: Sun Feb 22, 2009 2:51 pm  

Monmouth Wire wrote:

Agreed.

This post could just have easily been entitled "The Board Don't Know What They're Doing".

They gave Lowes the improved contract and with it the permission to appoint his own backroom team (including his mate from his gym to do the conditioning!). I get the feeling that what is happening on the pitch is a reflection of what is happening throughout the club as a whole - everyone comfortable because they have the backing of Moranovich and no likelihood of being sacked so why should they upset the status quo.

The general management of the club is an absolute sodding joke and has been since we went to the HJ. Bear in mind they got the ground for free so they haven't had to do that much apart from keep it going and they do nothing that makes you think they're worried about anything as they have SM's mandate. Hoyle should be shifted and the rest need to up their game.

If you're reading this Simon I'll be a board non-exec for nothing if you like and ask all the bone questions that you may feel nervous about raising*. I actually don't think it's you who's at fault as you've put the money down but seriously, you need to shake that place up/out or we'll be getting more of the same for this season and the rest.

* By the way I'm serious.

Here Here good man.

I second your appointment to the board.

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 4:19 pm  

The problems are historical which suggests a protected
comfort zone and self interest throughout the club,
unlike saints or leeds we don't identify players to fit
into our shape culture or team spirit because we
currently dont have one.

Being the"money" team we seem to have attracted
the wrong type of mercenary we currently seem
totally devoid of match winners or players that
are capable of turning a game.

Im not the only one who thinks we are further away
than ever from silverware ,cant see any progress
from last year despite having an off season to
work with the players, the defense looks fragile
as ever.

Body language from the coach was poor last night
and there seems to be little or no leadership on
the field,we need the type of lift we got when Andrew
Johns arrived for his brief spell, which raised the
other players game ,unfortunately i think a clear
out is now necessary no more 4 year deals unless
its exceptional.

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 7:07 pm  

Rugbychick™ wrote:

For me I would always take an easy 2 points and get the ball back. I thought going for goal was the right choice. If we'd have been taking it way out by the touchline I would have argued for the 6 but from right in front like that I would always take the goal. If we'd have dropped the ball by not going for the penalty everybody would be whinging about us not taking an easy two points.

It's the same with an interception. If you go for it and miss you're an idiot. If you go for it and get it you're a hero.

Damnned if you do and damnned if you don't.

Not really. By reading last night's game, it was the wrong decision IMO. Phil Clarke summarised it quite well.

None of the team's defences were capable of stopping the other team, so there was always gonna be more tries, this was not gonna end up as an arm wrestle. They had just gone down to 12, and we should be ruthless and go for the kill. We let them off the hook, just as we did when we were 16-6 up and should have gone for the kill.

There are very few (probably none) coaches who would use your tactic of going for goal every time. Those days have gone now the game sees so many tries.

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 7:09 pm  

Dave T wrote:

Not really. By reading last night's game, it was the wrong decision IMO. Phil Clarke summarised it quite well.

None of the team's defences were capable of stopping the other team, so there was always gonna be more tries, this was not gonna end up as an arm wrestle. They had just gone down to 12, and we should be ruthless and go for the kill. We let them off the hook, just as we did when we were 16-6 up and should have gone for the kill.

There are very few (probably none) coaches who would use your tactic of going for goal every time. Those days have gone now the game sees so many tries.

I thought it psychologically and territorially handed the game over to Catalans.

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 8:52 pm  

Dave Heron's Moustache wrote:

Lee Briers was practically in the Cat's backline on some plays

To be honest, it doesn't matter where Briers puts himself in our defensive line, he's of absolutely no use what so ever...

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 10:00 pm  

We always say Moran has alot of influence buying players, msn-ing Mr Johns, finding us quality pre match entertainment etc but to riff on what has been said.

Maybe the whole club is complacent as is is actually not present alot but his money is if needed. Long as you keep saying the rights, can give the impression that the ship isnt sinking. That is until you notice the rats have gone.


But we got a A grade license....

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 10:10 pm  

did anyone see the highlights of the game when we it was 18 all and the catalans player got sin binned by the ref , and the ref was a disgrace tbh, when james lowes signaled 4 the 2 points he was relaxed on a chair in the box doin nothin in my opinion it looked like he could not be bothered watchin the game and makin decisions

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 10:29 pm  

Lowes body language is not at all positive, at best he looks totally bored - in fact he has never inspired me at all.

I would like to see him showing a bit of enthusiasm when things go well and anger when his plans / tactics (??!!) are not followed by the players.

And his media sound bites are becoming rather annoying - honesty is all well and good, but being honest about your own personal failings week after week is a bad career move.

Finally - this is not a 2 game slump - this is the continuation of last seasons 6 /7 match capitulation - we are on a major slide, needs sorting.

Anyone got Tony Smith's mobile number ??

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 10:31 pm  

MrF wrote:

Lowes body language is not at all positive, at best he looks totally bored - in fact he has never inspired me at all.

I would like to see him showing a bit of enthusiasm when things go well and anger when his plans / tactics (??!!) are not followed by the players.

And his media sound bites are becoming rather annoying - honesty is all well and good, but being honest about your own personal failings week after week is a bad career move.

Finally - this is not a 2 game slump - this is the continuation of last seasons 6 /7 match capitulation - we are on a major slide, needs sorting.

Anyone got Tony Smith's mobile number ??

Hopefully Simon Moran.

: Tue Feb 24, 2009 10:27 am  

Now here's another point about the coaching staff. How come we can only do a reverse kick under the sticks for a chaser when Bridge is on the pitch. Is Riley not quick enough, Anderson or many others, yet we only seem to play for that when Bridge is there.

How come we very rarely use the bomb?

How come we very rarely use a high kick to King?

Again, and I'm sick of repeating myself, why does Hicks have to take the kick offs when he's goal kicking? Last Sat, on at least 2 kick offs in the 2nd half, there was almost 20 metres of empty touchline for a short hard kick, yet Hicks puts a dolly up 15 metres out.