dannyboy wrote:
just on the put downs.
from what I've read and heard, denis simply states we lack talent. he hasn't knocked the players as such, rather bemoaned the affects of the penalties. now surely even the players know whats what!
I would think this could do two things. make those who have strength of charchter grab the chance even tighter and rpoive their worth or those fragile enough to fall into despair.
Either way this is sport - I only want the strong ones.
as I said Dannyboy, its a tacit put down. And you are right, if the players had any gumption, and self respect, they would STILL be putting in 100% to prove their worth. Some have (especially the youngies - betts, waite, thornton) but the middle and top tier to a large extent haven't. This is what is going to hurt us for a few years to come.
Still, with a lot of players with bruised egos, is it realy wise to drone on about our lack of talent? Wouldn't it be more beneficial to the playing group for the coach to "side step" that argument?
We all know Pagan is no-ones fool. He is making these comments for a reason - while I don't agree with it, I suspect its his way of putting a cracker up the playing lists collective arse - a way of shaking down the list to see who really wants to be a part of the future.
Only problem is, if you are going to loose the support of half the list in doing so, and knowing you can't turn over half a list at seasons end, I recon you are breeding a cancer through the club by doing so.
Just my oppinion, but I would have thought it would be better to massage the egos - piss off who you don't want at the end of the year - and make those on the list come the chop feel valued.
Again, just MHO.