There wasn't a little greek fellow amongst them in a Sailor suit by any chance

On Sunday at the Ants VFL there was a sizable contingent of the Resident Italian Selection Committee seated near me. All the usual suspects were there. They were in a good mood and even let me pass without the normal barrage of questions about our poor recruiting record.

Throughout the day it was interesting to hear how many of them were keen for Ratts to continue Coaching. They were both Vocal and Amusing at times.

In particular the little 'Manic Ranter' was very Pro Ratts and he let eveyone know it in no uncertain terms (as he does about most things)

Ratts will be pleased to know he has his full support.

Regards Cazzesman

Did you happen to hear their exchange with Brad Scott?

On Sunday at the Ants VFL there was a sizable contingent of the Resident Italian Selection Committee seated near me. All the usual suspects were there. They were in a good mood and even let me pass without the normal barrage of questions about our poor recruiting record.

Throughout the day it was interesting to hear how many of them were keen for Ratts to continue Coaching. They were both Vocal and Amusing at times.

In particular the little 'Manic Ranter' was very Pro Ratts and he let eveyone know it in no uncertain terms (as he does about most things)

Ratts will be pleased to know he has his full support.

Regards Cazzesman

Did you happen to hear their exchange with Brad Scott?

It doesn't bode well for Ratts, C-Man....the 'RISC' normally get it wrong!

What's happening at the moment is unfortunate, but was completely foreseeable IMO. Possibly even inevitable. Many of us understood the reasons for Ratten's appointment in late 2007 ('putting the Carlton back in Carlton', easy sell to members after the Pagan years, good footy brain etc), but had serious reservations at the time that he was going to be the coach to guide us to the promised land. For some reason, I've always had an 'interim coach' feeling about Ratten's appointment.

I really wanted Ratten to succeed (I still do), but I've never been able to picture him as a premiership coach. I get the impression that the club has shared my doubts all along, but, like me, hoped that Ratten would grow and develop into an elite coach. From the outside looking in, he certainly appeared to improve (perhaps surrounding him with some of the best credentialed assistants helped) but I honestly think the club has now made up its mind up that he's taken us as far as he can. We need someone else to take us to the next level. As Maclure said on 360 last night, Ratten may or may not see the season out - but he won't be in charge next year.

Ratten should be proud of what he's achieved - he helped us off the floor and walked us slowly to the window. The window is open but he can't find a way to get us through it. Time for him to step aside, IMO.

He comes across as a ripping bloke, a passionate Carlton man (I dare say he loves the club as much or more than any supporter) and a very knowledgeable footy person. But as Maclure said, the role of AFL Coach has evolved to the point of being comparable in corporate terms to a GM or CEO of a major company. Does anyone see Ratten that way? Is he an effective 'coach of the coaches'? Or is he a well-meaning, very hard-working, ex-champion player and massive footy head?

I'm the first to admit that it's risky to assess the performance of coaches unless you're inside the club, but Ratten certainly gives the impression (and, like it or not, perception is reality in this business) of being in over his head as an AFL Head Coach. I don't think that's "Ratten bashing", it's just my opinion based on my observations over the last 5 years.

Believe it or not, I love the bloke. However, I love the club more.

He would be terrific as a line coach at AFL level, or even a senior coach at VFL level. It's probably unrealistic, but I'd love him to stay on at Carlton as midfield or forward coach. Give him one area of football to focus on, rather than manage an entire department. I doubt very much that will happen (I don't think he'll want to hang around when the axe falls, and you couldn't blame his successor for not being comfortable working with the man he replaced).

What I don't want is for Ratten to be the scapegoat for all of our problems. The entire club needs to be looked at - the President, CEO, Board, fitness/medical staff, assistant coaches, players, recruiting staff, communications, marketing - I would expect minor or major changes in all those areas over the summer.

Can we trust the people in charge to cause a comprehensive review of all aspects of the club's operation? And if the review is legitimately independent, can we trust the club to act appropriately on all recommendations? Can we trust the club to follow a sound process in identifying and appointing a long-term replacement coach?

I guess we have no choice...

Beat westcoast in Perth in a final and prove something for once

Would it make any difference to you if they did?

Regards Cazzesman

As opposed to the ones that tell it like it is and get hijacked by people with no !@#$%& clue?

As distinct from the ones who've sold their stock, gone on leave, stated they have no more interest and yet ..... continue to post.

Sure...fair point...at least for 2012...maybe beyond. But Ratts has pulled out the junk-time wins and the blinkered Carlton fans (of which there are many) will no doubt believe that all is well...some of the 'blinkered & bogan' fans even tell me 'I don't really care what happens off-field, I only care what happens on it.' Fair dinkum it's like watching Maury Povich re-runs on here sometimes. The dumbing down of the average Carlton supporter. The club must be rapt! It's just what they wanted. But they still have a strategic plan to adhere to....and Ratts still has KPI's in his job description to attain. Neither are being done. Neither have been satisfactory. I just want action...not apathy.

In short, your coming across like a stuck up wanker.

That's very unfair and insulting. I happen to know Doc and he's NOT a stuck-up wanker at all. I'm fact I reckon he's quite a modest and humble wanker.