See No Evil - Hear No Evil

[Hairy Egg]

This is just the lazy press putting two and two together and coming up with five.

Never let the facts stand in the way of a good story eh lads?

[yellow_balaclava_hunter]

I'd be surprised if any club didn't have a review at the end of each season because that club would be the one getting relegated at the end of the next season.

Of course we should review and plan for next year, that doesn't necessarily mean getting rid of anyone; actually it's more likely that we'll get some additional people in to help out which is exactly what we need.

During all of this rubbish that the press have been spouting recently, Loffreda had remained completely dignified and focused on the task in hand, this man is a complete winner, he has the right temperament and attitude to bring this club forward, all we need is some specialist coaches (particularly for the backs) to provide some assistance.

[KingKong(2.15)]

Yes the club will review the season. There have been some good points. In patches the team has played well. Nay, occaionally the backs have looked exciting. They will not sack the coach now.

When I last checked the ball was still oval, not round.

[MurphysLaw]

I agree, it's not surprising that the Board would normally review the coaching set-up at the end of the season, along with all other aspects of the team and its performance. To me ,this refers to the whole coaching set-up, and not just ML's position.It would also review progress (or lack of) with the search for a backs skills coach.


However, whilst it may be normal practice to carry out such a review at the season end, you've got to question the timing of Mr Wheeler giving quotes on the subject to the press just days before a play-off final.Why not just keep quiet on this, at least for a few days?

[Iain]

Murphy's Law: I hear what you're saying but an answer of "no comment" to questions on that subject probably looks worse! I think Wheeler has genuinely tried to give a straight bat, neutral answer. Okay it didn't work 100% but I can appreciate what he might have been trying to do.

[MurphysLaw]

Hmm, maybe so, but Mr Wheeler has been around a long time now.He really shouldn't get cornered like that, if that was the case.

Intersting in the Times piece today, Cockerill says he's "happy to work with" ML.
That's good of him to say so. ML must be comforted by a vote of confidence from his No.2.

Does someone think their coaching position is about to be reviewed?

[Rizzo]

I don't know about the rest of you, but both my other half and I (in totally different job sectors) are given full job appraisal and consideration at the end of every company financial year.

[smalldell]

I think they need to review certain things but not Loffreda, or only is as much at they should line the other coaches up and let him pick which ones he wants and give the rest their P45's....

At present I would say that amounts to a good few P45's......!!!!

Then the onces going can apply for the Apprentice, because thats all they will ever be.............

[Trout 63]

"It has been a difficult season and it has been extremely difficult for him (Loffreda). He has a contract in place for the next two years," Wheeler said.

"We will have a review of the coaching staff, as we do every year. The whole set-up will be reviewed."


Seems perfectly reasonable to me.

If anyone wants to try and stir things, as Nik appears to on occasions, then maybe the lack of an effective defensive system might lead NB to be more worried about his future employment prospects than ML.

This is only one of many possible examples and is noway exhaustive.

As has been said earlier in the thread, I'd be disappointed if everything in the club wasn't reviewed annually.

Anyway, the media has to give some time, before they all start going on about LBND's last coming... as the match gets closer.


I must be slipping.
That's twice recently that I've agreed with one of Iain's posts

[dailywaffle]

Anyone listen to the rugby show on 5live tonight? A very interesting preview of tomorrow's match, lots on Andy Goode, but also noteworthy for:
1. Neil Back declining to offer any public support for Loffreda, and
2. Dick Best saying that he knows, for a fact (and he emphasised the word), that Tigers are looking to appoint a new head coach for next season.

[westwinds31]

dw...I listened and found it quite distressing, especially as Backy is a particular rugby hero of mine, not to support Loffreda was incredible !

It hasn't been a great season by our high standards, even with the final tomorrow, but I cannot see any sense in replacing Loffreda - the whole situation stinks to high heaven in my opinion.

[dailywaffle]

Yes, whatever the merits of Loffreda's coaching ability I found Back's interview quite appalling.

[gman]

I was hoping
"We will have a review of the coaching staff, as we do every year. The whole set-up will be reviewed." was maybe saying thanks and farewell to Back and Cockers.

I think ML has handled all this admirably, particularly on rugby club last night and deserves an opportunity to build his vision irrespective of what happens tomorrow.

[down the brickies]

I agree the whole thing is bizarre. For Christs sake this guy has taken us to two finals, we may even win one!
As Barnesy' pointed out on Sky, we finished the regular season only 5 points behind Pat Howards' championship winning total last year.
Marcelo has had half a season in a World Cup year, give the guy a break!
We could be Newcastle fans, but for the grace of God! Give him season, if he fails, fair enough, sack him, but give the guy a break!

[Phil B]

Nothing new in the speculation. Sad to hear about Backy, but it goes true to form with him I think. Best's comment is worrying. Problem is we will never know what is really going on behind the scenes.

Hope the internet works today or I am stuffed. No (blue)sky and plenty of rain down hear.

Already nervous.