Balmain_Boy said:
I apologise for calling you a grubby little turd. Just felt like using that insult after hearing it on Spoonman. Not meant at all. I do think you are being very unfair on Blocker though. There are a multiplicity of variables and constants in a football team. You have insinuated that Blocker is to blame for all of the forwards' woes, whilst Signings and Orford/Burns should be credited with all improvement. Do you really think that is fair? Taking out the emotive aspect of fair, is there any real empirical evidence to support your assertion? How can you exclude the influence that Hasler may have had upon the forwards? Perhaps Monoghan was a terrible organiser and no matter what Blocker did, he was working with one hand behind his back? With these possibilities, you criticisms of Blocker are plausible, but far from proven. Coming in here with a flimsy basis for your inferences and presenting them as facts is always going to engender discontent.
One specific point. Kennedy joined in 05. If he is a reason for your improvement, why were your figures so very poor in 2005, yet improved in 2006? If you intend to say it is because it took a while for Kennedy to settle in, why were you unwilling to afford Roach the same concession? Further, Whatmough's breakout season was in 2005. At that time Block was forwards coach was he not? Perhaps Whatmough's regression is totally unrelated. I'd also love to know how Kite has not improved this season - I don't remember him being an Australian player when he signed with Manly. He was an undeserving SOO rep at that stage.
I must say stress I am not stating with any certainty that Roach is a good or even passable forwards' coach. More to the point I don't accept your limited evidence that he is a poor one. There are too many variables and possible causes for Manly's performance.
Blocker as forwards' coach is better than no forwards' coach.
PS: For all your claims of amicability the tone of your original message was rather derisive.
Fair calls - and I could have addressed the topic a little more empathetcially.
I'll be honest, and I'm sure I won't win further support by saying this, but my attitude is the way it is predominantly for the following reason guys:-
1. Blocker (whilst coaching the forwards), laughed and teased his own team of forwards on the radio in 2005 for their performance. In such a derogatory way, Pat Wilson had to pull him aside apparently. I know you might say it may have been justified. I agree - by a non representative of the club though. Not a "professional" employed by the team.
2. Radio appearances always took precedence over the team. Blocker was VERY RARELY at games, watching live his team perform.
3. Whilst still being employed by Manly, he sung Wests Tigers song after Manly failed to make the semi finals. Loyalty to the Tigers (and good on him) I know, but in my opinion, unprofessional. Who here believes Ricky Stuart would sing Canberra Raiders songs while being employed by The Roosters. Exactly - he's too professional.
4. On NRL on Fox, and whilst being employed by Manly, he was commenting on how his son would play for no team (and Blocker would make sure this would happen), other than the Tigers. On that same show he mentioned, he would never be happier than when his Tigers made it through to the Grand Final that year. What about if his employers team made it?
5. In my opinion, and as someone has said in an abusive way to me in this thread - we are the Silvertails. We need to present as such. This is just opinion, but I'll leave it at that.
6. Advertising in The Manly Newsletter his food company, in his TIGERS gear. ONe would think it would have been Manly gear?
Now - I know you are all going to say he's being loyal etc, and I love that in anyone. But doesn't there have to be a duty of care when you are employed by an entity? Isn't advertising The Tigers whilst being employed by Manly a conflict of interest? How would Manly's sponsors and investors feel?
Besides that guys - he bleeds Orange and Black. His heart is and always be in your club, and its aspirations. I bet he gets your young forwards booming.
Someone mentioned earlier that there is a lack of forwards @ The Tigers. Remember - Liam Fulton is coming back. Ryan O'hara in my opinion is one of the best going around. Etc etc. Add that the nucleus of Hodgson, Whatueria, Gallea, Marshall, Morris etc, and you'll be all good.
As for the Canberra guy here abusing me - it's all good mate.
