We live in a "consumer" society. When we've finished with something we simply throw it out. We appreciate consuming it, it makes us happy, but it has a 'used-by-date'. Today, coaches and players are consumer items.
There was a time when longetivity, patience, perseverence, faithfulness, stickability were traits to be admired. Relationships were what mattered most. Not any more.
Now, we need constant achievement, success at any cost, fast-food, we need it now! If something's not working, throw it out ... If something needs fixing throw it out, don't even bother sitting down and trying to work out the problem for the purpose of fixing it.
Interesting that alot of Cronulla supporters are absolutely excited about their signing Brett Seymour ... Why? Is Seymour better than Kimmorley? I doubt it. No, they've just had enough of Kimmorley and want someone else. Will Seymour solve their halves problem. I doubt it, but new is best, right!
Why was it "selfish" for Bennett to stay at the Broncos and not give the reins to Bellamy. It was a mutual decision between management and Bennett. It could be conceived as selfish because everything other coach only goes for three or four years right, and then the dreaded 'used-by-date' comes up.
It could have been far more selfish for Bennett to quit and spend his time counting money on the farm.
I applaud Wayne Bennett for his high-level of achievement over such a long period of time. The man is one of few positive role models we have in today's society ... respected by all within the club (during the course of my work I have spoken with two managers within the club who have nothing by praise and respect for the man). Players (Webke only this week) refer to him as a father figure ... a term I have never heard any players from other teams use about their coach.
You can't hang around for 20 years and enjoy such esteem (in the one place) without having great strength of character, commitment, respect for your fellow human being, talent for coaching and a passion to lead from the front.
To me, these things speak volumes ... yes more than winning every title over the past 15 years. Have you thought that he's won one quarter of the competition's he's coached in, but then statistics can be used and twisted to support any argument, so I won't mention that.
That's my independent thought - or am I not permitted to be positive?
IMO being negative is just an echo of the popular press, not necessarily independent thought.
