Eels Fan said:
Eels Dude i agree with your chain of thoughts. Whats the point of saying now, 7 rounds out from the finals when we are 2 wins out of the top 8, that we should have a cut off period for the premiership?? You could put EVERY NRL coach at Parra and we wouldnt win the premiership this year. If we lose this weekend to Melbourne it is impossible for us to even make the 8, unless there are a lot of upsets with teams 6-8 losing to teams 10-15.
The new players have signed knowing they will be playing under Smith, why would you sack him? Whilst i reckon we should have had a top 8 finishing team this year, no matter where we end up finishing i would say keep Smith for next season. If he doesn't deliver with Tahu, Riddell, Morrison, Stringer, Robinson and whoever else, then punt him if we dont make the 8 next year.
Go The Eels
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The point of the question is lost (or ignored) on Smith fans.
Earlier in the season we discussed how Smith should go to retain his job for 2005. Since the signings of Ridell, Tahu etc, a lot of people have given up on that, and seem happy with his retention. This question is designed to reflect upon the original discussion.
You may think it's unfair to suggest that Smith have to win the comp thisyear. I agree - if last week was his first coaching assignment. It clearly wasn't!. Parramatta have arrived at this position under his tuition over 8 years. To suggest that he hasn't been given the chance to win in 2004, or even make the 8, is utterly rediculous!
Not long ago, we were on the verge of Smith's exit. Twas after 5 losses on the trot, and a flogging by Saints reserves. Since then, we have won 3 from 6. Not enough improvement to change anything, but just enough to rally the SMith lovers into some sort of movement.
To me, Smith finishing 8th is not good enough. If we are past that point of possibility - that's bad luck. Therefore, the question asks at what level should Smith be retained. If that level is now unachievable, tough.
The question isn't acceptable because you're not giving the bloke much of a chance with only 7 games remaining this season. If you'd asked this question at the beginning of the season then it would be appropriate. There's no point in suggesting a cut-off now when there is no chance of making that cut-off.