http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/Blog.aspx?blogentryid=416550&showcomments=trueTigers in total disarray
24/05/2009 10:53:00 PM, Grant Thomas
Having been sacked as an AFL coach I understand the pain and trauma that Terry Wallace must be going through. In some ways I was more fortunate given the surprise and unexpected nature against the drawn out public humiliation afforded to Plough. What I dont understand is the inordinate amount of time they are taking to make the decision or at least should I say publicise it.
Everyone knows Wallace will not be reappointed next year but the Board will stick to their "mid-year review" for their sake more than the club's or their coaches. Richmond is on the nose and has been for some time. A recent famous movie cited "attitude reflects leadership". The core of the problem is a flakey board which lacks strength and decisiveness. They have no problem in passing the buck and deflecting blame however do not - and will not - take any responsibility. Richmond President Gary March is more interested in how the media and public perceive the "process" than honesty, integrity and transparency.
Perhaps the Richmond Board should throw some caution to the wind, realise they have the sanction and charter to make hard, swift and effective decisions and act. One cant help but feeling they are waiting and nearly willing a groundswell of public support to say "its all over Wallace" to alleviate any potential criticism or responsibility for the decision. I find it quite distasteful how things have eventuated and irrespective of what individuals think about Terry Wallace's future, he deserves better much better. "Plough" is a good coach and ironically will be a better credentialed and performed coach than the next one, if rumours are correct about appointing a cleanskin.
Whilst "Plough" has been obviously nervous - to a point embarrassed - about the prevailing circumstances and the inevitability of the ending, he has conducted himself with real pride and class in a horrifically difficult situation that has been blatantly played out as a live reality show.
In my mind I would think Richmond will really struggle to secure the services of an "A-grade" established coach because of the way they have deflected responsibility with this important decision. For whatever reason the Tigers have lacked bite when circumstances turn sour.
I don't know what it is but they have a terrible record with hiring and firing coaches a fact that will not be lost on their next candidate.
Richmond desperately need an experienced, well credentialled, highly motivated driver that can lead them back into the light again. They can ill-afford to waste important time with an untried or relatively inexperienced coach learning on the job. They need to hit the road running next year and start delivering.
No doubt they will appoint an inexperienced, excitable "puppet" who will do what he is told until he also fails and they once again transfer responsibility for poor performance.
Before they are able to do that and wallow in the pride and self indulgence of a new appointment they must consider their existing coach; but more importantly conduct themselves with the dignity and professionalism of a club that is prepared to do whatever it takes to be successful, not a club that is pathetically attempting to juggle public perception for their own gain.
Someone, somewhere needs to take this dilemma by the scruff of the neck and lead with strength and conviction as clearly the incumbents cannot. "Plough" is clearly gone, perhaps the President should march.
