According to the Age:

http://www.theage.co...0920-1kjlc.html

"DAYS after appointing a new senior coach, Melbourne has cleaned out its football department, moving football boss Chris Connolly out of the department altogether, and parting ways with two assistant coaches and the fitness adviser.

Connolly has moved out of the football offices at AAMI Park and into the club's administration at the MCG across the road, as part of his shift from general manager of football into a commercial role of helping to ''grow the club''."

According to the Age:

http://www.theage.co...0920-1kjlc.html

"DAYS after appointing a new senior coach, Melbourne has cleaned out its football department, moving football boss Chris Connolly out of the department altogether, and parting ways with two assistant coaches and the fitness adviser.

Connolly has moved out of the football offices at AAMI Park and into the club's administration at the MCG across the road, as part of his shift from general manager of football into a commercial role of helping to ''grow the club''."

good stuff happening

I'm really happy that Josh Mahoney is staying on.

I'm not sure how many people heard him on ABC radio last Sunday arvo.

He was in the studio where he did a lengthy interview talking about our list. He, David Parkin and Gerard Whateley (?) reviewed the lists of all the clubs that missed the finals.

I thought he was very impressive and that it would be a shame if he was lost in a 'clean-out'.

Good.

West gone but Mahoney retained? Can't wait to hear what all the armchair experts have to say about this.

We can't afford to pay 100% of our salary cap but we can afford to pay Connolly to "grow the club"?? Every year it seems a new specialist management role is put on.

We can't afford to pay 100% of our salary cap

Myth.

I'm really happy that Josh Mahoney is staying on.

I'm not sure how many people heard him on ABC radio last Sunday arvo.

He was in the studio where he did a lengthy interview talking about our list. He, David Parkin and Gerard Whateley (?) reviewed the lists of all the clubs that missed the finals.

I thought he was very impressive and that it would be a shame if he was lost in a 'clean-out'.

What comments were made re our weaknesses / holes and our relative strengths

West gone but Mahoney retained? Can't wait to hear what all the armchair experts have to say about this.

One had a contract while the other one didn't?

Brilliant,Connolly should never have continued as a losing coaching candidate.Bailey did not need him there and as much as i hate to excuse Baileys poor decisions,keeping an ex AFL coach who was a job competitor had the stink of of amateurism.

West was a bad selection from day one ,he came from a culture where it was about the elite few,a real inner circle developed at the bullys -instigated by West.

Connolly should not put his hand up for one cent.A final good deed,a selfless deed he never seemed to do in his commission at Melbourne.

Dave Misson is a great get and hopefully an indication we will continue to invest in support staff than a name football director/manager.

Does this mean CS has won the battle of the "Administration".

His position is in tact, while CC is moved, and DB and most of FD gone.

I have little inside knowledge of the MFC but CS seems to know what he is doing.

On the important issues looks to do a good job IMO.

Maybe they will all be singing from the same book in 2012!

West was a bad selection from day one ,he came from a culture where it was about the elite few,a real inner circle developed at the bullys -instigated by West.

In so far as West was allowed to play on with a damaged leg at the Bulldogs, I agree. He was limping for a year before they parted ways and he couldnt accept that he was past it.

West gone but Mahoney retained? Can't wait to hear what all the armchair experts have to say about this.

retained as head of FD, not as FWD coach.

God knows our FWD line hasnt had structure since Noah was a boy so I welcome any change.

Sorry to see West go as a bloke, but our midfield needs work, and if anyone is going to know how he wants it run and who to do it, its Neeld.

Does this mean CS has won the battle of the "Administration".

His position is in tact, while CC is moved, and DB and most of FD gone.

I have little inside knowledge of the MFC but CS seems to know what he is doing.

On the important issues looks to do a good job IMO.

Maybe they will all be singing from the same book in 2012!

This was always going to happen. The Stynes administration has not touched the FD, save for the inclusion of Royal.

This major overhaul was always going to occur.

What has surprised me is the way we have gone around contracts to give Neeld an opportunity to bring in his own with a PR role for CC, and a Footy Manager role for Mahoney.

It's good to see. No need for payouts, if you want to stay here is something we think you can do, if you don't want to embrace it - you can resign. It's very bloodless and, at the same time, ruthless.

It means Neeld has, from what I have read, only Royal, Viney, Dunbar and O'Donnell left from the coaching and development staff.

Brilliant,Connolly should never have continued as a losing coaching candidate.Bailey did not need him there and as much as i hate to excuse Baileys poor decisions,keeping an ex AFL coach who was a job competitor had the stink of of amateurism.

West was a bad selection from day one ,he came from a culture where it was about the elite few,a real inner circle developed at the bullys -instigated by West.

Connolly should not put his hand up for one cent.A final good deed,a selfless deed he never seemed to do in his commission at Melbourne.

They did their best for the club, they don't deserve this.

And as for CC - he still works for the club, loves the club, and while you can criticise - show some respect.

They did their best for the club, they don't deserve this.

And as for CC - he still works for the club, loves the club, and while you can criticise - show some respect.

Agree.

They did their best for the club, they don't deserve this.

And as for CC - he still works for the club, loves the club, and while you can criticise - show some respect.

Agree, in that old worn phrase "he bleeds red and blue"

I agree the club just cannot throw away everybody connected with the old coaching group.

CC being a very passionate Melbourne person, and should be kept at the club, if he can add value to the Club.

We should try and use his talents, in areas that they can be of use.

I agree the club just cannot throw away everybody connected with the old coaching group.

CC being a very passionate Melbourne person, and should be kept at the club, if he can add value to the Club.

We should try and use his talents, in areas that they can be of use.

sorry...this just made too much sense... Please resist the temptation in future.

It's positive to see the new coach given what he needs to get the job done.

It's also a delicate balance too...............the Synes administration has done a great job in unifying the club again, and had many Melbourne people return when the club needed people to stand up, Connolly included.

Now setting fire to guys like Connolly, and coldly kicking them out the door would be a step backwards.

I think this is a good outcome for the club longer term.

Wow.

Just...wow.

bonjohn, I don't have to say anything.

Talk about giving yourself enough rope...

I can send in another metre or two if needed

No need.

Lot of Freo supporters on BF suggesting it's a good move - if there's one thing you can't accuse Connolly of not doing at Freo, it's growing the club. Really has an eye for it, so might actually be a bonus in the long run.

Chris Connolly is a brilliant salesman!

I remember him doing a great job promoting Fremantle when he was coach back in 2006.

Get him to dress up as Father Christmas for all the schools around Cranbourne and give out Demons jumpers as Christmas presents for all the kids!

Edited September 21, 201113 yr by Supreme_Demon

Lot of Freo supporters on BF suggesting it's a good move - if there's one thing you can't accuse Connolly of not doing at Freo, it's growing the club. Really has an eye for it, so might actually be a bonus in the long run.

I think youre getting very close to the gist of the reality here. I have the notion that having tested some waters the Club senses there is much out there to be had that might benefot thi sclub but for the want of a gifted orator and salesman. Cue. Chris Connolly.

Here's a bloke who I half suspect has a Dees Doona and wear red and blue p-j's . He makes the word passionate seem inept and insufffiicient. Call him what you like but he is Melbourne through and through and his love and belief in our club is bountiful and beyond reproach.

Good luck Cuddles