"I'm 49, I've had a brain haemorrhage and a triple bypass and I could still go out and play a reasonable game of rugby union. But I wouldn't last 30 seconds in rugby league." - Graham Lowe (1995)
Been thinking about that debacle we had the misfortune to watch earlier ...
I can hear the beginnings of a reasoned excuse unfolding. If you weren't so prolific in terms of posts then we wouldn't be able to hear the cogs spinning. Good as it is to hear, knowing that this takes intellectual effort and you're willing to expend the time, ultimately it's futile.
Let's face facts, we promoted an aspirant young British manager, gave him a reasonable time to prove himself (all very creditable), and he was unable to do so. We now face incomprehensible performances, declining crowds and bottom of the table status for the foreseeable future (Celtic excepted). In addition to which we have a millstone of a stadium, no financial backer with any clout and a gloomy economic environment.
In these circumstances we can stick with what we have based on a financial argument (we can't pay him off) and take the risk of a further decline in attendances, sponsors getting the wobbles, further disinterest amongst the paying public of Bradford etc. Or, we can bite the bullet, pay him off and announce a new era for the Bulls, no saying it will work, but at least it gives us time, creates interest, potentially re-engages the paying public etc.
Much as it sounds very noble to have been the stalwart, cheering the team on in the fog laden days of yesteryear as they slowly went bust, my sense of whats happening now, is that we could get there very quickly and that nobility is a value in scarce supply - why not go for broke and make the change now? It's time McNamara went, step aside, or was demoted, please don't waste any more energy struggling to find excuses.
Let's face facts, we promoted an aspirant young British manager, gave him a reasonable time to prove himself (all very creditable), and he was unable to do so. We now face incomprehensible performances, declining crowds and bottom of the table status for the foreseeable future (Celtic excepted). In addition to which we have a millstone of a stadium, no financial backer with any clout and a gloomy economic environment.
In these circumstances we can stick with what we have based on a financial argument (we can't pay him off) and take the risk of a further decline in attendances, sponsors getting the wobbles, further disinterest amongst the paying public of Bradford etc. Or, we can bite the bullet, pay him off and announce a new era for the Bulls, no saying it will work, but at least it gives us time, creates interest, potentially re-engages the paying public etc. Much as it sounds very noble to have been the stalwart, cheering the team on in the fog laden days of yesteryear as they slowly went bust, my sense of whats happening now, is that we could get there very quickly and that nobility is a value in scarce supply - why not go for broke and make the change now? It's time McNamara went, step aside, or was demoted, please don't waste any more energy struggling to find excuses.
Well argued and coherent post and much to which I agree, falling gate and commercial income that are attributable to poor performances will no doubt be considered against the costs of remedial action.
Although any "go for broke" solution is disconcerting.
Must admit, I found Macca's comments bordering on the delusional tonight.
When Lowes was sacked/demoted, here were his comments after our 48- 22 debacle vs Wakefield..equally delusional... he was sacked 5 days later.
"I thought we made big strides. At the top end of the field we contained them quite well, it was good defensively.
"What let us down a little bit were one or two poor penalties and, even then, in the first half we defended five sets on the line.
"But I'm real positive about what we can do and I still believe in what we can do. We're creating stuff so there's plenty to take out of it. The guys were enthusiastic right to the end and they played their hearts out this week."
There's no way McNamara will stand down. If he does his coaching career is over. He has no legacy to take to another club. Who the hell would want him? He's systematically presided over the meltdown of a club that three years ago were the reigning Super League and World Club champions.
If you were in his shoes you'd carry on for as long as the club are paying your wages because after that he's fooked. Simples.
You've stolen my washing From out my back garden You've tarmacked my driveway Even though I said no You've nicked my lead flashing And weighed it in at the scrappy Oh St Helen's tatters Come rob me again
Nothing more to add, really, only that it seems there doesn't seem to be anybody left to defend McNamara, and so there shouldn't be. The guy has completely lost the plot, and should do the decent thing and walk.