I'm with you on this one. The perception of moving forward - especially coming on top of Allison's outburst - has been muddied by the re-signing of Kouta. It smacks of business as usual - short on vision and firm decision making ability.

I would like to know how exactly Kouta's re-signing fits into the board's future vision. Most posters here have nothing against Kouta and naturally wish him all the best but they would also agree that his form this year (and especially on the eve of his signing) has been less than good. At this stage of his career, it's safe to assume it's not going to get any better and perhaps could be worse (unless he's been playing with injuries).

Where will Kouta fit into our structure next year? Obviously his strength and experience would still be handy in the mids but there's questions over whether he can sustain long periods in the guts and even if he can, there's the need to give a big slab of that time to developing our youngsters. Which leaves the forward line where we have tall forwards coming out of our arse (some of whom still need a fair bit of development). Given there's a great reluctance to try any of our young forwards down back, you'd have to ask where Kouta will fit in.

And then there's Smorgan's interview of a few weeks ago where he said everything footy is on the review table until the end of the year, including Pagan (who has a contract). Why is Kouta, who had no contract and question marks over his form, the exception? Why the rush to sign him up especially as this would reduce our flexibility in the trade period? The perception is that we have no real plan or vision.

Then there's the question of team/MC unity and where Kouta fits in. It may be only smoke but Kouta and Fev may have differences - Fev throws his hat in the captaincy ring only days after Kouta nominated Lance or Stevo for the role; Fev's very unprofessional TV comments on Kouta's contract and, according to the radio, the two players had words during the Hawks match. It may be just my imagination running wild (the default condition for Carlton fans these days) and no way would I advocated not re-signing Kouta based solely on this issue but in the big scheme, these things should be included in calculations about our future.

Despite Pagan positioning himself as a prime mover behind Kouta's re-signing, rumours of a poor relationship between the two have persisted since 2003. There's no chance I'd be sacking Kouta because of this - in fact, I'd sign Kouta for 10 years if it meant Pagan going. But once again the political undertows within the footy group have to be considered.

And if Pagan is the prime mover and the board have followed his advice on this, you'd have to wonder once again about Smorgan's football dept review statements - why is Pagan making important decisions (or having crucial input into decisions) if everything's up for review at the end of the year? If true, then it means two things - another poor decision by Pagan, and, he's staying on.

All this doesn't mean the board don't have a vision - they may have a very cunning one - but we supporters aren't seeing it yet. I just hope it's the same as mine - after four years of struggling in quicksand, I want dry land and blue skies ahead. And that means a new coach, new assistants and the impetus of a first pick, a PP and a few other tasties. Altho I've accepted it now, for me, Kouta didn't fit into this new vision.

I just hope something positive and inspiring happens soon - this camel's back only has room for a few more straws....

billy bongo i agree... the only thing you forgot is there is no room for Red rooster.. and he should be traded as well.


to thos bullshitting on about this meant to be a positive thread...
... yes this is a positive thread and im making positive suggestions on how the club can go forward instead of piss farting around .

Yeah theyre here but the fallout of those decisions will impact for a long time.

Youre right!!!.. im over them and the weak board.

You probably wanted 2 trade Fev last year.

Why don't you start your own websit called BAGGING CARLTON! Your an absolute moron. All you do is bag Kouta,Stevens,Lance and The Mighty Carlton Footy Club. Maybe you barrack for a rival club i don't know, but reading most of your uneducated posts on the club that's what it sounds like. You probably wanted 2 trade Fev last year. Get over yourself before you can start with the rest. Well done Kouta. Club LEGEND and PREMIERSHIP PLAYER!!!