i'm sure a lot of you probably have a story about meeting Dean, here's mine.

It was pre season, about a month before the Nab cup.

I was working at a music retailer and he came in with his son to purchase a guitar amp. I helped them with their choice and got the chance to talk to Dean in a non football environment.

He was open and honest about the players and gave me some inside tips regarded Howe and some other players that where going to make an impact this year.

We talked about the tattooson my arms, and I told him I was waiting for the day I could see the Dee's win a flag to get a tatt to mark the occasion. with confidence he told me to save room for a few! haha

It was clear he was passionate about the playing group and where they where heading, in hindsight maybe he had a little too much confidence in the younger players development this year.

I understand the decision to let him go on all levels, but the fact is being the head coach of any developing/re building club is a death sentence.

time will tell, though I think he was the right man for the job for 2008 to 2011. time for a surly [censored] who won't except anything but 100% disciplined. the honeymoons over kids.

anyone else got a meeting Dean Bailey story? Now that his gone lets not focus on the negatives, lets remember the good times.

Thanks E

No personal contact here but appreciate the thought

hearing him "buying a guitar amp for his son" for some reason was really touching and puts things into perspective. It makes you realise that the man (i suppose this includes all coaches) we all so often criticise is a man with a family, and that man now doesn't have a job.

The brief encounters I've had with have only ever re-affirmed my view of him as a gentleman and a lovely guy.

I wish him all the best.

I think I startled him a little once, up here in Canberra (Demons played a few games here over the years). He was at Cafe Essen (anyone on here from Canberra would know the place) with maybe four other coaches, and I just said hello and got a goofy photo with him because it all just seemed so incongruous. A serious person at Essen!

(I'm a Gus' person myself, Essen started goin downhill about 1999)

And yes, he was gently charming, though a little bemused.

Also had the pleasure of a quick chat with him at the 2008 'Demon Summit', and spent some time just observing him with people. Best described as 'genuinely engaged'.

Didn't bring us joy in his coaching role, but certainly warrants a great deal of respect and best wishes.

Edited August 1, 201114 yr by Little Goffy