As we stand (no new coach confirmed), the current squad are playing for their long term future. They’ll know they have to impress whoever is appointed in order to be part of their long term plans. If they know Winder is getting the job on a caretaker basis, it could lead to complacency and a culture of familiarity that would breed negativity around the club. It’s a dangerous plan but if IL believes it to be the right call, I trust him. Winder would not be my choice but I’d keep my faith in IL & KR and see how things go.

FWIW I would much prefer Edwards to any name in the mix. Especially Furner, who's time at Canberra should be reason enough for us to stay clear.

Fair points however

If the team are poor then he gets the "i had no real control" sympathy vote or get out clause. If hes good he gets the "my hands were tied but just look at what i have achieved" argument.

Even if unsuccessful its just a risk free 12 month apprenticeship. I know we are a results driven organisation but experience either success or failure is still 100% a good thing to have

For the latter, i agree this could (could.) be a factor, however duration of a Head Coach's contract does not strictly equate to the level of respect a HC has. For example its still possible for a HC to lose the dressing room 3 months into a 3 year contract for example. Thats a risk factor for both the coach and his employer for the entire duration of his tenure.

In addition, if we have that type of player at our club that bases respect on nothing other than duration. We need to look at who we are signing.

Hypothesise aside. If i was Winder and this opportunity was offered to me. I would bite IL's hand of from a personal development POV not to mention the potential for a 12 month wage bump compared to now

Coaches aren't always respected for whatever reason I agree, but such an appointment puts Winder onto a back foot from the get-go, players know his position is very short-lived. I personally don't see it as risk free at all, very little is, especially in a management coaching position. If Wigan drop off a cliff during his time as head coach it will certainly reflect on Winder, it can't not. He can throw all the excuses at it he likes, but mud sticks.

Either which way, this type of appointment faces difficulties before it even begins, not ideal.

Can anyone think of a top Rugby League coach who’s never played the game. As far as I’m aware John Winder has never played rugby.

So, assuming you work in a very high profile company, if offered your bosses job for 12 months, you wouldn't take it?

That's a rhetorical question...

Not that black and white, never is. I'd way up the pros and cons before making a decision. (PS are wigan offering me the position? this is exciting).

As i said, rhetorical.... Once in a lifetime opportunity, only a person lacking in ambition wouldn't take it. I'd take the job if they asked me FFS!!

Very short-sighted. Always must weigh up the pros and cons. Also the 'once in a lifetime' label doesn't ring true. Who knows what else is on the horizon in the future. Intelligent decision is to also understand the full landscape and bigger picture.
To say 'only a person lacking in ambition wouldn't take it' is a over simplification and unneeded criticism.

Nevertheless I'm not saying he shouldn't take it, just that it's not always black and white.

Do you have splinters in your ass off the fence?

No further comments from me m'lud.

I gave you an honest answer. Pleased there's no more comments from you. 100% of them offer very little the chat. Often taking the tone down a few notches.

Deacon doesn’t want to come back. Edwards can’t come until after RU World Cup. Winder a big possibility but looking like Lam now I believe.

I really hope that is true, one of the finest attacking talents to play in SL, he could work wonders with Williams.

Of the 20 Grand Finals we have had, I'd argue only 4 have been won by coaches who were outstanding players (Hanley in 1999, and Noble in 2001, 2003 and 2005). With that in mind, I'm very skeptical of the "he was a brilliant player, so he will be a brilliant coach" argument.

I don’t think anybody would argue against this. Great players don’t always make great coaches. Cunningham is proof of that. Conversely, average players can make top class coaches, Madge being a prime example.
The difference with Edwards is his rugby brain. He was streets ahead of anybody else on the field in terms of his vision and he’s proven to have outstanding player management skills at both club and international level. The fact it’s the other code is largely irrelevant to me as his rugby knowledge, experience and core leadership skills are evident enough.

mcdermot?

He's had a solid career in SL, but hardly an outstanding player. Roughly on a par with Tony Clubb in terms of appearances and caps, though obviously Bradford won a lot towards the back end of his career, largely due to better players around him in that team like Fielden, Peacock etc. When he retired, I doubt whether Bradford fans were keeping their fingers crossed he would return to coach them at some point.

only the same calibre of Noble though and Nathan Brown

WIGAN PEER OUT!!!

Why does that follow? Lam or any coach will only work wonders with Williams or any of our other players if the coach actually bothers to coach them. The fact over recent seasons players more than just Williams have continued to make the same mistakes e.g. Gelling and his brain fats, Powell's awful passing, I am not convinced Wane has worked on basic skills with any of the first team squad. If he has and it's not worked we need to accept the team does not have the potential we think it has but if not, what guarantee is there Lam is the man to do this?

I know little of his coaching career or how he is regarded as a coach and if he has a reputation of improving players then fine but I think just because he was a top half back does not mean he's going to transform Williams (and Powell's) game. He's got to be a top [icoach[/i to do this.

Noble was GB captain, I never saw him play but I'm assuming from that he was pretty good. I didn't say Nathan Brown, I said Noble and Hanley

he was average, wasnt a very good team the 84 touring team. Very young with Schoey, Gregory and Hanley breaking into the test team. No better representative than Brian Mac for me but each to their own.

IIRC Noble was a local copper when playing for Bradford. I don't remember if he was Part Time at Bradford or if he left the Police force to play fulltime ? But he was an average player and a keen worker in the pack.

I do remember McDermot knocking about 3 opposition players onto the floor with straight punches in one game. He is an ex-Royal Marine commando by all accounts.

He was playing for Bradford against Leeds

I would say that being a half back gives him a head start in that department, he can pass on actual experience of playing the position at the very highest level (State of Origin).

I accept what you say and I know u love a good Wane-bashing but I have heard good things regarding Adrian Lam and I really hope he is our new coach