As a 10 year long Wests Tigers Fan, I would like to welcome Ivan Cleary to the Wests Tigers. The club many of us consider to be blood, the very place we make family. Welcome to the Wests Tigers, Ivan.
Coaches have come and gone, some with success, some with failure, some with arguably unfair critics. Tim Sheens served our beloved club for a 9 year period, his tenure encompassed success and downfalls, though mostly remembered for his remarkable coaching in the 2005 grand final victory. A club legend who has now moved on.
Tim Sheens successor, Mick Potter wasn't as successful in the role. Enduring a reign in the coaching position which was hindered by injury after injury. The Robbie Farah debacle which came to light and most importantly the Benji Marshall benching. Mick Potter in my own opinion was a great coach who suffered from instability within the club, this included a lack of power, an incompetent club board and CEO and to a lesser extent poor strengthening and conditioning staff.
Mick Potter was not sacked but was replaced by Jason Taylor in the coaching box following the conclusion of his contract. Jason Taylor will always be remembered for the grudge he held against club legend Robbie Farah. This personal grudge was not put aside during business and therefore made life for himself at the club more difficult than it should have been. Jason Taylor would consistently select sub-par reserve graders to play first grade. These poor decisions lead to incompetency in the retention of our players, including the loss of Joshua Addo Carr who has now gone on to play first grade for the Melbourne Storm.
What fans have been crying for in recent years is a coach who is committed to the club, one who will make the tough decisions, one who will select players for performance rather than reputation. The last time our coach made a tough decision was Mick Potter placing Benji Marshall on the bench due to poor performances. It is calls like this that supporters are desperate for. We want players on the field who will grind our games for eachother, put their bodies on the line, defend and show some PRIDE in the emblem that they represent.
There is no instant expectations, supporters do not expect a miracle finals appearance this season. With almost the entire roster off-contract, we hope to not see many of these players leave.
On behalf of the majority of Wests Tigers supporters, we would like a captain who runs out onto the field everyday with their heart in their sleeve and does the club proud. A captain who is able to show pride and love every time they represent their club, whether it is on or off the field. A clear choice in this regard, Elijah Taylor.
The Big '4' have been the vocal point of the 2017 campaign, along with their manager Mr Moses. It is believed that the club is being held to ransom by 4 footballers who haven't been able to win a game in weeks and make a finals series in years. Well, I am sure the tables can turn now and we can farewell these potentially great players without any regrets. James Tedesco is the only player who out of these four, should be retained. Our salary cap money can be better spent elsewhere with players like Nelson Asofa Solemona, Kane Evans, Felise Kaufusi, Ben Matulino and Jack Bird all off contract (hint hint).
Mr Cleary, you are professional enough to understand the basics of Rugby League without a passionate supporter telling you. We all have faith in the decisions that you will make and we hope that you will make the tough ones which proceeding coaches have not been able to do.
Your success in re-building clubs speaks louder than any words. You are an asset and we look forward to welcoming you to the Wests Tigers in 2017.
Regards,
A kid who bleeds black, white and orange.
Coaches have come and gone, some with success, some with failure, some with arguably unfair critics. Tim Sheens served our beloved club for a 9 year period, his tenure encompassed success and downfalls, though mostly remembered for his remarkable coaching in the 2005 grand final victory. A club legend who has now moved on.
Tim Sheens successor, Mick Potter wasn't as successful in the role. Enduring a reign in the coaching position which was hindered by injury after injury. The Robbie Farah debacle which came to light and most importantly the Benji Marshall benching. Mick Potter in my own opinion was a great coach who suffered from instability within the club, this included a lack of power, an incompetent club board and CEO and to a lesser extent poor strengthening and conditioning staff.
Mick Potter was not sacked but was replaced by Jason Taylor in the coaching box following the conclusion of his contract. Jason Taylor will always be remembered for the grudge he held against club legend Robbie Farah. This personal grudge was not put aside during business and therefore made life for himself at the club more difficult than it should have been. Jason Taylor would consistently select sub-par reserve graders to play first grade. These poor decisions lead to incompetency in the retention of our players, including the loss of Joshua Addo Carr who has now gone on to play first grade for the Melbourne Storm.
What fans have been crying for in recent years is a coach who is committed to the club, one who will make the tough decisions, one who will select players for performance rather than reputation. The last time our coach made a tough decision was Mick Potter placing Benji Marshall on the bench due to poor performances. It is calls like this that supporters are desperate for. We want players on the field who will grind our games for eachother, put their bodies on the line, defend and show some PRIDE in the emblem that they represent.
There is no instant expectations, supporters do not expect a miracle finals appearance this season. With almost the entire roster off-contract, we hope to not see many of these players leave.
On behalf of the majority of Wests Tigers supporters, we would like a captain who runs out onto the field everyday with their heart in their sleeve and does the club proud. A captain who is able to show pride and love every time they represent their club, whether it is on or off the field. A clear choice in this regard, Elijah Taylor.
The Big '4' have been the vocal point of the 2017 campaign, along with their manager Mr Moses. It is believed that the club is being held to ransom by 4 footballers who haven't been able to win a game in weeks and make a finals series in years. Well, I am sure the tables can turn now and we can farewell these potentially great players without any regrets. James Tedesco is the only player who out of these four, should be retained. Our salary cap money can be better spent elsewhere with players like Nelson Asofa Solemona, Kane Evans, Felise Kaufusi, Ben Matulino and Jack Bird all off contract (hint hint).
Mr Cleary, you are professional enough to understand the basics of Rugby League without a passionate supporter telling you. We all have faith in the decisions that you will make and we hope that you will make the tough ones which proceeding coaches have not been able to do.
Your success in re-building clubs speaks louder than any words. You are an asset and we look forward to welcoming you to the Wests Tigers in 2017.
Regards,
A kid who bleeds black, white and orange.
