If Not Gatland............

First topic message reminder :

Warren Gatland is taking a fair share of criticism over the style of play and player selection with the Lions. Months ago, when he accepted the appointment as Lions coach there was a lot of discussion back and forth about who might or might not have been a better choice. I didn't object to him as Head Coach of Wales. My objection is that I believe the coaching staff for the Lions should be from the Home Nations, the same as our players.

So given that as the premise, if not Gatland, then who would have been a better choice? Let's omit Geech from discussion as he becomes an easy choice. Besides he can't coach the Lions forever.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

flyhalffactory wrote:Alex Ferguson

Would have seen a better kicking game.

Might have even got a Scot on the pitch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MrsP wrote:

doctor_grey wrote:

MrsP wrote:Sweetie?

I mean, seriously?

Sorry.  Is Madam Sweetie or Mistress Sweetie better?

  

But be careful.

Some folk on here don't seem to "get" banter between friends.

Thanks for the advice, boss. You are right as usual.
Well, I wouldn't say this to Warren Gatland (that's Mike Philipps's job)............

Do you mean you wouldn't call Gatland Sweetie or you wouldn't say he's always right?

RubyGuby wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

flyhalffactory wrote:Alex Ferguson

Would have seen a better kicking game.

Might have even got a Scot on the pitch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyhew, Ruby, I'll have you know that Dr James Robson has been on the pitch several times - he's been quite in demand, don't you know!

MrsP wrote:Do you mean you wouldn't call Gatland Sweetie or you wouldn't say he's always right?

To be fair to Mr. Gatland, he is under a lot of pressure and has lost that special twinkle in his eye which used to light up a room or turn cloudy days bright or make the birds sing or make Wales supporters fornica............

That said, he is just not quite sweetie material for me. Misses the mark by just a milli......centim..........inch..........yard.....mile.

So...

Sweeter than Gatland?

What a commendation!

 

Though clearly not one endorsed my some folk from the flat lands. And I thought NFN was just an unkind joke. You live and learn

MrsP wrote:So...

Sweeter than Gatland?

What a commendation!

 

Though clearly not one endorsed my some folk from the flat lands. And I thought NFN was just an unkind joke. You live and learn

Its all you, baby. Warren Gatland is soooo last year.............

Jeez, get a room you two   

Criteria:
1) Someone the players would respect
2) Someone who understands what the Lions are about
3) Someone with no conflict of interest (i.e. not currently tied to any one home nation)
4) Someone who is a good selector (i.e. no Andy Robinson)
5) Someone who understands how to beat SH teams
6) Someone who's available.

That narrows it down quite a lot. I think Conor O'Shea will get the gig eventually and acquit it well... but not until a) he's got some international experience and b) Quins have a successor nicely bedded in.

Deano would be a left-field choice, but I think he could do it right now. He understands the players, he understands the Lions and he understands winning.

But - and I mean this in all seriousness - right now, I would go for Martin Johnson. He did a lot of good for England, would be respected by the players and knows pretty much all there is to know about the Lions and beating SH teams. His major weakness - a tendency to rely too much on his old teammates when under pressure - would be irrelevant in a Lions context because a) they've all retired, and b) he would understand the need to take the best talent of the home nations and work out how to combine it (unlike Gatland, whose big failing, I would argue, has been to take his default gameplan and try to shoehorn players into it.)

Poorfour wrote:Criteria:
1) Someone the players would respect
2) Someone who understands what the Lions are about
3) Someone with no conflict of interest (i.e. not currently tied to any one home nation)
4) Someone who is a good selector (i.e. no Andy Robinson)
5) Someone who understands how to beat SH teams
6) Someone who's available.

That narrows it down quite a lot. I think Conor O'Shea will get the gig eventually and acquit it well... but not until a) he's got some international experience and b) Quins have a successor nicely bedded in.

Deano would be a left-field choice, but I think he could do it right now. He understands the players, he understands the Lions and he understands winning.

But - and I mean this in all seriousness - right now, I would go for Martin Johnson. He did a lot of good for England, would be respected by the players and knows pretty much all there is to know about the Lions and beating SH teams. His major weakness - a tendency to rely too much on his old teammates when under pressure - would be irrelevant in a Lions context because a) they've all retired, and b) he would understand the need to take the best talent of the home nations and work out how to combine it (unlike Gatland, whose big failing, I would argue, has been to take his default gameplan and try to shoehorn players into it.)

Thing is, Jonno is not, and has never been a coach. He is a manager and as such I agree he'd be great for the job. Needs a good coaching team around him mind.

There aren't too many youngish ex Lions who command the respect Johnson has despite the England adventure!

Conor O' Hand On Hip Shea? Lions coach? Mr Between Two Minds?

Yeah. Might work. You need a guy who can think ambidextrously.