The close season at Headingley is quite often more exciting than the playing season. After such a great season of running rugby surely it could not happen this time? Well , er, yes it could.
We are just a week away from our "relaunch" and our new coach is going to Bradford. Why he is leaving a solvent club for a sinking one is another story but we are now in the same position we were in this time last year.
Except that we can now address one of the issues that plagued the early part of last season. Mr Lowes knew very little about the subtleties of forward play in the fifteen man game , mainly the scrums and lineouts. Not a small part of the game! This must have hindered his development as a rugby union coach. He was, however, aided by two ex-forwards who were able to make up for Lowes' lack of knowledge of the dark arts.
It would seem logical to me that if we are to have a new coach then it should be either Dave Baldwin or Tommy McGee and bring in a backs/defensive coach to help. Continuity at this late stage is important in my opinion. Pre-season is just around the corner and we need to enter it with as little upset as possible.
Now is the winter of our discontent
Made glorious summer by this son of York;
And all the clouds that lour'd upon our team
In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.
Apologies to Bill Shakespeare.
"A witty saying proves nothing."
- Voltaire (1694-1778)
Have we signed all the players we want and existing contracts done. If not who will either want to come to a rudderless ship when pre season frendlies start in seven weeks, no coach and a feeling of despondency.
Reading from the offie it said agreements had been reached between Bradford and ourselves. Does that mean money and if so makesure it goes in the right direction
tukey
what are you on about-this situation is not caused by the club not being run properly its part of normal procedure in sport.
how is our admin supposed to know that the Bulls were going to ditch their coach and make a play for our man.
Be real.
Can't say I'm sorry he's gone. I was never a fan of employing a Rugby League coach. Yorkshire need to bring in someone with deep knowledge of Rugby Union and credibility. This clearly won't be easy at this late stage and I'm hoping the management won't rush the decision as they clearly did last year. Personally I don't want to see an internal appointment but others are better placed to assess suitability of applicants.
Glad to see Geech has said he'll step in to oversee things for now. Hopefully that's not just PR
I must say I am sorry he has gone for two very simple reasons firstly he created a predominantly happy and positive team which was such an improvement of the two previous years and secondly he was instrumental in providing us with one of the most entertaining seasons of rugby I have watched.
Let’s hope the new guy does not take us back to boring Rugby.
I agree with competitive dad-we played better rugby this year than since Davo left-we even had backs who could catch and pass
Lowes was a breath of fresh air
trundle134 tukey
what are you on about-this situation is not caused by the club not being run properly its part of normal procedure in sport.
how is our admin supposed to know that the Bulls were going to ditch their coach and make a play for our man.
Be real.
So 'normal' sports teams change coaches every season? They don't build continuity, club sprit, work with, nurture, motivate and mentor players? No I must have been mistaken. Obviously contracts mean nothing....I don't expect Leeds to hold anyone to a contract what's the point if they, management or players don't want to stay...but to say this is a normal club is rediculas - be real yourself.
"A witty saying proves nothing."
- Voltaire (1694-1778)
almostatyke I know that J-Lo went on the plane to the Rhinos match against the Catalan Dragons earlier this year, clearly RL is in his heart.
Since McDermott never appointed a replacement for Lowes as his assistant he remained involved in coaching the Rhinos, at least on game-day, during his tenure with us. A chunk of his salary, no doubt, was helpfully accounted for by the Rhinos - beneficial given Leeds RUFC is not really any more solvent than Bradford Bulls underneath.
Time Trial Can't say I'm sorry he's gone. I was never a fan of employing a Rugby League coach. Yorkshire need to bring in someone with deep knowledge of Rugby Union and credibility. This clearly won't be easy at this late stage and I'm hoping the management won't rush the decision as they clearly did last year. Personally I don't want to see an internal appointment but others are better placed to assess suitability of applicants.
Glad to see Geech has said he'll step in to oversee things for now. Hopefully that's not just PR
Ahh, now I wonder if anyone of the RU stature of Back/Key are available.
And I wonder if Stuart feels the same about being lumbered with Farrell and Lydon.
Can you not find it in your heart TT to recognise the entertainment we had last season?
Of course I can acknowledge the highs. Some great rugby played and a great spirit in the camp. Don't get me wrong I didn't dislike J-Lo, I just felt he was the wrong guy with the wrong set of experiences. I wish him well and every success in the future with BBs.
Nobody despises the boring stodge served up by Back and Key more than I. I have been vocal in my praise of the entertainment this year. BUT if we are to be serious Championship contenders we had better learn how to win the hard games by closing games out, holding onto possession, kicking for territory etc etc. Not all games should be played with a cavalier attitude. I just think a seasoned head is right for a naive team.
It also helps if there are some experienced people on the field who can sense when it is time for a change of approach. It seemed that we were sometimes waiting for the water carriers to bring a message.
The ideal scenario would be to have a former players come in take over someone who has the belief of the club at heart. Someone like Mike Shelley who coaches the canadian under 20's i think? Just want to see someone here longer than a year or two. As most i imagine i find it extremely frustrating we go back to stage one over and over again.
The first Leeds Tykes child mascot...#leedswasps0203season. #cheersbentos
I know that Andre Snyman who has been coaching in America is available and would like to return to the UK.
What do people think before I pass the message on?
Life is what you make of it - you only get 1 so enjoy it
I really don't care!
One of our greatest players, knows a huge amount about the game and must have some decent contacts. And is hugely respected. I can think of some on this board who would have him back if he'd been coaching kids.
OK, I have mentioned the vacant position to him (well his wife).
He is the head coach at Glenfield Raptors (for those that want to know) and their Wikipedia page can be found here
If back at Leeds, he could finally explain how he managed to run 70/80 meters for THAT TRY on the 16th April 2005! I think there were thousands of Tykes supporters that ran every inch with him, willing him on with every running stride. Myself included!
I really don't care!
One of our greatest players, knows a huge amount about the game and must have some decent contacts. And is hugely respected. I can think of some on this board who would have him back if he'd been coaching kids.
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