When DA came in 2 yrs ago we said that we would give him time, since he was inheriting a squad that was moulded by his predecessor (Hagan). Since then, we have supported a team that has shown consistency and regular form for about 10 of the 50 odd games he has coached for. None of that form was evident this year. At the end of last season we had a team that was playing extremely well and looking stronger with 2 gun players signed for this year. After going to many of the unbelievable games at the end of last year I was guilty of wondering how any team might lay a finger on us this year!
I keep remembering an article I read in the off season that quoted DA as saying that he would be leaving the attacking strategy up to the players this year. This statement concerned me - but I was still drunk with excitement from last year.
Having attended all home matches this year (for 3 wins) I have repeatedly been wondering what has or hasn't been done to allow these performances to be produced. I have been an advocate of letting the coach have time to develop the team into what vision he has for them. DA had a perfect opportunity to capitalise on the momentum from last year and mould the team into something special. This didn't eventuate.
Do I blame DA? Not solely, as I do not attend training sessions or team meetings. I simply rock up to games, watch on TV and follow this site (too much). Would I be upset if he stayed? Not particularly - but I am beginning to question whether he will be able to get the best out of this team. Sometimes a coach just isn't able to connect with a particular group of people.
Would I be upset if he went? Not really. He had the perfect chance to show us something positive this year, but failed to deliver. Our team went from 2nd place and title favourites to a disappointing 12th place, and we weren't in the top half of the table at any point during the season. If we made the semis - we probably wouldn't be having this debate - but we didn't. In honesty, we didn't even come close. That in itself is damning in the assessment of the season.
I'm going to once again do what I have for the past 35 seasons. I will control the controllables, and let the other cards fall as they may. I'm going to pay for my membership, go to home games with my family, sit at home and watch matches, cheer on Parramatta and hope like mad that they will give me a smile on my face for the week leading up to their next match. It matters no the name on the jersey, nor the name in the program next to the coach. What matters is the scoreboard. And as frustrating as it often has been, I (as well as all the members of this wonderful site) have no control over that.
Replies
DA is a good coach - I have no doubt about this. But this team didnt deliver on all the hype. I too will continue to support the side as I have for over 35 years. I have seen some wonderful moments and some ordinary moments. We just have to keep turning up.......