: Fri Jun 19, 2009 9:41 am
I'm not sure anyone thinks that a head coach is bullet proof, there are just varying opinions over when is the appropriate time to get rid.
On the success of the Noble years one can point to the structures put in place that brought through the likes of Pryce, Peacock, Fielden, Deacon, Paul, Parker and Langley. We certainly seemed to better at bringing through real quality before Noble became coach. After he became coach he was astute at adding players from outside the organisation but the quality of those coming through didn't remain the same. Whether that's down to the systems being neglected or us just being lucky with the talent that came through 96-2000 I don't know. However looking at results nobody can say Noble wasn't a great coach for us.
At the moment we're building for the future. I guess the true test of McNamara's contribution will be to get the best out of the current first team and to get us bringing through real quality young players again (which is hopefully just beginning). Where we have underperformed this year is with the first team and as head coach he's already said he takes full responsibility. What happens between now and the end of the year is critical. If we play like we did in the first half of the season then there can't be any excuses really. He might be doing some great work long term but unless the first team performs to its potential he's vulnerable.
