Royal seems to suffer from ancient scuttlebutt.

When he was an assistant at the Dogs after his playing days ended, word was that the players hated him. But that was years and years ago. Who's to say that is still the case? It seems it is not.

Then he was the perennial bridesmaid when applying for senior coaching jobs. Somehow, this encouraged people to sink the boot in.

People seem to love to jump on him without much cause.

Actions speak louder than words. If Neeld keeps him, that's good enough for me.

Agree Robbie. I am not sure why all the angst over Royal. Its clearly not informed and i dont know how the rank and file can develop a clear picture on the performance of the assistant coaches. Too many variables that are not obvious to the crowds in the grandstand.

I understand that people want someone to blame. But the amount of people on here who think they know how good or bad a coach is from watching the game on tv each week is a joke.

I always rated Paul Williams, even when he played with the Pies.

Was glad when he left them to play in Sydney.

He's a winner.

It's up to our footy dept?

No-one here knows if he can coach.

The only thing I know is that he's arguably the worst orator I've ever heard.