Mark Neeld head of development at the Bombers

[Jack Jack Tappy 112]

If you mean inside the club then you're right I don't know. Can you enlighten?

I'm aware he was a hard taskmaster and upset some. Ironically that's what a lot of us were asking for after Bailey.

It's hard to explain but he was ridiculously hard and chose to only have relationships with some players. That is why Roos is doing much better. Mark Neeld made the mistake of thinking to be a good coach he needed to be harsh when in reality getting to know the players and having a relationship with them was a much better idea. Demonland might think we needed it but it was the opposite.

[beelzebub 22,225]

Neeld is a text-book example of the Peter Principle. Within any hierarchy, competent people will tend to rise until they reach their level of incompetence. He's a fine assistant coach.

Absolutely.

[felixdacat 459]

Good Luck Neeldy I wish him all the best in the future

[Whispering_Jack 27,999]

His actual words to me were that he hadn't come across such negativity from a group AFL players and that at a purely personal level with them, he was struggling to see a way through the black-dogs that he was working with....can I recall Roos saying something similar, maybe more succinctly?

Anyway, a done argument, time to move on as none of this really goes anywhere

Thanks for your insights m'kaaay, especially about the negativity he encountered at the club which goes a long way to explaining his eventual demise as a coach. I'm happy for Neeld that he's getting another opportunity elsewhere but he has again taken on a tough gig being with Essendon at this time in its history. We also tend to forget that he was credited with playing a pivotal role in developing the game plan employed by Collingwood in its premiership year which is something nobody can take away from him.

[Cards13 9,117]

Good luck Mark I hope you find a spot in footy or whatever career you have moving forward.

People need to let it go fark he is a human being and has a family. He put his nuts on the line and was found wanting at least he gave it a go.

[McQueen 17,864]

I'm in Shock! Development is a surprise.

I didn't see that coming.

[Canplay 573]

Christ - and the club thought they had issues now - wait till Neeldy works his magic - all the players will try and use that out-clause they've got!

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,443]

I wish Mark Neeld well. He was clearly a very successful assistant coach at Collingwood. While it might seem to be an unusual place to go, it may actually be a tactical master stroke. Of all the clubs in the AFL, Essendon might become the one that needs the most assistance in development of new players if the ASADA problems force a higher than average turnover of players (either by enforced suspensions or because players "do a Ryder" and walk out of the club).

And there is a certain irony on Demonland that on the one hand posters laud MFC's appointment of Brandan McCartney - a successful assistant coach who failed (for whatever reason) at the top job - and then seem to think Essendon has failed by doing exactly the same thing.

[McQueen 17,864]

I wish Mark Neeld well. He was clearly a very successful assistant coach at Collingwood. While it might seem to be an unusual place to go, it may actually be a tactical master stroke. Of all the clubs in the AFL, Essendon might become the one that needs the most assistance in development of new players if the ASADA problems force a higher than average turnover of players (either by enforced suspensions or because players "do a Ryder" and walk out of the club).

And there is a certain irony on Demonland that on the one hand posters laud MFC's appointment of Brandan McCartney - a successful assistant coach who failed (for whatever reason) at the top job - and then seem to think Essendon has failed by doing exactly the same thing.

It all depends on your interpretation of McCartneys time at the Dogs as to whether he was a failure or not. Personally, I think he was doing the best with what he had and was making some tough decisions that weren't supported by the administration.

I too wish Neeld well in his endeavours but to draw a comparison albeit with irony to McCartney is a bit rich.

[bing181 8,169]

He put his nuts on the line and was found wanting at least he gave it a go.

Sums up how I feel.

No harm in trying and failing. Good luck to him.

[Cards13 9,117]

Sums up how I feel.

No harm in trying and failing. Good luck to him.

Don't think many in here would put the coconuts on line in such a high profile sport with flogs like purple and his ilk ready for blood.

[robbiefrom13 877]

So Essendon must be looking to shore things up a bit in the "care of our players" department.

[ManDee 7,089]

Good luck to him, he gave it a go and failed with us. Time to move on.

[InVINCEable 358]

irrelevant poster

Says the guy who has posted 37 times.....

[DemonFrog 1,347]

Vote 1 for Mark Neeld as Senior Coach for the Essendon FC.

Because everyone deserves a second chance (as long as its not at the MFC).

[Good Times Grimes 2,396]

Surely this is all the evidence ASADA needs to prove that Essendon uses drugs...

[Gipsy Danger 1,067]

Did Essendon not see how bad he was at development during his time with us?. We're paying for it still

[beelzebub 22,225]

Vote 1 for Mark Neeld as Senior Coach for the Essendon FC.

Because everyone deserves a second chance (as long as its not at the MFC).

I think you'll find Thompson is playing a very crafty game of wait and pounce

[beelzebub 22,225]

Did Essendon not see how bad he was at development during his time with us?. We're paying for it still

Essendon cant be so choosey currently. NO ONE wants to go there. Only the lure of outrageous money tempts the few, one might say...the Needy ??

[beelzebub 22,225]

Actually all jokes and pings aside Id be very interested in the view of an informed Essendon supporter..

Calling Ash....... thoughts??

[dazzledavey36 48,841]

Says the guy who has posted 37 times.....

What a pathetic response.

Since when is this about a popularity contest.

[DemonFrog 1,347]

Actually all jokes and pings aside Id be very interested in the view of an informed Essendon supporter..

Calling Ash....... thoughts??

You did say all jokes aside?

BB an informed Essendon Supporter simple does not exist.

IMO they all appear to be just crazy brain dead cult members.

[beelzebub 22,225]

You did say all jokes aside?

BB an informed Essendon Supporter simple does not exist.

IMO they all appear to be just crazy brain dead cult members.

not all...there exists a rare beast or two

[ManDee 7,089]

not all...there exists a rare beast or two

Beeb now you are exaggerating.

[The Chazz 4,077]

Am I the only one that's hoping Essendon's next announcement will be welcoming Barry Prendergast to their recruitment team?