River Murray Football League talk

[mail man]

At least the bluds have time to hunt a new coach for next year now. They may have to actually pay a coach next year instead of giving it to anyone who volunteers to do it for free. Whats that old saying you pay peanuts you get monkeys.If that is true and he reisgned buy e. mail i definately think that is gutless. maybe Deaks might be the best option for the Bluds but why didnt they try and keep him this year and does he want back in. Simon Dennis may put his hat in the ring but appart from Zac Ewer he has probably failed to recruit well at Gawler . So will he be able to recruit at the bluds who probably spend less and are further from city. whoever the bluds appoint to coach couldnt be worse than what they had. Apparently they were losing supporters players and even worse volunteers. Even reports that players had signed a petition saying it was them or the coach. No club needs this and the writing was on the wall. At least he finally realised he was the problem and resigned. But he couldnt even do that in a respectfull manner.

[INCOGNITO]

I've had enough, he did not resign by email!!!! What a lot of crap. He is a very good coach, who was undermined and at the end of a campaign by nasty, vindictive persons. The players that didn't like to be told, may have had issues, but the kids love him and he was teaching them the right things. Very sad day for the Bluds, now the volunteers may be dropping off, not the other way round. Speculation is cheap and that's what you guys keep posting on here. The facts paint Ray in a good light, it's everyone else who should be ashamed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Goldberg]

I think there are alot of things being said which are correct from both points of view, but the one thing I find hard to believe is that Ray resigned over email. This would be against his character, & if you know him, doesn't make truthful reading!

However-
1, It is true that there are a great % of both supporters & players @ the bloods that were unhappy with him & his manner. His way of addressing the supporters after the game, in the clubrooms is a bit like a primary school teacher talking to his kids. I think he lost site of the fact that he was in charge of a country footy club.\

2, He did introduce some good systems with the young group he had on-field, & had them playing a solid brand of football.

[killa krossova]

I've had enough, he did not resign by email!!!! What a lot of crap. He is a very good coach, who was undermined and at the end of a campaign by nasty, vindictive persons. The players that didn't like to be told, may have had issues, but the kids love him and he was teaching them the right things. Very sad day for the Bluds, now the volunteers may be dropping off, not the other way round. Speculation is cheap and that's what you guys keep posting on here. The facts paint Ray in a good light, it's everyone else who should be ashamed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rumours are Ray didnt like the way things were run back in Jervois's premiership days. He wanted to come in and completely change everything. Coaches that communicate, respect and form friendships with there players have success. Those that try to come in and demand respect..... dont get it.

[SK3]

which teams are going to get close to imps and ramblers in the next ten years?mannum and meng are just holding on until the money dry up and then what,the power club will always have first choice of qood players moving to murray bridge(from a young kids eyes no travel and are in a top too side)we talk about the hfl country teams getting flogged every week,look at our results over the last six months.you made a good point goldberg why would imps go and get fitzgerald?

I would expect, like everyone else, Imps and Ramblers to stay perennial top 3 finishers for the foreseeable future. Both have very strong juniors, a big population base to draw players from, and are very financially viable, Imps in particular. In some ways its a little disappointing that Redlegs couldn't hold on. When they made the grand final in 95 it looked like they had a reasonable future although their success that year was essentially built around recruiting a heap of players from the Hills League. I'm not familiar with what their finances were like but perhaps the recruiting they did around 94/95 severely affected their ability to operate as a footy club in the coming years.

I think there's no doubt that Ramblers and Imps have benefitted the most from the points system over the last few years, its almost like we're back to the early/mid 80's again. The other 5 clubs will probably now take turns in competing with the 2 MB clubs. It will all depend on points available, club finances and of course the strength of juniors coming through. I would expect Mannum to remain competitive for a few years yet, they are obviously very financially secure at the moment, plus have good juniors and a reasonable population to draw players from. Mypo as has been discussed have some very good young players at the moment, so will probably start to challenge for a top 3 position in 2 or 3 years time. Meningie have used the points system quite well and have done a great job of turning their on field performances around this year. But the key factor for them will be how long they have the finances to compete with the top clubs. Jervois have built a culture of success the last 6 or 7 years but are obviously focusing on juniors this year. They are a wildcard team though because they have recruited a lot of players the last 5 years so if they can get any of these back to their clubs they are likely to be zero/minimum pointers. Things don't look especially great for Tailem at the moment, however there's a bit to work with. The key to them is hanging onto their juniors given the strength of their under 17's the last couple of years. They presumably wouldn't have spent as much money on players this year so may have a little in the bank for when some of their quality juniors have played 3 or 4 years of senior footy.

Someone mentioned about Imps recruiting Fitzgerald. I can see the 2 sides to this. On one hand, they have the finances and points available, so are more than entitled to do so. On the other, they recruited a player earlier in the season (Callun Hutchinson I think his name is) who judging by results has shown that he can kick goals at A Grade level. Looks like this lad is now playing Reserves, which isn't ideal.

Someone also mentioned that it was Imps who were rumoured to have had discussions with the Hills League. I can't help but thinking that they may have put that story out there to hurry up the process of restructuring the RMFL and neighbouring leagues. Imps would contend for a top 5 spot in the Hills but certainly wouldn't be as dominant as they currently are in the RMFL. They would probably be better off joining the GSFL in some ways, they would probably be equal standard to the top 5 clubs there this year. However it isn't really practical because if they were to join that league, a club or 2 would move on, and with the current strugglers Encounter Bay and Goolwa/Port Elliot both in the Victor Harbor georgraphical area it would make no sense for them to move to another league.

If Imps were to move to the Hills (which i think would be unlikely) it would probably have significant repercussions for footy throughout the Murraylands area. There would be 6 clubs left and the league would need to bring in more clubs, something they haven't been able to do since BDT and Nairne left and Redlegs folded. The focus would then maybe go onto bringing in a Langhorne Creek or Strathalbyn or maybe even a combined super club from the “Mallee” league.

i know its difficult to gauge from trial games, but i believe Imps lost to Mt Barker by 6 goals this pre season in a trial. Mt Barker are currently top of the ladder undefeated and nobody has really gotten close to them....

[mail man]

Incognito we dont make news we just report it.The story goes that the bluds had over thirty on the track tonight and that clint heading has the job coaching the season out .He also has senior coaching experience something the previous coached lacked. This seems to be a wise appointment as he bleeds Red and Black. The facts do not support Ray being a great coach as you suggest. As not only has he only won three games for the year , every other grade has suffered aswell, with players pulled up a grade when they havent been ready, simply because a heap of players left. Because of you know who and his inability to treat people with respect. Which he demanded for himself on appointment! Love i am sorry if the reports on his resignation buy e mail were incorrect. As the standard suggests both club and Ray decided he wasnt the coach needed. The bluds are a great successfull club and if they could get a coach like Heading next year they will be a strong club again . How did Rays pathways team go the other week ? This is a gossip column not a book of facts !so Incognito if you dont like it dont read it.

[Goldberg]

Incognito we dont make news we just report it.The story goes that the bluds had over thirty on the track tonight and that clint heading has the job coaching the season out .He also has senior coaching experience something the previous coached lacked. This seems to be a wise appointment as he bleeds Red and Black. The facts do not support Ray being a great coach as you suggest. As not only has he only won three games for the year , every other grade has suffered aswell, with players pulled up a grade when they havent been ready, simply because a heap of players left. Because of you know who and his inability to treat people with respect. Which he demanded for himself on appointment! Love i am sorry if the reports on his resignation buy e mail were incorrect. As the standard suggests both club and Ray decided he wasnt the coach needed. The bluds are a great successfull club and if they could get a coach like Heading next year they will be a strong club again . How did Rays pathways team go the other week ? This is a gossip column not a book of facts !so Incognito if you dont like it dont read it.

From what we hear as outsiders, this was what really got to people. The thing is, IMO his idea's were right, both on & off the field, but his way of doing them, & his understanding of how a COUNTRY CLUB is run, & the importance of bar takings etc, was just not there!
I think if they had stuck with his methods, & had some talks with him to try & come to some sort of compromise about the problem areas, Jervois would have benifited down the road

[mail man]

Goldberg I feel you are bing very diplomatic. We both know that as soon as you found out Ray was appointed there would be trouble down Blud land.Just his inflated opinion of himself was what got to others. He thought he could come in wave his magic wand and change the clubs culture . Which was a winning culture until he arrived. For example Rays five famous one liners. 1 . Respect is what i will demand and when i talk you will listen. 2. I could teach a heard off cattle to play football. 3.We dont need recruits we have structure. 4 I run a multi million dollar business, i think i can run a country football club. ( obviously not.) 5. >edited< you Tim Richards. The last of which was his famous last words. Who could forgett his speach against Tailem where he told the tailem coach to ring him on advice on how to win/ coach.There is optimism down at Blud land again now as Heading is a realist and very approachable person who respects others opinions!

[GWW]

Who could forgett his speach against Tailem where he told the tailem coach to ring him on advice on how to win/ coach.

Was he being smart when he said that, or he said it as a genuine offer?

[Goldberg]

Goldberg I feel you are bing very diplomatic. We both know that as soon as you found out Ray was appointed there would be trouble down Blud land.Just his inflated opinion of himself was what got to others. He thought he could come in wave his magic wand and change the clubs culture . Which was a winning culture until he arrived. For example Rays five famous one liners. 1 . Respect is what i will demand and when i talk you will listen. 2. I could teach a heard off cattle to play football. 3.We dont need recruits we have structure. 4 I run a multi million dollar business, i think i can run a country football club. ( obviously not.) 5. >edited< you Tim Richards. The last of which was his famous last words. Who could forgett his speach against Tailem where he told the tailem coach to ring him on advice on how to win/ coach.There is optimism down at Blud land again now as Heading is a realist and very approachable person who respects others opinions!

I hadn't heard that 1, but if this is true & the Tailem Coach was still around (even if he was not) is a very disrespectful thing to say.

[Goldberg]

Whats Clint Headings coaching back ground MM. I know he was Captain, the first couple of flags, was about the only local aswell

[GWW]

I think Ringer coached a B Grade side in the Barossa League (Barossa Districts?) a year or 2 ago.

[mail man]

Thanks for answering for me Gww. yes Heading was head coach of the B grade at Williamstown or barrossa district whatever you want to call them. He is a leader of men as his captaincy of premieships show. The thing is he would have got the job at the start of the season if he had applied . But due to his pub at oakbank he could not afford the time. GWW . I know you have never coached before but surely you can c how insulting his comment to Tailems coach would be considering they only won buy a couple of points. He was serious not joking . Maybe it is Ray who should have rang him and asked how to keep a coaching job. And Goldberg the coach was still there. maybe billings might be a good assistant at Karoonda.

[slug]

I think Ringer coached a B Grade side in the Barossa League (Barossa Districts?) a year or 2 ago.

great appointment well respected player and good bloke i think you will see results directly.

[GWW]

Its definitely insulting i agree. I was just wondering in what context it was said, as i don't know the bloke (Billing).

[words of wisdom]

I think Ringer coached a B Grade side in the Barossa League (Barossa Districts?) a year or 2 ago.

great appointment well respected player and good bloke i think you will see results directly.

Will do a very good job for the remainder of the year & possibly beyond! Heard he had 30 on the track Tuesday night. He will get the boys back on track.

[Footsview]

Goldberg I feel you are bing very diplomatic. We both know that as soon as you found out Ray was appointed there would be trouble down Blud land.Just his inflated opinion of himself was what got to others. He thought he could come in wave his magic wand and change the clubs culture . Which was a winning culture until he arrived. For example Rays five famous one liners. 1 . Respect is what i will demand and when i talk you will listen. 2. I could teach a heard off cattle to play football. 3.We dont need recruits we have structure. 4 I run a multi million dollar business, i think i can run a country football club. ( obviously not.) 5. >edited< you Tim Richards. The last of which was his famous last words. Who could forgett his speach against Tailem where he told the tailem coach to ring him on advice on how to win/ coach.There is optimism down at Blud land again now as Heading is a realist and very approachable person who respects others opinions!

I hadn't heard that 1, but if this is true & the Tailem Coach was still around (even if he was not) is a very disrespectful thing to say.

I was there it wasn't said in jest, it was just plain arrogant. Tailem might not be winning, but the coach didn't deserve to be disrespected like he was.

[Goldberg]

Thanks for answering for me Gww. yes Heading was head coach of the B grade at Williamstown or barrossa district whatever you want to call them. He is a leader of men as his captaincy of premieships show. The thing is he would have got the job at the start of the season if he had applied . But due to his pub at oakbank he could not afford the time. GWW . I know you have never coached before but surely you can c how insulting his comment to Tailems coach would be considering they only won buy a couple of points. He was serious not joking . Maybe it is Ray who should have rang him and asked how to keep a coaching job. And Goldberg the coach was still there. maybe billings might be a good assistant at Karoonda.

What??? Ohh, you think That I'm 1 of Smelts 4 alias' on here.

[johnny was]

This weeks Tips: Mannum vs Tailem 120pts
Ramblers vs Meningie 18pts
Mypo vs Jervois 12pts
Hopefully Heading can get a first up win for the club.

[magpie in the 80's]

Ramblers 21.11 (137) D Meningie 7.12 (54)
Mannum 26.17 (173) D Tailem Bend 4.3 (27)
Mypolonga 12.16 (88) D Jervois 10.9 (69)