
Exactly. For the moment knowing there will be a coach for next year and the time and space to properly plan for his successor has to be better than simply grabbing the first random that happens to be available and willing within the next few weeks. That is what would be required if there is to be certainty for recruiting, and absolutely no-one is going to sign if the team line was "Mitchell is definitely out, no idea who the next coach will be but, trust us, we'll find someone good, honest".