I don't think anyone here is staunchly pro-Flanagan, especially in terms of his role in the doping program and the 3-year extension whilst suspended, nor his bench use or many of his selections. It's not a black and white set of opinions. However, death riding the guy for things done four seasons ago and for his being re-signed (he didn't offer himself a contract) is just bizarre.
He'd be in the bottom six coaches in the competition easily. Doesn't challenge Hasler or Bellamy on any day. Not a great coach at all, but wanting the team to fail so he can be sacked is Dragons logic. It may have taken some mis-steps again this year to get onto a formula which is starting to look competitive and that is entirely Flanno's fault, but I think the team format once it is settled will be strong. There are still huge issues with how to apply Barba and major problems with our halves and hooking depth which have been forced by injury. I'm optimistic after seeing our attacking and defensive formulations the last two weeks, but I don't rate either of the Roosters or Knights performances. We got off easy.
You gotta stop aggressively and bitterly focusing all your hate on Flanagan, it's obsessive. He f**ked up HUGE and should not be in charge of an NRL squad this year or the next or the one after, but he IS and he's contracted to do so. He's had some external input and he and the team have improved, I think it's annoying too that he couldn't see it for himself, but he sees it now...and I think that's a good thing. I'm glad we've got support staff who are influencing positive footballing decisions. I don't think that's grounds to try to stir up a lynch mob.
(For the record, Mitch Brown was a Noyce signing while Flanagan was suspended...Ayshford was a dud in a wooden spoon side and Beale is starting to show promise even though I'm not a fan at all. I also note that you didn't mention signings that are playing well either, so I at least enjoy the skewing of stats to suit your opinion.)
