Rich Agar : Fri Aug 27, 2021 9:00 pm  

There's a lot of speculation and opinion around whether Richard Agar should be head coach for next season or move upstairs - an ongoing topic on here and on various podcasts, most recently the excellent Lot Pod podcast.

I don't really understand that view. Case for the defence...

Remember that when he took over from Dave Furner, the squad culture was toxic and we were at the level of being well beaten by Bradford in the Challenge Cup.The players seem to enjoy playing for him, we won the Challenge Cup last season, despite a ridiculous number of injuries and fixture congestion, we're 5th in the table on the run-in (I reckon we could finish 4th), the signings we have for next season are the best for years (and let's not forget Prior has signed on for another couple of years under Agar), we have the best crop of youngsters coming through for 20 years and to add to that, he seems like a really decent bloke.

There's a risk in replacing any coach and I just can't see any coach being worth the gamble at this time.

Re: Rich Agar : Fri Aug 27, 2021 9:40 pm  

he has been supurb, turned the club around.

however....
im not sure if he is the man to take us to the next level or even if he wants to lead us to the next level.

he deserves great respect for what he has done though

Re: Rich Agar : Sat Aug 28, 2021 12:38 am  

if he does move upstairs I'd definitely like him to play a more proactive role than Kev with the squad because he clearly gets on with them and understands how to make a team a team!

Re: Rich Agar : Sat Aug 28, 2021 5:02 am  

Some good points made on a podcast I listened to recently

Agar deserves a chance with the 2022 squad. I agree with that. With the recent cup win I think Agar does deserve first refusal of the 2022 squad

I also think Agar will stay at the club once he's no longer head coach.

Re: Rich Agar : Sat Aug 28, 2021 6:10 am  

Rich???

Re: Rich Agar : Sat Aug 28, 2021 7:16 am  

The Eagle wrote:

Rich???

Alright. Moderately comfortable.

Re: Rich Agar : Sat Aug 28, 2021 7:36 am  

Agree with most of these points.
He has definitely turned things around from where they were and you can see a more positive culture at the club.
He has to take a lot of credit for that.
But is he the man to deliver trophies, an era of trophies.
Not sure.
He deserves to build and lead the 2022 team. He’s earned that.
I think a lot will depend on him as well.
Not totally sure it’s the job he wants.

Re: Rich Agar : Sat Aug 28, 2021 7:55 am  

I think from the point of view of Leeds, for now, the job is his as long as he wants it.
That last bit is the key.
End of 2022 we'll know how it's gone with a squad built to have a tilt at the title.
He's the definition of a safe pair of hands and yes until he wins more there will be questions.
Coaches have different strengths and the man who has so ably led us through the rebuild will have to show he's also the man to win the biggest of games. I really hope he is as he's probably the most likeable coach we've had since Graham Murray or Bluey.

Re: Rich Agar : Sat Aug 28, 2021 8:13 am  

Well said 99. Agar is a smashing bloke, has done a really steady job, loves the sport and is full of common sense. He looks very relaxed in the role to me and should be. He knows Leeds are in a very strong position for years to come and you cant say that about many clubs right now.

The spirit in the squad is a million miles from the day he took over.

Re: Rich Agar : Sat Aug 28, 2021 9:03 am  

My mate who's a Fev fan was asking me what I thought about Agar this week. I know he has his critics but the way he's turned the whole culture of the club around deserves the utmost respect. And when you look out there, who would you get in to replace him right now. It will be good to see what he and Long can do with an off season with no World Cup, and hopefully a cleaner bill of health. And let's be honest, the quality of the other teams isn't that far beyond us even this season. With the players we have coming in and coming through, Agar has a good chance to win the big prize next year