09-07-2015, 03:24 AM
This was very much on the cards: it was one of the things brought up on the 'Assistants' thread in the last week or so.
I am of 2 minds as to Buttifant: he was a Matlhouse appointment, but we really didn't show signs of being any worse under him than we did under Justin Cordy. However, as a clear Malthouse appointee, he did not appear to be as appreciated after Mick's departure. It was clear a week ago that he was going.
The question we now have is simple: can we find someone to make us the fittest, strongest, fastest team on the park without flowing James Hird into oblivion in the process?
Laidley going disappoints me. We have done particularly well in the midfield this year: ranked #2. Much of that was Laidley. Considering that we had ruck dominance for about 2 games in the entire year, our ability to get clearances was amazing. I was hoping we could work on that, and that Laidley might be retained to do so. Since he stopped being a head coach, he hasn't done or said anything moronic, nor irritated me.
However, it appears he was one of the first out of the door.
Barker is the one of interest. Few coaches have wanted guys who failed to get their job as assistants. Pagan was quite adamant about that when his relationship with Mitchell died. While both the club and Bolton have come out publically backing Barker and praising him, it is questionable as to whether Barker will find the idea of working with the man who beat him for the job acceptable.
In some ways I hope Barker and Bolton can work together, but I won't be surprised if barker decides to go elsewhere.
I am of 2 minds as to Buttifant: he was a Matlhouse appointment, but we really didn't show signs of being any worse under him than we did under Justin Cordy. However, as a clear Malthouse appointee, he did not appear to be as appreciated after Mick's departure. It was clear a week ago that he was going.
The question we now have is simple: can we find someone to make us the fittest, strongest, fastest team on the park without flowing James Hird into oblivion in the process?
Laidley going disappoints me. We have done particularly well in the midfield this year: ranked #2. Much of that was Laidley. Considering that we had ruck dominance for about 2 games in the entire year, our ability to get clearances was amazing. I was hoping we could work on that, and that Laidley might be retained to do so. Since he stopped being a head coach, he hasn't done or said anything moronic, nor irritated me.
However, it appears he was one of the first out of the door.
Barker is the one of interest. Few coaches have wanted guys who failed to get their job as assistants. Pagan was quite adamant about that when his relationship with Mitchell died. While both the club and Bolton have come out publically backing Barker and praising him, it is questionable as to whether Barker will find the idea of working with the man who beat him for the job acceptable.
In some ways I hope Barker and Bolton can work together, but I won't be surprised if barker decides to go elsewhere.
Live Long and Prosper!