I've said it a number of times, but the Melbourne players were told that Lyon was their coach. Lyon did the dodge behind his manager's back and Neeld was appointed the next day.

So Mark Neeld's position as coach was undermined from day one? If everyone thought Ross Lyon was to be the coach and instead some relative unknown was brought in, surely the players were less receptive to the unexpected coach's instructions than they would have otherwise been. Maybe that's part of the reason why we've been so slow to adapt to Mark Neeld's ideas.

Edited April 17, 201312 yr by Chook

So Mark Neeld's position as coach was undermined from day one? If everyone thought Ross Lyon was to be the coach and instead some relative unknown was brought in, surely the players were less receptive to the unexpected coach's instructions than they would have otherwise been. Maybe that's part of the reason why we've been so slow to adapt to Mark Neeld's ideas.

It could explain it. Particularly as the "relative unknown" fellow that came in was to deal out some harsh sprays. He definitely came in with a great deal of arrogance. I'm not the sentimental type, but imagine Ross Lyon coaching us.

Edited April 17, 201312 yr by AdamFarr

Lyon is a joker

I hope he never comes near the MFC again

And whilst you're at it, why don't you ban Barrass and anybody associated with the Cordners. He's not the bloody anti Christ. You may want to purchase some perspective. He was a servant to the club. I'm not wrapped in him ATM but Geeezzz.

So Mark Neeld's position as coach was undermined from day one? If everyone thought Ross Lyon was to be the coach and instead some relative unknown was brought in, surely the players were less receptive to the unexpected coach's instructions than they would have otherwise been. Maybe that's part of the reason why we've been so slow to adapt to Mark Neeld's ideas.

These are professional football players...they should suck it up or get another job. The coaches job is not to be their friend, its to get the team to succeed. And I doubt the players were told Lyon would coach them the next year, as no such thing would have been officially said until it was signed and delivered. I think they were listening to the media too much.

As for Gary his intention was right and to say that him alone was responsible for hiring the new coach was hogwash. A sub-comittee makes the decision and then recommends to the board. Gary would have only been one or maybe four or five votes on the recommendation. He was simply the public face of the process and it normally includes at least one person independent of the board itself to oversee the process.

Gary is not the messiah but his heart is in the right place when he gets involved.