www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/l ... 6624085.jp I notice Brian is already 'talking the talk' at HQ. To me this is more than oddly reminiscent of when McNamara took over at Odsal - didn't he also promise a new era of entertaining RL following the conservative style adopted under Noble? More generally, do people think that McDermott will be a success at Leeds? If not, why not? I seem to recall several posters on here were unable to contain their delight when McClennan's departure was announced, as if this would somehow herald an impending era of Bulls-esque demise. If McNamara is now considered a failure at Bradford, why was this, and what can Brian Mac do to avoid following suit at Leeds?

www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/l ... 6624085.jp I notice Brian is already 'talking the talk' at HQ. To me this is more than oddly reminiscent of when McNamara took over at Odsal - didn't he also promise a new era of entertaining RL following the conservative style adopted under Noble? More generally, do people think that McDermott will be a success at Leeds? If not, why not? I seem to recall several posters on here were unable to contain their delight when McClennan's departure was announced, as if this would somehow herald an impending era of Bulls-esque demise. If McNamara is now considered a failure at Bradford, why was this, and what can Brian Mac do to avoid following suit at Leeds?

I believe that, in McDermott, you genuinely have a young British coach who is capable of bringing you down to our level and ensuring close derby games this season.

McNamara took a team that were SL and WCC champions and in 4 years turned them into bottom of the table scrappers.



Some say this was down to financial restrictions, however the club maintains it has always been able to spend the full salary cap so it seems the poor recruitment is the fault of McNamara not being able to get the best bang for his buck.



Now, given the deep pockets that back the Rhinos, I doubt there will be a question over funds. However, there is still the question over McDermott's ability to bring in players that will maintain and improve Leeds.

don't worry, Brian. You'll be fine

Totally agree about the similarities. There is a tendency for both Macs to talk too much.



They also use a style of language that came out of the American boardroom/football and into Australian RL coaching manuals over the last 10 or 15 years. When Australians use it, it feels natural and organic whereas when 'young British coaches' use it feels inappropriate and embarrassing. I think this adds to an issue of players respecting coaches which come from a lesser/weaker RL culture. In Brian's favour he was a much tougher player and competitor than Steve and whilst his achievements in London aren't brilliant, they aren't wholly damning either.



However, when Leeds are currently the top club in the land and could have recruited from the NRL (by far the most successful option in SL so far) why have they chosen a coach who wouldn't have got another first grade post in either hemisphere. The reasons given for Bluey's leaving don't wash. Brian's CV in no way suggests he is 'ready'. If Leeds struggle without Peacock and Maguire (at least) in the opening rounds the South stand will show him no mercy after the years of success.

I said it all along Exeter and I still think McDermott has all the hallmarks of following McNamara's example, albeit perhaps without the same extreme results. Whereas McNamara took us from being WCC winners to 10th I reckon McDermott will see a more gradual slide. Leeds aren't in the process of offloading the spine of the team like we did in 05/06. I expect the transition to be a bit more carefully managed. However losing senior players over the next few years will see a decline in fortunes. It'll be hard to replace the likes of Senior, Webb, Peacock and Sinfield as they get older, pick up more injuries and retire.



McNamara showed he couldn't spot a decent player if he fell over one, he took a number of punts on players from lesser sides and not one managed to improve. Some of his signings from overseas were also less than inspired. His record speaks for itself. McDermott has yet to prove himself either way in this regard.



I'm waiting to see who Leeds recruit to be McDermott's assistants. This seems to be taking time for some reason. It's interesting to hear the rumours of all not being well behind the scenes at Headingley last year. Dave Hadfield mentioned this in RLW. It explains why a number of staff members left. You wonder if McLennan going will improve things now. It'll be also interesting to see what kids come through. Hadfield again mentioned that there wasn't much there.



It's going to be an interesting season.

On what basis?







Obviously. So the problem is?







Given your statement above, what element of surprise is introduced that suddenly accentuates the "decline" given the emergence of a number of young players: BJB, Watkins, Ambler, McShane, Hood, Hardaker et al, as well as likely newly emerging ones. Throw in the very clear logic that GH isn't about to forget the ages of above players and again, I fail to see your point.



Moreover what is "the likes of"? Let's deal with who you isolated. Senior likely replaced by Watkins or GH will have someone lined up, no brainer. Webb to be replaced by BJB. Peacock again will be replaced likely by someone of similar quality. Sinfield is 30 not 84. He will have 3 years in the tank without doubt. And where is the "given" of more injuries? Scientific balls. Players are susceptible to injuries at any given age. We can all quote young players suffering freak injuries at any age. Futile.







Really?



McNamara is irrelevant to the point. McDermott has clearly produced and assisted some excellent London produced talent. Observing their playing roster makes that abundantly clear.









Why would the club taking their time to secure the "right" person be a cause for concern to anyone?







There is friction at every club, Bluey was the major problem and his relationships with individuals who shall remain nameless.



Hadfield believing there "isn't much there" holds zero value to anyone who has observed the players I've outlined above. I would take every single one of those young players at the Bulls without hesitation. Or we could continue to blow sugar up the ringpieces of the Burgii who are held in esteem by the likes of Hadfield for absolutely no other reason than their DNA and surname.



There is a huge urban myth about the decline of our dear neighbours and I would sway our squad for their "ageing" one on any given Sunday. Anyone who wouldn't should be bouncing off padded walls.

Indeed, some interesting responses so far

I think Macca will go OK for Leeds. But would have been a terrible appointment for us.

Great comparison I think, a coach with one of the League's best talent rosters, the budget to bring in "world class" players versus one with negligible budget who produces a plethora of London born players with real talent. An objective most keyboard smashers perennially bleat on about.



That is all.