Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Reflecting on Ricky - By Mary

Now that the dust has settled and the raw emotion of the decision of Ricky Stuart to leave my Club has worn off, it's time to reflect a little more closely on what happened yesterday.

For those of you that missed it, late last night Ricky Stuart announced that he had quit as Parramatta Eels coach, effective immediately and that he was moving back to coach the Canberra Raiders.

This decision ended weeks of speculation where it was unknown to most Parramatta supporters as to whether he would be going or staying.

As a fan, I strongly believe it is our job to support out team and our coach irrespective of who they are. Prior to Ricky coming to Parramatta I had my doubts about his ability to coach a team like mine. At a level where players have the ability but need a coach to motivate them and take them to the next level, I feel Ricky is excellent. State of Origin is a good example. However, I was yet to see any example of Ricky being able to coach a group of players and develop their playing ability, which is something Parramatta desperately needed. I gave Ricky the benefit of the doubt and welcomed him to my club.

I feel hung out to dry after last night's decision.

Ricky has made decisions this year in regard to recruitment - very harsh decisions which has seen around 8 Eels being let go for next season, including our co-captain Reni Maitua. To decide to make those changes and then choose not to be around to see the effect of those changes and work with the squad he has chosen for next year is extremely disappointing. 

In order to leave, Ricky had to take advantage of a 'get out clause' in his contract. It boggles my mind as to why when negotiations were taking place, this clause was put into Ricky's contract. After having lost Daniel Anderson and Stephen Kearney in recent seasons, what the Eels needed this year and need even more now is stability. By allowing Ricky to walk away the Club failed to protect what it needed from a new coach the most - stability. 

While utilising the 'get out clause' is completely legitimate, the question of enforceability of contracts again raises its head. This season has once again illustrated that, amongst other things. players do not really understand their obligations under a contract. 

We need to grow our athletes and the people involved in our game so that they are commercially aware individuals and understand their obligations under contracts.

Another thing that makes me very disappointed about the decision is the lying. Ricky has stated many times over recent weeks that he had not spoken to the Raiders. I knew this was a lie and so did everyone else. He played the Parramatta fans for fools and by refusing to make a comment on the situation or refusing to say emphatically that he was not leaving, it made it even clearer that he was at least considering deserting the team. Instead of lying, I wish Ricky had taken responsibility earlier and been honest with the Club and the fans.

The thing that makes me most upset however, is that Ricky Stuart has made my club a laughing stock. He is not the only contributing factor - our board has been unstable and our performances woeful, but to see him treat the club this was is so upsetting. I am a proud Parramatta fan and to see our club reduced to the laughing stock of the league just hurts.

I have no idea who the new coach will be - but the number one priority needs to be stability and someone who will see out their contract. However with Parramatta's retention policy, would you want to come coach at the club? Whoever our next coach is had better have nerves of steel - they are going to need it.

Love,

@LadiesWhoLeague 

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