Do You Have Confidence In The Dragons Board Of Management?

[possm]

Do You Have Confidence In The Dragons Board Of Management?
After you vote please feel free to give your reasons and any comments supporting your vote.

 

[grouch]

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/2424026/paul-mcgregor-should-be-dragons-coach-director/

Paul McGregor should be Dragons coach: director By MITCH JENNINGS July 17, 2014, 1 p.m

ST GEORGE Illawarra director Sean O’Connor believes the Dragons should back Paul McGregor to deliver the long-term vision for the club, rather than pursue a multimillion-dollar deal with Wayne Bennett.

While Dragons chief executive Peter Doust is expected to meet with Bennett in coming days, O’Connor’s comments show that club support for the 2010 premiership winner is not unanimous.
O’Connor was loathe to criticise Bennett but said McGregor, at 46 and a Steelers and Dragons great, is best for the role in the long term.

‘‘I’d really support Paul McGregor to coach the St George Illawarra Dragons and to lead us into a new and exciting era,’’ O’Connor said.

‘‘Mary’s been coaching for a number of years now, he’s been involved as a coach and a trainer at the Dragons, so he’s an experienced coach who’s had a lot of success wherever he’s been.
‘We all know what he did as a player, he’s ticked all the boxes.

‘‘He was our inaugural captain, he led us to the 1999 grand final and he’s also played for NSW and Australia.

‘‘He’s got enormous support in the Illawarra region, he’s got the support of the current playing group and the respect of the current playing group.’’

Fairfax Media was told weeks ago of contact between Gold Coast representatives and Bennett but there had not been any progress after he was made aware of interest from the Broncos. Officials from both clubs denied there had been any approach to Bennett.

Cartwright has two more years to run on his contract, meaning the Titans would have to pay him up to $1 million if they were to sack him. Some believe that money and the $1 million per season cost of hiring Bennett would be offset by the boost to the club’s profile he would ensure in the battle for corporate and public support with AFL’s Gold Coast Suns franchise.

There are also understood to be sponsors who would sign up with whichever club Bennett coaches, including St George Illawarra.

However, the cash-strapped Dragons have had to borrow more than $2 million from the NRL.

The Steelers cannot contribute as much to the joint venture due to interest payments to WIN Corporation owner Bruce Gordon that were triggered after St George Illawarra breached a condition of a $6.3million loan to play six premiership games in Wollongong by moving two games to bigger venues in a bid to lift revenue.

McGregor’s supporters say he would come a lot cheaper than Bennett, is a better long-term option and has a strong connection with fans and the local community after coaching Wests Devils to three consecutive premierships in the Illawarra Coal League before taking charge of Illawarra Cutters NSW Cup team two years ago.

O’Connor, one of four Illawarra directors on the eight-man St George-Illawarra board, urged the club to look beyond the next three years and appoint McGregor to lead the club long into the future.

‘‘I think it’s important to look to the future and I think it’s important we do have a coach who can be long term,’’ O’Connor said.

‘‘I think for the stability of the Dragons and the consistency of the Dragons, we need a coach who can commit long term and nurture that production line of juniors.’’

He said McGregor had a passion for the club.

‘‘We have a large talent pool of juniors and to maximise that talent pool and to have NRL players coming through you need a long-term coach.

‘‘I can easily see, having been involved with him at theCutters, that he could be the next supercoach.’’

 

[wayne57]

Where to start, well they hire Price on Bennett's recommendation, fair enough. They could see that we were going nowhere and Price was not the answer but rather then showing Price the door, they give him a three year contract and only after much protesting from saints fans and media he was sacked. I think we all thought at least now we might get a decent coach and start to enjoy watching our much loved dragons play with out having to feel like throwing something through the wall and being angry every-week. The board once again copy book of what they did with Price, hire Mary same thing 3 year deal. What other Professional company, football club or anything would repeat the same mistakes and stay in business. (Doust and the board, I know we hire the assistant coach Price then wait until he wins a couple of games then give him a 3 year contract. Oh no that Did not work, but wait we give Price's assistant Mary a caretaker position and wait until he wins a few games and then give him a 3 year deal that will work and promote lower coaches to the first grade. While we our at it, we will get rid of some of our best players.) Please they are clueless and as I said no other Professional outfit would make the same mistake twice, the reason the board would already be gone after the first time. The other thing they take home games away and move them that is bad enough, but in their wisdom instead of hosting a local team at home they pick Melbourne a interstate team where any one with any sense would know you will not get the same amount people through the gate because it is to far for opposition fans to travel. That is just bad financial management.

 

[Get2dachopper!]

Where to start, well they hire Price on Bennett's recommendation, fair enough. They could see that we were going nowhere and Price was not the answer but rather then showing Price the door, they give him a three year contract and only after much protesting from saints fans and media he was sacked. I think we all thought at least now we might get a decent coach and start to enjoy watching our much loved dragons play with out having to feel like throwing something through the wall and being angry every-week. The board once again copy book of what they did with Price, hire Mary same thing 3 year deal. What other Professional company, football club or anything would repeat the same mistakes and stay in business. (Doust and the board, I know we hire the assistant coach Price then wait until he wins a couple of games then give him a 3 year contract. Oh no that Did not work, but wait we give Price's assistant Mary a caretaker position and wait until he wins a few games and then give him a 3 year deal that will work and promote lower coaches to the first grade. While we our at it, we will get rid of some of our best players.) Please they are clueless and as I said no other Professional outfit would make the same mistake twice, the reason the board would already be gone after the first time. The other thing they take home games away and move them that is bad enough, but in their wisdom instead of hosting a local team at home they pick Melbourne a interstate team where any one with any sense would know you will not get the same amount people through the gate because it is to far for opposition fans to travel. That is just bad financial management.

Agree with everything you say except for the issue around kogarah oval. Sorry people, but we just need to move on. It makes financial sense to play out of homebush. Have at look at souths and bulldogs, both financially better off than us and both with as much, perhaps in souths case, even more tradition than us. Both playing out of homebush. If it's good enough for them, then it should be good enough for us. This issue playing out of kogarah is a peripheral issue getting in the way of the main issue; the dragons being financially viable and competitive on the field.

I know many will disagree, but I would rather watch a strong Dragons team play out of homebush rather than a 'fighting to avoid the spoon' Dragons team playing out of kogarah.

 

[possm]

I'd say management had already decided to appont Price given that he was the assistant to Bennett for 3 years. When asked the question 'what do you think' Bennett would have given a supportive reply. He would have imagined that Price would have continued on with the Bennett program.

The Dragons could have signed Mage as it was made known during the World Cup Challenge that Bennett was not staying and Mage was looking to return to Australia. It's now history that we appointed Price and Souths got Mage.

The Board has made some big mistakes and also made many less notable ones. It is clear for anyone to see that this is an old boys Club which may try and do their best but are clearly not up to the task.

In days of old when knights were bold it would be off with their heads.

 

[God-King Dean]

Yes.

 

[BennyV]

Agree with everything you say except for the issue around kogarah oval. Sorry people, but we just need to move on. It makes financial sense to play out of homebush. Have at look at souths and bulldogs, both financially better off than us and both with as much, perhaps in souths case, even more tradition than us. Both playing out of homebush. If it's good enough for them, then it should be good enough for us. This issue playing out of kogarah is a peripheral issue getting in the way of the main issue; the dragons being financially viable and competitive on the field.

I know many will disagree, but I would rather watch a strong Dragons team play out of homebush rather than a 'fighting to avoid the spoon' Dragons team playing out of kogarah.

It is possible to be financially strong without leaving Kogarah/Gong. If you're going to compare successful teams, look at all of them. Penrith are strong, playing out of Penrith. Parra too. Manly have/would never leave Brookevale. Could even count Ropsters with Allianz

 

[possm]

Yes.

Would you please remove my duplicate thread. I had computer problems at my first attempt.

 

[saintjeff]

We have been a basket case since 2012.Mary couldnt even get the cutters to the finals

 

[Coffs dragon]

Where do you start as there just seems to be spiraling problems throughout the club and never a proper and well planned solution....always a quick fix or poor decision. So ultimately it comes back to inept management at board level and below. All the great benefits and power with the merge and joint venture have totally escaped and we are left with twice as many problems. The once rich and financial power of the ST George side is broke and surviving on handouts. The rich junior playing ranks of the Illawarra has dried up and players seek opportunities elsewhere as our club doesn't seem to blood youth like others. The game has changed incredibly and is somewhat dominated by Polynesian giants and our club as usualIis not proactive in any type of change. The old boys brigade mentality will just keep rolling along awaiting retirement and replacement from within the chosen ranks. A broom is needed with enthusiasm and forward planning to get the great club moving forward again.

 

[BigH]

Mary has been a steeler and a dragon, that doesn't mean he should have the job, that needs a coach who is proven and has respect, I am afraid Mary hasn't got either, just because he played with us doesn't mean the club owes him anything

 

[grouch]

We've got a culture of nepotism and cronyism that is rotting the club from the top down. When the head coach is appoitned because he has a good mate and former Steeler teammate on the board (O'Connor), when two of the other ceaches are sons of board members (Millward and Young), you have to ask questions as to what kind of culture this is creating. Is it one of meritocracy?

 

[Willow]

Sorry people, but we just need to move on. It makes financial sense to play out of homebush.

Apology accepted.

Since the 'right game, strange venue' policy was floated, we have seen some bizarre promotions, many of which favour the opposition. There is very little transparency in this and the media reports are conflicting. IMO the move to Homebush is not providing any benefit to us. If the claim is out there that we are better off, then please show us the facts to back this up.

Instead, we are asked to trust management. The same management that got us into this perceived financial mess.

I know many will disagree, but I would rather watch a strong Dragons team play out of homebush rather than a 'fighting to avoid the spoon' Dragons team playing out of kogarah.

You seem to be of the view that playing away games every week will translate into more wins.

Sometimes people blame the coach, some will blame the players. Some will even blame the fans! But to blame Kogarah is a new one.

The real issue is at the top. Blame management.

 

[Get2dachopper!]

It is possible to be financially strong without leaving Kogarah/Gong. If you're going to compare successful teams, look at all of them. Penrith are strong, playing out of Penrith. Parra too. Manly have/would never leave Brookevale. Could even count Ropsters with Allianz

We are not in the same financial position as parra, penrith, manly and certainly not the roosters.

Need to think of the Dragons in a similar position ( on field performance/off field finances) as the Bunnies were pre-Russell circa 2005. Then think of some of the things he did to bring them up to the point of at least competing for finals footy in 2007 under Jason Tayor. Moving to homebush was one of them, and he was very unapologetic to Souths fans about it.

Not suggesting this is the answer right now, but IMO its very unproductive at the moment to be harping on about this right game right venue issue, it detracts from other more pressing issues.

 

[possm]

Apology accepted.

Since the 'right game, strange venue' policy was floated, we have seen some bizarre promotions, many of which favour the opposition. There is very little transparency in this and the media reports are conflicting. IMO the move to Homebush is not providing any benefit to us. If the claim is out there that we are better off, then please show us the facts to back this up.

Instead, we are asked to trust management. The same management that got us into this perceived financial mess.You seem to be of the view that playing away games every week will translate into more wins.

Sometimes people blame the coach, some will blame the players. Some will even blame the fans! But to blame Kogarah is a new one.

The real issue is at the top. Blame management.

Having a home ground close by our Leagues Club is something thata lot of Clubs dearly wish for. This should be an asset that genrates extra dollars however, it is not promoted properly and not managed properly. A private owner would value highly such an asset.

Hey Willow, could you please delete my duplicate thread which as the same title. My computer had a hissy fit while posting and so I ended up with the duplicate for this thread.

 

[Get2dachopper!]

Apology accepted.

Since the 'right game, strange venue' policy was floated, we have seen some bizarre promotions, many of which favour the opposition. There is very little transparency in this and the media reports are conflicting. IMO the move to Homebush is not providing any benefit to us. If the claim is out there that we are better off, then please show us the facts to back this up.

Instead, we are asked to trust management. The same management that got us into this perceived financial mess.You seem to be of the view that playing away games every week will translate into more wins.

Sometimes people blame the coach, some will blame the players. Some will even blame the fans! But to blame Kogarah is a new one.

The real issue is at the top. Blame management.

Willow, have a look at my response to BennyV.

If we are financially better off by playing some games at Homebush, then yes this should have a fall on affect and translate to a more consistent competitive team on the field.

 

[grouch]

We are not in the same financial position as parra, penrith, manly and certainly not the roosters.

Need to think of the Dragons in a similar position ( on field performance/off field finances) as the Bunnies were pre-Russell circa 2005. Then think of some of the things he did to bring them up to the point of at least competing for finals footy in 2007 under Jason Tayor. Moving to homebush was one of them, and he was very unapologetic to Souths fans about it.

Not suggesting this is the answer right now, but IMO its very unproductive at the moment to be harping on about this right game right venue issue, it detracts from other more pressing issues.

Isn't this in fact the same issue? The awful 'Right Game, Right Venue' strategy being simply a symptom of board mismanagement

 

[hazzbeen]

We've got a culture of nepotism and cronyism that is rotting the club from the top down. When the head coach is appoitned because he has a good mate and former Steeler teammate on the board (O'Connor), when two of the other ceaches are sons of board members (Millward and Young), you have to ask questions as to what kind of culture this is creating. Is it one of meritocracy?

Could not have said it any better..... There lays the problem.....Comes back to JOBS FOR THE BOYS.....like it or not.....

 

[Get2dachopper!]

Isn't this in fact the same issue? The awful 'Right Game, Right Venue' strategy being simply a symptom of board mismanagement

I'd list financial mismanagement of the football club and football team, and personnel mismanagement as the main issues grouch.

Don't want this current board to come up with some new policy about playing all our home games at kogarah and then have them think that all our problems have been solved. Can't give these guys an inch. They won't go willingly, you know that.

 

[RedVDragon]

This club needs a change first at the top i.e new CEO, new board members then they can evaluate if they believe the management of the footy club is worthy of those that are there now.

Best case of for a private group to buy the club place a management team as this is our only way for survival. It could even mean a redevelopment of a new 30,000 sweater stadium out where the old St George stadium is now and complete abandon Kogarah and keep WIN. In terms of a. CEO, I will put my hand up for that position.