You may have noticed that more and more commentators are starting to question coach John Bracewell's decisions. Until now however, no-one has quite dared to go as far as to compare Bracewell with sacked All-Black coach John Mitchell. Andrew McLean has just dared take that step.
The thing that frustrates me most about Bracewell's reign is that it could so easily be a great one. If Bracewell just thought a little more before he spoke, if he made an effort to communicate with journalists rather than belittle and dismiss them, if he treated his players with a little more respect. Yes, some of his decisions have been odd ones and some players (Kyle Mills, Hamish Marshall) seem to get a hell of a lot more rope than others (Matthew Sinclair, Lou Vincent) - but all coaches make odd decisions. The problem Bracewell now has is that his decisions are increasingly coming under the microscope by journalists and the public who - frankly - don't think much of him. And journalists and the public don't think much of him because he doesn't show journalists and the public any respect. Ultimately Bracewell's greatest failings are not his ability to coach, but his ability to communicate.
Bracewell was a grumpy bastard as a player, he is now a grumpy bastard as a coach. I just hope for his sake that it is not too late to teach the old dog how to make friends and influence people.
Monday, 3 April 2006
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2 comments:
On Newstalk ZB on Saturday, John Parker had some interesting things to say on the approach of the coach and selectors. He was quite supportive of Bracewell and the selectors. I get the feeling that even if the decisions being made are able to be explained and are justifable, the players and the public aren't getting them explained very well. Bracewell's messages are misleading at worst, and clumsy at best.
The Mitchell-speak syndrome was also being discussed on ZB Saturday, Deaker was comparing Braces to the Force coach every 5 minutes...
ultimately results is all that matters. pisspoor test team, unambitious ODI team.
and thats why He Must Go.
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