I didn’t mean next season necessarily. I was speaking more generally, about the financial inequities of the league…
In the short term though? Losing your coach has to be a concern. You’d have to be a bit worried that Victory and Wanderers aren’t going to be quite as shit as last season - so they’re more of a threat to your position. Some of your players, like Matt Simon, don’t exactly perform like that every season - some of it is going to be down to the coach, some of it just because they’re good enough to have good periods, but historically they don’t maintain that level.
It was a bit of a perfect storm, imo. But I’m not sure it was based on an underlying structure that is capable of targeting ultimate success year in, year out, so going to be extremely hard to replicate.
Montgomery is still fairly well regarded I think, and is heavily invested in the youth set up. Still smacks of a band-aid fix from Charlesworth. I think it’s fair to say he’s stopped caring altogether.
Maybe, but tbh I like the idea of clubs having promising coaches doing apprenticeships around the club and being brought in at the right time. It worked out well for us. I think this is pretty different to Brebner, for example.
Montgomery had a very good playing career before CCM, worked hard at CCM as a player to steady an often leaky ship and then has spent years within the club’s coaching set-up. Knows and seems invested in the CC region and community. So, his selection is much better than spending a heap of money to get another big name FIFO option like Babbel, Keane or Kurz who all underperformed. As an inhouse choice for head coach, could turn out to be anywhere from Bimbi-level to Brebner. Let’s hope he is Bimbi quality.
Like many Mariners’ fans, for me it was a toss up between Ben Cahn or Montgomery. I tended to slightly favour Cahn for having more practical coaching experience, but I am very happy with this result.
Importantly, Montgomery will be in no doubt what being coach of CCM involves and has bought into the philosophy.
Over recent years new, less experienced, local coaches have matched it with the more fancied imports. I am thinking of Bimbi, Talay and even Rudan.
Many may be surprised at the quality that may be uncovered, similarly for giving local young players time and experience.
It is the furure of the game in this country.
I think Montgomery has the makings of a good coach. He’s done a fairly lengthy apprenticeship and he seems like the sort of person who could instil a culture at a regional club, which is what has happened whenever the Mariners have been most successful.
Talay, Rudan (one season), Milicic all in the same boat IMO. I also think Deans deserves a special mention.
I hope Papas and Monty do well too. It’s refreshing to see the league give chances to Aussie coaches, the global issues may have something to do with it too but it’s been a much better outcome than I initially thought.
Also makes you wonder if guys like Aloisi and Okon will have another shot.