sapajo wrote: ↑Sun Dec 22, 2019 10:49 am
sam16111986 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 22, 2019 10:28 am
G.K wrote: ↑Sun Dec 22, 2019 8:40 am
Totally disagree. Tthere is no evidence there was any abuse directed at Murphs but there is in the other direction, see earlier posts from those close by. Sad that some excuse such behaviour. Tigers have become an embarresment in more ways than one. Murphs needs to go, it's as simple as that.
If you are going to shout at someone and demand a response to how they are doing their job then if you get a short tempered response you should be unsurprised. From what was posted early the fan shouted to Murphy "what's the point" in relation to substitutions being made. A stupid comment born of frustration and probably a beer or two. Murphy's response was born of frustration and completely justified. Fans too often moan the club doesn't interact enough. The only error was the F bombs he dropped for which he went back and apologised in person and then in the interview post game.
Just because you don't want him as the head coach does not mean you need to vilify everything he does. We all know he's out of his depth and been left in that position because of the loyalty he feels to the club. It's the board's poor management that is too blame not the man desperately trying to bail out the sinking ship.
Tigers is a business, a fundamental of any business is the customer (supporter) is always right. Indeed it matters didly squat if they are actually wrong but you should never alienate your customers (supporters) as they are crucial to the success of your business. Murphy chose to react in the way he did and as such he has left his behaviour open to critcism but in no way can it ever be excused or justified. That is why Murphy reappeared to apologise after the penny had finally dropped.
So far as Murphy’s loss of self-control yesterday is concerned, if Tigers had just closed out yet another victory whilst on a 26-match unbeaten run, the narrative would have been about Tigers’ “unquenchable desire to win”, a la Martin Johnson. But it didn’t come after an unbeaten run.
Murphy’s premiership record reads P26 W7 L19. Four wins in the first ten games – a dead cat bounce – of sorts. Followed by 3 wins in 16 matches.
In his first six premiership games last season average points scored / conceded was 26 v 31. In the last six 22 v 30. After six games this season 14 v 27. Improvement?
I predicated last week that after eight games, the table for relegation candidates will look as follows: 18 Worcester, 18 Harlequins, 13 Bath, 6 Wasps, 6 Tigers, -5 Saracens. After 6 games (with just 15 premiership matches to go - thats 15 - and Bath still to play) it reads: 13 Worcester, 15 Harlequins, 8 Bath, 6 Wasps, 4 Tigers, -13 Saracens.
After which we will be without our internationals during the 6N. Points against Wasps and Worcester (who will lose fewer players) Sale and Saracens (both away)?
We now celebrate being competitive (in a first half), at home, with a full team against understrength opposition. Losing bonus point?
Of course, we lost our Head Coach at the start of this season, due to an end of season spat with a referee. Both outbursts reflect his passion, and also the fact he is out of his depth. Coaching is a profession, learnt over time, like accountancy, teaching, brick laying, being a player. The fact Murphy lacked the self-awareness to recognise he wasn't ready for the role demonstrates he wasn't ready for it. The ensuing results are the evidence. But his naivety is understandable. However the incompetence of the board i.e. not having the necessary skills to carry out a task, is not understandable. Their willingness to allow the proverbial ship to continue towards the rocks is inexcusable.
