They are first grade players for godsake. They had every opportunity to win that game just by playing smart footy. That was not a coaching issue tonight that was a team of rudderless dumb arses. Maguire may pay the penalty for that performance, but they were not outcoached or out played by the opposition they beat themselves through stupidity.
Only good preparation can increase the mental toughness and resilience that a few of you are criticising the players for having an absence of. This comes from coaching.
The reinforcements of standards and attitude also stems from coaching, as does encouragement and inspiration.
So stop allotting all blame to the players when tactical and mental preparation derives from the coaching staff's ability to utilise correct tactical and mental preparation methods suited to the team - based on their capability.
Their game plans, strategies (including risk management) and goals are also set under the directive of the him too. So rather than deflect how poor we are due to Madge's systems, at least recognise that he too is responsible for promoting team trust and interaction/cooperation, which we seldom see in a positive light. Then maybe you'd realise that the simple duty of not refining and modifying most of these aspects is the crux of our problems.
We aren't in a position to change all our playing group but we also aren't exactly powerless to change these problems either. Only the coach and his staff can control this. So c'mon what's everyone doing as it's clear the man needs a helping hand with everything.
It's only further humiliating the team (and fans) to continue to persist with it.
Edit : I do think the senior players deserve harsh criticism for poor leadership however, as they not only help reinforce Madge's standards etc they are also responsible for bringing the group together and helping with team cohesion.
Too analytical Lauren. I have never heard a quality player from any team not own a poor performance. That is the only mentality that will change our path and until we develop.a squad of players who own their performances and mean it - more of the same.
A quality player from a quality team is surrounded by and rewarded by excellence.
We look so clueless and uninspired from continuing to select struggling players and not changing tactics. It makes us look like the main attraction in this year's bloody circus.
I get what you're saying, but when the person responsible for managing the team's collective efficacy, group accountability and ability to reset focus is unable to get the team all on the same page it's still his fault regardless how you see it.
I don't think it's just Madge though and feel there's leadership problems from the top - that there's a few who've dropped the ball and are not fulfilling their roles/duties.
Having no dummy half when you are attacking the opposition line with game on the line - sums up this squad. That is not a coaching issue - at FG level that was unacceptable. FG players have to be able to think for themselves during a game a coach can't be responsible for that. They get paid well to represent the club that comes with some ownership of their individual performance.
Maguire may have failed at assembling a squad good enough to compete in the competition and that may cost him the job, but the players last night had every opportunity to win and they didn't get it done.
No offence but I think people within the club are also hindering his capacity to attract certain players. Thought his personal targets of Lomax or Brimson were great prospects.
However he keeps picking Liddle and Mbye for that role and I think most of us have realised how unproductive that's been for the team.
Yeah I agree from our key players (in our spine) there's a lack of control and a commanding presence required to direct the team out of trouble. But they also aren't surrounded by the best support players in the forwards or our backs and are also restricted too.
I blame the club for not giving us the team we need to compete and perform at a better standard.
Don't like that we've basically one leader in the team and actually stated a few days ago that since losing Benji, Lawrence, Taylor and Eisenhuth there's a great big leadership void.
I feel you're oversimplifying it a little too as despite how you personally regard it, each individual player simply has to own their role or part in the team by either a) promoting the ball or b) defending their line. The coaching staff sets the structures and is served with preparing them. And they're not effectively getting the job done for the team or improving it but IMO it's often looked like we haven't always had the right team on the field.
Even the interchanges are worrisome, as when someone's usually kept on too long and off their feet, he is then always the person responsible for letting in a try.
Edit: Oops sorry meant oversimplifying his job with team selections and building. I also had a 3000 word analysis or supportive essay to include with it but... Nah just kidding.
Bottom line is we look crap which is a pity when there's been some great individuals standing out and performing consistently strong for us.
Am only starting to blame myself at this point. For having expectations and hope.
@Lauren said:
Your posts are very well expressed and straight from the heart.
But most of them are to damn long.
You're a school teacher.
Condense them.
Maybe make more posts to get your many good points across.
