The only thing that has stopped me from ruling Craig out of the top job on a permanent basis is just what his involvement with Neeld was like. How much input did he have? How much did Neeld listen and take it on board? How much did Neeld value what Craig used to say to him? I recall a comment made by Neeld to an assistant, something like "you give me the stats, and leave the f***ing coaching to me" or similar (can't remember exactly what it was in regards).

I have heard a very similar (possibly the same) story here with a statsman copping an ear full from him. Neeld in his first year would go absolutely mental in the box and everyone was afraid to hand on the info to him or talk about the findings.

Apparently he had improved this year but the damage was done.

The players obviously got similar treatment and whilst I don't agree with that approach they are paid professionals and should be able to still give it there all.

The people doing the stats are volunteers however and don't deserve that.

Neil

I have heard a very similar (possibly the same) story here with a statsman copping an ear full from him. Neeld in his first year would go absolutely mental in the box and everyone was afraid to hand on the info to him or talk about the findings.

Apparently he had improved this year but the damage was done.

The players obviously got similar treatment and whilst I don't agree with that approach they are paid professionals and should be able to still give it there all.

The people doing the stats are volunteers however and don't deserve that.

Neil Craig mentioned the pressure that Senior Coaches are under these days, Neeld is not alone if 'he was going mental' in the box, 'Clarkson versus the wall' comes to mind, these unnecessary digs at Neeld are becoming tiresome, not defending him in anyway, but [censored] happens, if you can't stand a tirade from the coach you are in the wrong job, stats man, assistant, player.......Neeld has now gone, can we move on please

Neil

Neil Craig mentioned the pressure that Senior Coaches are under these days, Neeld is not alone if 'he was going mental' in the box, 'Clarkson versus the wall' comes to mind, these unnecessary digs at Neeld are becoming tiresome, not defending him in anyway, but [censored] happens, if you can't stand a tirade from the coach you are in the wrong job, stats man, assistant, player.......Neeld has now gone, can we move on please

I can and have but don't expect it to end anytime soon Sat.

Some reason I like our chances Saturday just quietly.

I don't mean to be pessimistic, but who is going to kick our goals if Dawes doesn't play? Unless we play an utterly defensive game style and both sides only score 10 each.

Neil

Neil Craig mentioned the pressure that Senior Coaches are under these days, Neeld is not alone if 'he was going mental' in the box, 'Clarkson versus the wall' comes to mind, these unnecessary digs at Neeld are becoming tiresome, not defending him in anyway, but [censored] happens, if you can't stand a tirade from the coach you are in the wrong job, stats man, assistant, player.......Neeld has now gone, can we move on please

You have taken Deeko's post (which was a reply to mine) totally the wrong way, and again have made yourself look like a fool.

Read the entire "conversation" between Deeko and I, he had heard a similar comment about Neeld in the coaches box (neither of us were having a shot at Neeld). Our discussion was more about the relationship between Neeld and Craig, which Craig mentioned in his presser yesterday.

As you often recommend to others, if you don't like what someone posts, then simply don't read it. It would be even better if you didn't feel the need to comment on everything too.

I think Craig could be the answer and certainly rate him as an option for MFC above Williams and Eade.

Like all interim coaches the next 11 weeks will decide

Go Dees

I think Craig could be the answer and certainly rate him as an option for MFC above Williams and Eade.

Like all interim coaches the next 11 weeks will decide

Go Dees

I will not speculate on the future coach, but I can say that anyone associated with the last disaster would not be a wise choice - so rule out Craig, end of story.

One thing i liked about his presser was that the way he answerd about the coaching regarding who would want to go for it. Was pretty critical in saying if a another inexperienced coach was thinking of putting there hand up to think twice and pretty much forget about it. I think he even knows we MUST go for a experienced coach.

I feel as though we have a new coach and am quite excited for some reason.

I think it's because Craig is an experienced and relatively successful coach.

I feel as though we have a new coach and am quite excited for some reason.

I think it's because Craig is an experienced and relatively successful coach.

Im looking forward to the weekend. Its going to be interesting to see where he puts players?

Particulary Watts and Howe, watch for that !

I feel as though we have a new coach and am quite excited for some reason.

I think it's because Craig is an experienced and relatively successful coach.

mmm interesting , but he did say a while back that he would never coach again , many have said that , so wait and see I guess , hes got 11 weeks to get a woody I suppose , let see how it all goes eh

I feel as though we have a new coach and am quite excited for some reason.

I think it's because Craig is an experienced and relatively successful coach.

I agree with this comment, in fact 6 weeks ago I was urging that he replace Neeld.

Whilst this is a secondary consideration, it's not the worst move financially. Whilst we must pay out Mark and will have to increase Craig's salary, we do not have to appoint anyone else to fill the position which Craig held. The immediate cost of letting Mark Neeld go, will be quite modest.

Different matter if at the end of this year we let Craig go, as I understand he has a contract for next year.

One other positive note. I started watching the Dees in 1950. First game I saw was Stuart Spencer's first, hence my name on this site. We were ok in 1950, finishing 4th. But then a bunch of good players who'd played in the 48 flag, and some in the flags from 39-41 all left. Team was desecrated and in 1951 we were last, by the length of the straight. Near season end against Footscray on the G we were down something like 19.15 to 1.5 at 3 quarter time.

Norm Smith appointed for 1952, ok that year, worse in 53, but in 54 we started a run of 7 grandfinals

If Craig was to disagree with Neeld and try to influence the playing group with his own thoughts on game plan, structures and general strategy then he would've been completely undermining Neeld and his efforts as the Senior Coach.

He's a smart guy that was given a role to play in the FD and to the best of my knowledge was carrying that role out.

I'm sure he's got his own ideas about what the team is capable of and I feel confident that we as supporters will notice them as the remainder of the season plays out.

Ed: whether they result in a tangible improved performance level remains to be seen.

Edited June 19, 201312 yr by McQueen

Craig came across as diplomatic, level-headed and honest in the presser.

I get the feeling he's looking forward to the new role.

Will be intriguing to see how the rest of the season unfolds.

Neil Craig is a very underrated coach.Things went sour towards the end but overall his record with the Crows is very good.He was also the assistant coach when they won back to back flags in 1997 and 1998.I think Neil will try and get the players to enjoy their footy again and hopefully we'll pick up a few more wins starting against the Saints this weekend.

Edited June 19, 201312 yr by Irish Demon

We need to look past Craig & fresh start .... players need am outsider to come in

All respect to Craig bit I say coaching is over for him as he stated a number of times!

We need someone with fire in the belly & a 5yr plan!

I don't mean to be pessimistic, but who is going to kick our goals if Dawes doesn't play? Unless we play an utterly defensive game style and both sides only score 10 each.

Do you mean 10 points or goals? As 10 goals would be a lot for us.

We need to look past Craig & fresh start .... players need am outsider to come in

All respect to Craig bit I say coaching is over for him as he stated a number of times!

We need someone with fire in the belly & a 5yr plan!

Oh we need a new voice for next season but Craig will have to do until the end of the season and i would be hopeful that he can leave us in a decent enough shape for the new coach when he arrives.

Edited June 19, 201312 yr by Irish Demon

We need to look past Craig & fresh start .... players need am outsider to come in

All respect to Craig bit I say coaching is over for him as he stated a number of times!

We need someone with fire in the belly & a 5yr plan!

That 5 year plan will go perfectly with our 3 year plan we are half way through.

Edited June 19, 201312 yr by PJ_12345

I don't mean to be pessimistic, but who is going to kick our goals if Dawes doesn't play? Unless we play an utterly defensive game style and both sides only score 10 each.

If Dawes doesn't play I reckon that leaves us with the options of throwing Howe forward or maybe even Tommy Mac who was drafted as a forward?

Back onto Craig though, I'm looking forward to see what he can get out of the players for the rest of the season and will have to come into consideration for the jon, but probably after Roos, Eade & Williams. And did anyone notice Robbo say on 360 last night that he shouldn't of taken the interim role? Well if Craig didn't then who on earth would Robbo suggest should have taken it???

Word is jack watts will play forward.

I really like Neil Craig. I wish him every success.

Win every game Neil and give yourself a shot. Even if you are not the senior coach next year i hope you are still employed at the MFC going forward.

Craig was hired to mentor and counsel Neeld as well as be the link between the footy dept and the Board

Neeld has failed. Doesn't that mean Craig has failed as well??

Craig was hired to mentor and counsel Neeld as well as be the link between the footy dept and the Board

Neeld has failed. Doesn't that mean Craig has failed as well??

No why would it?

Craig did his job, he would have offered plenty advice and helped Neeld through the intense media spotlight