Steve Harris article

[btdemon 475]

This article is really interesting. Three years ago we had the examples of Collingwood and Geelong to emulate. Modern powerful clubs where the best people are employed (wherever they they might be from) in departments that don't interfere with each other. We employed Connolly and Schwab, both of whom were formerly involved with club and could not keep their egos out of the footy dept. Harris states:

"Football success requires getting the best players, the best coaches, the best environment over a sustained period. It's as simple and complex as that, a three-legged stool".

"Unambiguous effort means non-delivery is not accepted, and universally. Unity means genuine and shared ownership of the strategies. Discipline means absolute commitment to individual and collective effort, outcomes and behaviours"

"Football clubs are largely in the business of selling hope to their fans, but it needs to be more realistic hope than hype. One senses that impatience to end the premiership drought, premature excitement about the quality of the playing list versus the competition, and egotistical desires by some to be the ''saviour'' or hero has led to expectations of success exceeding reality, and this is in turn amplified by failure to meet basic expectations of effort and spirit".

"Success means capitalising on whatever opportunities exist today, seizing and sustaining whatever comes your way, trying to build opportunities for tomorrow in a virtuous cycle. Melbourne needs only look at the experience of Collingwood, which has reinvented itself from being a financially troubled suburban club in the 1970s into a powerhouse. This was a club that seized and created opportunities Melbourne rejected, and has been able to be sustainably competitive and successful despite its own leadership tensions, financial setbacks and player behaviour issues. Success, not failure, now defines them".

"The most successful clubs and organisations, such as the Collingwoods and Manchester Uniteds, continue to enrich their history and capacity to maximise their appeal to players, coaches, fans, and sponsors. They understand they only remain as strong as their capacity to withstand adversity and grow from it".

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/on-reflection-demons-must-look-in-the-mirror-20110802-1i9zk.html

Please understand, I am not suggesting that Jimmy hasn't been the saviour of the club, but the "boys club" approach has prevented us being the best we can. In hindsight, we probably missed a huge opportunity to restructure the club. By Contrast, the only thing that will prevent Collingwood becoming even stronger would be sort of political infighting that we have seen at the Dees.

Edited August 2, 2011 by btdemon

[Harrisonrules 273]

This article is really interesting. Three years ago we had the examples of Collingwood and Geelong to emulate. Modern powerful clubs where the best people are employed (wherever they they might be from) in departments that don't interfere with each other. We employed Connolly and Schwab, both of whom were formerly involved with club and could not keep their egos out of the footy dept. Harris states:

"Football success requires getting the best players, the best coaches, the best environment over a sustained period. It's as simple and complex as that, a three-legged stool".

"Unambiguous effort means non-delivery is not accepted, and universally. Unity means genuine and shared ownership of the strategies. Discipline means absolute commitment to individual and collective effort, outcomes and behaviours"

"Football clubs are largely in the business of selling hope to their fans, but it needs to be more realistic hope than hype. One senses that impatience to end the premiership drought, premature excitement about the quality of the playing list versus the competition, and egotistical desires by some to be the ''saviour'' or hero has led to expectations of success exceeding reality, and this is in turn amplified by failure to meet basic expectations of effort and spirit".

"Success means capitalising on whatever opportunities exist today, seizing and sustaining whatever comes your way, trying to build opportunities for tomorrow in a virtuous cycle. Melbourne needs only look at the experience of Collingwood, which has reinvented itself from being a financially troubled suburban club in the 1970s into a powerhouse. This was a club that seized and created opportunities Melbourne rejected, and has been able to be sustainably competitive and successful despite its own leadership tensions, financial setbacks and player behaviour issues. Success, not failure, now defines them".

"The most successful clubs and organisations, such as the Collingwoods and Manchester Uniteds, continue to enrich their history and capacity to maximise their appeal to players, coaches, fans, and sponsors. They understand they only remain as strong as their capacity to withstand adversity and grow from it".

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/on-reflection-demons-must-look-in-the-mirror-20110802-1i9zk.html

Please understand, I am not suggesting that Jimmy hasn't been the saviour of the club, but the "boys club" approach has prevented us being the best we can. The only thing that will prevent Collingwood becoming even stronger would be sort of political infighting that we have seen at the Dees.

plus GWS and a few good injuries. Bring on the Colliwobbles. The season is almost here

[Freddy Fuschia 666]

It's a good week for people who were previously involved in the club to put in their two bob's worth. A few of them would do well if they looked in the mirror themselves.

[Longsufferingnomore 1,489]

It's a good week for people who were previously involved in the club to put in their two bob's worth. A few of them would do well if they looked in the mirror themselves.

Yes, anyone with a previous grudge will be taking the opportunity to stick the knife in - players and administrators. We will see who the underminers are and who we want to be with the Club "going forward" (God, I hate that cliche).

[Sir Why You Little 35,061]

What Steve Harris says has a lot of merit...We must not deny that.

I love this club like a family, but "The Boys Club" situation is a major worry to me.

I do not know all the answers, but we do need outside unemotional types as well as Garry Lyon to come in and sort out the right course

For both CS & CC to be out on Friday, but back in on sunday...is a sign of a nervous Board to me.

If these two Guys both pull in the same direction now i have no problems...But the MFC has got to come out of the dark ages and be a 21st Century Business.

Edited August 3, 2011 by why you little

[beelzebub 22,408]

It's a good week for people who were previously involved in the club to put in their two bob's worth. A few of them would do well if they looked in the mirror themselves.

touche..

Why is such clarity never available to these people when empowered to do something. ??

[Freddy Fuschia 666]

What Steve Harris says has a lot of merit...We must not deny that.

I love this club like a family, but "The Boys Club" situation is a major worry to me.

I do not know all the answers, but we do need outside unemotional types as well as Garry Lyon to come in and sort out the right course

For both CS & CC to be out on Friday, but back in on sunday...is a sign of a nervous Board to me.

If these two Guys both pull in the same direction now i have no problems...But the MFC has got to come out of the dark ages and be a 21st Century Business.

We're told by those in the media that CS was gone last week and that DB was to be given another year but is that the truth?

[Demon Disciple 11,143]

We're told by those in the media that CS was gone last week and that DB was to be given another year but is that the truth?

Let's, for a second assume that it wasn't true. Then obviously the board did not flip-flop and the game against Geelong was the point of no return. No harm no foul.

Now let's assume that Schwab was out, but then it was decided for him the be re-instated. After the 186 point humiliation on the weekend, the heat must turn to those who can control such outcomes. It is unthinkable to sack 15-20 players (although they bloody deserve to be), so the one who leads them needs to go. That is the coach, pure and simple. It warrants such a backflip on who stays and who goes, because what happened on Saturday disrespected everything the MFC has stood for and all who have proudly served this club throughout our 150 year existence.

If the board was going to sack Schwab, but instead swiftly removed Bailey instead, it is sending a very strong message to the playing group and the football department. And so it bloody should.

[PeterJames 46]

The same people that said CS was gone and Bailey had another year are the same people that said Walker was of to GWS and no mention of Davis. They make up rumours and then when they don't eventuate say people backed out. Will be the same as Scully if he stays, they will say a lsat minute bid by Melbourne to make him stay.

Media lies and people just believe it to be truth. Often because it sounds like a great story, sad things is Ricky Nixon was trying to say this but he is to slimy for people to believe him.

[satyricon 267]

The same people that said CS was gone and Bailey had another year are the same people that said Walker was of to GWS and no mention of Davis. They make up rumours and then when they don't eventuate say people backed out. Will be the same as Scully if he stays, they will say a lsat minute bid by Melbourne to make him stay.

Media lies and people just believe it to be truth. Often because it sounds like a great story, sad things is Ricky Nixon was trying to say this but he is to slimy for people to believe him.

Mr James, to go slightly off topic I think you will find that because the young lady involved has changed her mind and story more times that Eddie McGuire ensures he has a sound bite on the news each day, the Police have decided not to waste valuable time, resources and money on the case. I think you will find most of it was true.

Being in just your undies, what he was hot?......

[Sir Why You Little 35,061]

We're told by those in the media that CS was gone last week and that DB was to be given another year but is that the truth?

Murky Waters i do agree....

[Rogue 585]

In The Aus:

The first signs of Melbourne reforming the band came immediately after the appointment late in 2007 of Bailey as senior coach under the administration of immediate past president Paul Gardner.

The position of general manager of football operations was promised to former Hawthorn coach Peter Schwab, but chief executive Steve Harris - to the surprise of Gardner and others - announced the position had been handed to Connolly, who had for weeks earlier gone head to head with Bailey and other candidates for the senior coaching job.

It is believed Harris's decision to appoint Connolly was influenced by other club people and was a key reason for Harris quitting the following February...

[jnrmac 19,351]

Staff turnover at the club under STeve Harris was almost 60%. As is often the case it was a lot of good people that left.

WHy would anyone be interested in his opinion?

[bush demon 1,915]

This article is really interesting. Three years ago we had the examples of Collingwood and Geelong to emulate. Modern powerful clubs where the best people are employed (wherever they they might be from) in departments that don't interfere with each other. We employed Connolly and Schwab, both of whom were formerly involved with club and could not keep their egos out of the footy dept. Harris states:

"Football success requires getting the best players, the best coaches, the best environment over a sustained period. It's as simple and complex as that, a three-legged stool".

"Unambiguous effort means non-delivery is not accepted, and universally. Unity means genuine and shared ownership of the strategies. Discipline means absolute commitment to individual and collective effort, outcomes and behaviours"

"Football clubs are largely in the business of selling hope to their fans, but it needs to be more realistic hope than hype. One senses that impatience to end the premiership drought, premature excitement about the quality of the playing list versus the competition, and egotistical desires by some to be the ''saviour'' or hero has led to expectations of success exceeding reality, and this is in turn amplified by failure to meet basic expectations of effort and spirit".

The "boys" to whom you refer come from the players of the '87-'91 era, which lacked a premiership but gave us a week-in, week-out winning effort. Connolly tragically did his knee just before this era, what a great great player he was for anyone who remembers. Todd Viney, what a gutsy, bullocking champion, Lyon, sublime, magnificent player. I for one have plenty of time for these guys.

"Success means capitalising on whatever opportunities exist today, seizing and sustaining whatever comes your way, trying to build opportunities for tomorrow in a virtuous cycle. Melbourne needs only look at the experience of Collingwood, which has reinvented itself from being a financially troubled suburban club in the 1970s into a powerhouse. This was a club that seized and created opportunities Melbourne rejected, and has been able to be sustainably competitive and successful despite its own leadership tensions, financial setbacks and player behaviour issues. Success, not failure, now defines them".

"The most successful clubs and organisations, such as the Collingwoods and Manchester Uniteds, continue to enrich their history and capacity to maximise their appeal to players, coaches, fans, and sponsors. They understand they only remain as strong as their capacity to withstand adversity and grow from it".

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/on-reflection-demons-must-look-in-the-mirror-20110802-1i9zk.html

Please understand, I am not suggesting that Jimmy hasn't been the saviour of the club, but the "boys club" approach has prevented us being the best we can. In hindsight, we probably missed a huge opportunity to restructure the club. By Contrast, the only thing that will prevent Collingwood becoming even stronger would be sort of political infighting that we have seen at the Dees.

[bush demon 1,915]

"the boys", Lyon, Connolly, Stynes and Viney were great, great players from our best era since Norm smith, v. unlucky not to win a flag. I have plenty of time forr all of them.

[Hazyshadeofgrinter 80]

In The Aus:

I bet they are regretting that one.

Harris to Connolly

Connolly and Leoncelli to Stynes

Stynes to Schwab

Connolly to Viney

Clusterfcuk to Garry

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

As Club CEO he makes a run of the mill journalist. Harris was given too much leash toward the end of his tenure at MFC and should have been shunted earlier.

[Hip & Shoulder 64]

Staff turnover at the club under STeve Harris was almost 60%. As is often the case it was a lot of good people that left.

WHy would anyone be interested in his opinion?

Steve Harris brought chaos to the MFC! His opinion on anything is of no interest to me.