Football Department Review

[Baggers]

That's all fine, but he can still be employed by us as a tactician / footy analyst, then it's a win / win. I've only seen snippets of him (admittedly a lot of snippets) and I find him a little hard to follow. He has a unique take on the English language and particular turns of phrase that leave me scratching my head. I don't rate him as a good communicator.

This comment is not me advocating Ross.

However, to address your honest comments on your perceptions, I'd like to offer this.

Communication has been my life, in many respects, since leaving school back in 1827. There are so many effective forms of communication. But we are talking here, specifically, about a physical, demanding sport. Not academia (which I admire and respect... but not so much when it comes to action, getting things done in the real world).

What I observe with Ross is that he is a deeply passionate person. I love that. Passionate people can do rather interesting things with the English language, however. It comes with the territory, and so what. What is most important does the message get through to the receiver, connect with the receiver and motivate the receiver. Language and passion working together can be irresistible, and deeply effective. Ross also has very broad tactical, strategic nous, as does Clarko. And you can't separate the passion from the tactical from everything else in the individual. It's a package.

Expecting Ross to take a role that used his analysis and strategic nous only would never work. It's the whole package that makes him good at what he does. I understand that there are many folks who are almost entirely intellectual, effectively controlling their emotions. And that is entirely appropriate in some settings. But we're talking about a senior coach.

Ross (and Clarko) have a unique ability to connect with those they coach. Their care for each of their players is palpable - passion can be an amazing communicator... without words!

Ross (and Clarko) are also born leaders. And that's where they do there best work... as a leader.

Our game is a gladiatorial sport which requires both passion and strategy - heart and brain.