How would those voting in the poll have any clue? How would the mug supporter sitting in the stands be able to assess the interaction between the head coach and assistant coach? How can they possibly make a valid judgement on the performance of individuals? The answer is they cant. If you agree with Nutbean then I dont know why you would run a poll?? Its given you nothing based on informed views. And Blind Freddie could have told you the Forum torch burners would want him sacked.

And too often these sought of discussions on the worthiness of an assistant coach become a springboard for up being character assassinations and ignorant condemnations of MFC public figures as demonstrated in this thread by posters.

I think post #2 summed the worthiness of the exercise but at least you got something out of it.

Did I say from the beginning that "if you don't have a clue, don't vote?" Fair dinkum, when do posters on a supporter forum have to be 'in-the-know' before they can have an opinion? That's what you're saying.

If we only had the midfield's performance this year to judge Royal by, no one could judge whether he can coach. However, we also have a nice little controlled experiment. In 2010, under Sean Wellman, the backline was good, sometimes very good. In 2011 under Brian Royal, the same backline was very bad. The only thing that changed was the coach.

In 2010, the whole team was better than in 2011.

Imagine being a defender for the MFC...

No wonder they have a strong bond as a group, they are constantly under attack, left to own devices by lazy midfielders and disinterested forwards, trying to kick-start attacks as they routinely get hammered with 60 Inside 50s a game.

If you are looking for anwsers and find a simple one, it is probably wrong, as there seldom is a simple answer to any question.

Did I say from the beginning that "if you don't have a clue, don't vote?" Fair dinkum, when do posters on a supporter forum have to be 'in-the-know' before they can have an opinion? That's what you're saying.

That's very good caution. Most of the respondent would not know they dont have a clue. And by some of the responses on this thread its quite evident.

Its not about being "in the know". Its more about asking questions where they clearly would have no idea and no semblance of fact to base an opinion on.

And you dont know what I'm saying because as you have said before you dont get it.

I think you can safely put yourself into this category to be honest.

I remember when Ratten was our midfield coach the midfield improved measurably. Its clear to me that Royal has struggled implementing an effective midfield structure this season.

Its time to Go - Royal

I don't think he'll be at the club in the future, but not based on any performance that can be judged from the outside.

It's based purely on the fact that Neeld has been able to choose every single other one of his assistants, and I think unless Royal has done a sterling job, he'll want to appoint his own.

I get the feeling (nothing more) that Royal has been made midfield coach as it's the role he is best suited to, but that position is really Neeld's 2IC and we must have someone good for the role.

As has been said before, the results of clubs he has been at have been a bit mixed.

I know that he's a very unimpressive person from listening to his game previews on the MFC site.

Well that does it then ! Off with his head ! What a load of crap ..

Just sitting down and watching the Geelong v Saints game, and noticed Nigel Lappin at half time.

I know people have commented about someone like Ling (I am probably on record saying that I wouldn't mind him)

What are people's thoughts on someone like Lappin who played 270 odd games, played in three premierships, has been at Geelong as an assistant since 2008, so has been involved in a few premierships as an assistant coach.

Obviously all hypothetical at this stage, but if an experienced midfield coach is being sought, he might be as good as most going around at the moment.

I'd love to get Ling, Lappin or Caracella (also at Cats).

All very highly credentialed and all very impressive people in person.

I think Ling would be the most likely.

We should have a connection there through Neeld and Greaves.

We look like drunk lepers trying to catch a greased watermelon whenever there is a bounce .

Brilliant!