What gets me is how last year Ratten was the anti-christ because he wasnt developing players, didnt have a plan B, presided over stagnating players, even with the acknowledged injuries and the toll that all reasonable commentators both here and in the media said was a horror year. So - he had to go and went.
What we have now is a coach with an excellent record- no doubt- who is brought in to put the cream on top, to take the club to that next step and win us a flag. Sure there are many issues regarding the depth of the list, the structure of the board etc that are good talking points but can someone please answer this for me;
Yarran was a great get when we drafted him, popele here were thrilled to see his development and running off half back, we loved him. New coach, new position and it doesnt seem to be working. What changes? The coach!
Simpson, one of the most corageous players we have, great running through the midfield, good disposal, dangerous player. A new position on the HB line, not as influential or as damaging (thankfully no one is calling for his head) but what changes? the coach!
Two other examples would be Hendo and Walker, great versatility and have been moved around a bit from forward to back and forward again. Both having great years- what changed- yep the coach (see i am acknowledging a good change) although we all know they both had good years in the previous couple of seasons as well under Rattten.
Then we have the 3 amigos playing together in the forward line - all year -but everyone is saying it isnt working - they are over rated etc etc. But hello- two years ago they were working but not all 3 in the same positions- what changed- the coach.
My point here is not to sack MM but to ask the question - where is plan B? If it aint working, change it! Why cant we get some answers about what the plan is, why do we get spin and BS.
I accept that we have had some players down on form but that is the point, in the previous couple of years they were in form and we were playing finals- why the change? They havent lost their ability, they have lost their confidence. MM needs to take some responsibility for that.
I dont believe he is here for a 5 year "rebuild", maybe that is what we need, i dont claim to be an expert as i dont see all the games. However, if that really is what we need, despite a list with 3 No1 picks and a clutch of other high picks, then maybe MM is not the man for the job. I want him to be but i question his doggedness and stubborness to admit that he may be playing some players out of form or even out of careers (Duigan and Laidler) without even giving them a chance. Sad.

Cough cough

Another game more careers ruined

I'm amazed people on this site give your nonsensical tripe oxygen.
For mine, I've thoroughly enjoyed the vaudevillian floorshow that is your musings

Gee padre, i think MM wrote the book on bitterness. How well did he take it when the Pies realised he was yesterday's man? I don't think any former coach likes to see coaches sacked in contract, and the reason a club does that is to get quick improvement, not to go backwards.

Walls was a terrific player who made the most of his talent, and a great leader, MM was a nasty cowardly thug, sniping from a back pocket. Walls was enormously innovative as a coach at the Fitzroy when they were the worst resourced club in history and quickly turned an average list at Carlton into a side that could beat the mighty Hawks for a flag despite not having as much talent. When MM had less talented sides their achievement was to very bravely not win flags. I could have got several flags at WCE - they were a state side, and a good one at that. If the coach had the players wearing their correct numbers, half his job was done! The WCE record is interesting not so much for what they won, but how many times they failed in finals, when they had a super talented list.

Walls was on the committee that identified the unfancied and low profile Ross Lyon as a serious coach and recommended him for the Sts. I can't see too many people with a better CV to have an opinion on the Blues than Wallsy, I like him, respect him and thank him for what he has done for Carlton. He is intelligent, articulate and loves the Blues. MM is a bitter fly by night, after some quick glory and big bucks at a club he neither likes nor respects - the feeling is mutual Mick.

Cough cough

Another game more careers ruined

Where's the love for Mick now.....

Love him, he has absolutely got 9th nailed now, can't see any team taking that away from us. Actually the whole season is deja vu, we beat the Tiges in similar circs last year

Love him, he has absolutely got 9th nailed now, can't see any team taking that away from us. Actually the whole season is deja vu, we beat the Tiges in similar circs last year

Maybe, but Tigers pushing for Top 4 are better than last years version.

Cough cough

Another game more careers ruined

For those criticising Neeld, he at least has a premiership on his coaching CV. Others, including Ratten, don't.