Part 2
Inability to accept shortcomings and demonstrate leadership
Andrew Webster recently wrote about the Dragons ‘season from hell’, noting the de Belin and Widdop issues, but also questioning some of the other excuses offered.
For a period McGregor’s press conferences became a catchphrase bingo as he noted the opposition scored tries from kicks (as if they don’t count) among other odd pronouncements.
In April after losing to the Roosters, McGregor repeatedly referred to them as ‘the best team in the world’.
In June he said that ‘If we stop the game after 30 minutes we’re in the top four’.
In July he said the team had “next level distractions and no element of luck”.
When the team had slid to 14th McGregor declared that “we can win [the comp]”.
McGregor is well supported by a revolving cast of assistants who appear to take the fall for the team’s results.
In addition to Demetriou and Head being moved on despite their success, reports are that Ben Hornby, Mick Crawley and maybe Dean Young are also on their way out after 2019.
They join the numerous other backroom staff that the Dragons have cycled through in the McGregor years. Across town, Trent Robinson supported the ambitious Adam O’Brien’s interest in the top job at Newcastle, saying “That’s what head coaches are there for. We are there to develop and progress, and he is good enough for the job.” The difference in leadership philosophy and respect is stark.
Throughout 2019 there has been a deafening silence from the Dragons CEO and board as records tumbled.
The club made prominent noises about a Gould review late in the season, only for it to appear to be a sham. The press release noted that Gould had ‘agreed to take part in aspects’ of the review.
Gould later acknowledged he was not being paid, and was involved “as a favour to Dragons coach and good friend Paul McGregor, who will not be under pressure.”
The Dragons are crumbling with McGregor at the helm.
Removing responsibilities has not worked and nor has cycling through assistants. For the sake of the fans, I hope that there is more happening behind the scenes than it appears.
https://www.theroar.com.au/2019/09/24/sorry-mary-its-time-to-go/
Inability to accept shortcomings and demonstrate leadership
Andrew Webster recently wrote about the Dragons ‘season from hell’, noting the de Belin and Widdop issues, but also questioning some of the other excuses offered.
For a period McGregor’s press conferences became a catchphrase bingo as he noted the opposition scored tries from kicks (as if they don’t count) among other odd pronouncements.
In April after losing to the Roosters, McGregor repeatedly referred to them as ‘the best team in the world’.
In June he said that ‘If we stop the game after 30 minutes we’re in the top four’.
In July he said the team had “next level distractions and no element of luck”.
When the team had slid to 14th McGregor declared that “we can win [the comp]”.
McGregor is well supported by a revolving cast of assistants who appear to take the fall for the team’s results.
In addition to Demetriou and Head being moved on despite their success, reports are that Ben Hornby, Mick Crawley and maybe Dean Young are also on their way out after 2019.
They join the numerous other backroom staff that the Dragons have cycled through in the McGregor years. Across town, Trent Robinson supported the ambitious Adam O’Brien’s interest in the top job at Newcastle, saying “That’s what head coaches are there for. We are there to develop and progress, and he is good enough for the job.” The difference in leadership philosophy and respect is stark.
Throughout 2019 there has been a deafening silence from the Dragons CEO and board as records tumbled.
The club made prominent noises about a Gould review late in the season, only for it to appear to be a sham. The press release noted that Gould had ‘agreed to take part in aspects’ of the review.
Gould later acknowledged he was not being paid, and was involved “as a favour to Dragons coach and good friend Paul McGregor, who will not be under pressure.”
The Dragons are crumbling with McGregor at the helm.
Removing responsibilities has not worked and nor has cycling through assistants. For the sake of the fans, I hope that there is more happening behind the scenes than it appears.
https://www.theroar.com.au/2019/09/24/sorry-mary-its-time-to-go/
