Can we afford a Change of Chairman/Coach? We finished near the bottom of the table for the past few years and somehow we were over the salary cap! Some are arguing we should lose points in 2016 for sins of the past notwithstanding we have paid ($465 + independent compliance audit). In reflecting on our current dilemma – it seems to me the source is competency and the continued turnover. In any organization when there is personnel change the newly appointed question previous decisions and make changes – this is only natural and represents the benefit of hindsight, fresh eyes and the energy that comes with a new role. Poor results and poor recruitment under Kearney left a challenging legacy for Stuart. Stuart offered more of the same; poor results, more poor recruitment decisions but added a major projector led clean-out to the mix. Stuart’s legacy had massive implications on Arthur’s restricted roster in 2015 and led directly to the salary cap problems which put the Eels on the NRLs radar. Similarly, at a board level Fitzgerald’s long-term extension of Brian Smith’s contract delivered poor results, opening the door for the disastrous period under Spagnolo with Sharp elected “to again make the Eels club for the people…” In his 3rd season with the Eels, Brad Arthur now has the roster of his choice and 2016 results prove he’s an astute coach. Steve Sharp is 3 years into his Chairmanship and has the roster of his choosing; coach, CEO and support network. The Eels sell newspapers and the media smell blood, but the 60 Minutes fiasco confirms the media are not beyond reproach. It’s not to say Sharp hasn’t stuffed up, only the NRL know the details - this will ultimately determine his competency. We have a competitive team to cheer for, let’s enjoy the moment.
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Great post DDay, it's easy for people to forget where we were and were we are now.
We spent years trying to build a competitive team, 18 months ago, our team still looked mediocre and now we have a team that can win a premiership.
Steve and Brad have achieved a lot in a short time, of course the anti Steve brigade will come out and tell us that Steve needed to cheat to assemble our current team.
I see this way, 1- We have not been found guilty yet, 2- regardless of how Steve and the board did it, there would be no investigation if not for the grubs with an axe to grind. 3- Regardless of our fate for this season, we have a roster that can win a comp in the next few seasons. A team we have been waiting for since 2009.
Thanks to the grubs, all Steve's and Brads efforts could turn to crap for this season.
I'm still pumped on game day, over moon after each victory however the feeling soon disappears when the reality of the investigation creeps back into my mind.
Like most of us fans, it's tarnished what should a high point as an Eels fan. I want to let go and really feel the pleasure of our team doing so well but I can't.
I wish this crap would come to an end soon, us long suffering fans deserve some reward after all the years supporting an average team.
It should be our turn, I feel like I've waited in line for a ride for years only to get to the front and ride closes. It just sucks.