Evil, vicious horrible rumour - please ignore

[fatprop]

Ulster may look to Bradley

By Barry Coughlan
CONNACHT coach Michael Bradley is favoured to replace Matt Williams in the Ulster hot-seat after the Australian yesterday accepted an offer to return home as assistant to Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans. Bradley's departure to Ulster may spark another IRFU-Connacht storm, but if the Union stick to stated policy and appoint an indigenous coach, Bradley is the clear front-runner.

Connacht chief executive, Gerry Kelly admitted that it would be a "bombshell" to lose Bradley.

"I have not yet been in contact with my fellow officers or with Michael," he said, "but it is something we will have to look at seriously and I will be aiming to discuss it with Michael at the earliest opportunity."

Mr Kelly said that any decision to switch provinces would be completely up to Bradley's. "That would be his own personal decision. He has been wonderful for us. We would hate to lose him."

Williams said last night that his decision to leave Ulster was not one he took lightly, but he felt the time was right to move back home to his native Australia.

It is understood that Ulster Branch chiefs were prepared to offer him an extension on his contract with the province.

"I have loved every minute of my time in Ireland but the opportunity given to me by the Australian Rugby Union was something I could not have turned down. The contract goes on until the end of the World Cup in 2011. OK, it means I am an assistant but I am looking forward to the challenge and it is a great opportunity for me."

:nta: Why?

 

[Spook]

Re: Matt Williams = assistant to Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans

Williams has done well with Ulster this season, especially the backs - The Leinster and Ulster fans love him. He talks the talk but I've never felt he could walk the walk. I'm very surprised Deans wants him.

 

[RugbyReg]

Re: Matt Williams = assistant to Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans

How many coachs do we have at moment?

Deans
Williams M
Williams J
Graham
Foley
Woodman

Anyone else?

 

[Scarfman]

Re: Matt Williams = assistant to Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans

It's not April 1, is it?

 

[Gagger]

Re: Matt Williams = assistant to Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans

Where the fuck is this article from? Have looked everywhere.... :nta:

 

[Lindommer]

Re: Matt Williams = assistant to Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans

Foley's not with the Wobblies, Nod, he's staying at the Tahs next year.

From yesterday's SMH:

Foley stays at Tahs for unfinished business

MICHAEL FOLEY, who for many months was seriously considering giving away coaching, has had a rethink and will commit to being the Waratahs' forwards coach next season.

After the disappointment of missing out on the Super 14 finals, Foley's decision is a major boost for the Waratahs. He is well respected by the players and was highly influential in making NSW the standout forward pack among the Australian provinces. Since late last year, when he left the Wallabies and joined the Waratahs, Foley privately indicated that his involvement at Super 14 level may have been for only one season because of his eagerness to stabilise his family base. The former Test hooker moved straight into coaching when his football career ended in 2001, joining the Bath club in England. After almost a decade coaching in Europe and Australia, including three seasons in charge of the Wallabies pack, Foley was contemplating having an extended break from the game, especially as his young family had been constantly on the move for several years. Foley said it was imperative that he and his family, who are living on the Central Coast, "are able to stay in the one place for a given time, as it is important to provide a solid base". He has also been eager to pursue his studies and he is involved in a postgraduate course in commerce at Sydney University. This had prompted him to consider moving out of rugby.

But Foley said yesterday that there was still "unfinished business" at the Waratahs and that he was eager to continue as part of the coaching staff. Although Foley originally signed a three-year contract with the Waratahs, the NSW Rugby Union hierarchy was aware that there was the strong possibility of an early release. But getting so close to a finals berth has revived Foley's coaching passions. "I have a really deep respect with the mentality of this Waratahs team and I would like to keep going," Foley said. "I am pretty keen to push on and do next year. I have also given the senior players an indication that I am committed to staying on. I enjoyed the season and am particularly proud to be involved with the group of Waratahs who are there at the moment."

Foley has a close relationship with the Waratahs forwards and many credit him for their development. Foley has succeeded in ensuring that the progress made under the previous Waratahs head coach, Ewen McKenzie, has not been wasted and the Waratahs' scrum was again one of the best in the Super 14. The main reason for the Waratahs being a finals threat this season was the prowess of their forward work. The NSW scrum was repeatedly dominant in matches and Foley, who was involved in similar improvements at the Wallabies level, can take a great deal of the credit for that.

Foley is eager to be involved in future Waratahs player recruitment and inquiries have been made to several fringe provincial second-rowers in South Africa and New Zealand, while a number of Sydney club players are being closely scrutinised.

 

[RugbyReg]

Re: Matt Williams = assistant to Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans

That's right. Sorry. I do keep forgetting that. Still a lot of coaches.

 

[mark_s]

Re: Matt Williams = assistant to Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans

I votmited when I read this post. surely deans is way too smart to go near matt williams

 

[Scarfman]

Re: Matt Williams = assistant to Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans

WTF fatprop? Here is the Belfast Telegraphs' version:

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/home-rules-heart-for-aussie-williams-14308666.html

Home rules heart for Aussie Williams

Ulster will begin their search for a new coach this morning after Matt Williams dramatically quit the Ravenhill hot-seat last night.

The Australian, who was only 15 months into his tenure, has cited family reasons for his sudden departure after another disappointing season for the former European Cup champions.

Williams replaced Mark McCall in February 2008 and won his first game against the Dragons at Ravenhill.

Ulster achieved their aim of finishing above Connacht to qualify for this season?s Heineken Cup and Williams started with the policy of blooding younger players. 5 YEAR PLAN !!

This season, with a clutch of new signings at Ravenhill, there was optimism but it quickly disappeared as Ulster lost their first four games in the Magners League and also failed to register a point in their opening two Heineken Cup matches.

The former Leinster and Scotland coach was immediately under pressure but back to back wins over Munster and a Heineken Cup success in Belfast against Harlequins raised spirits but once again Ulster?s season came down to finishing in front of Connacht to secure Ireland?s third Heineken Cup place.

They achieved that feat with three games of the season remaining but defeat at the Scarlets on the final day of the season meant Ulster finished eighth in the Magners League.

Williams? legacy at Ravenhill will be his youth policy, he was never afraid to throw his young guns in at the deep end.

Centres Darren Cave and Ian Whitten are two such players and they are set to make their Ireland debuts against Canada this weekend.

Ultimately a coach is judged by his results and in what has turned out to be his only full season at the helm at Ravenhill, Ulster won seven and lost 11 in the Magners League and won two, drew one and lost three in the Heineken Cup.

Ulster had already lost assistant Steve Williams at the end of the season as his contract was not renewed.

The former Welsh international did a good job in holding things together when McCall went and until Williams came in.

Former Ravenhill favourite Jeremy Davidson will take over as forwards coach and could be among the front runners to succeed Williams.

The former Ulster, Ireland and British Lions star has cut his teeth in the French Top 14 league with Castres and saved them from relegation this season.

Former Welsh coach Gareth Jenkins was being talked about when McCall went and with his international experience could be among the front runners.

Ballynahinch?s skills coach Brian McLaughlin also has the international experience.

He coached RBAI to five Ulster Schools? Cup victories and has over 15 years experience of coaching at Schools?, Under 21 and senior level. He was part of the successful Under-21 coaching team that won two Triple Crowns in 1996 and 1998.

He returned to the Hinch and was part of the coaching staff that saw the Co Down club have a historic season.

An outside bet could be Connacht?s Michael Bradley.

The former Irish international has performed well on limited resources with the Western Province and although they finished bottom of the league they showed their potential with wins over Munster and Leinster. Bradley also acted as Ireland coach in 2008 taking took charge of the team for the game against the Barbarians and during the tour of New Zealand and Australia.

 

[Scarfman]

Re: Matt Williams = assistant to Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans

Another version - still no mention of Wallabies:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/my_club/ulster/8060560.stm

Williams resigns as Ulster coach

Matt Williams stepped down as coach of Ulster on Wednesday night because of family reasons.

The former Leinster and Scotland coach, who took over the Ulster post from Mark McCall in December 2007, is returning home to Australia.

"I have a young family in Sydney and it has become clear that I need to give them more of my time," said Williams.

Ulster have struggled under Williams and the Irish side finished eighth in the Magners League this season.

Williams told BBC Sport on Friday that he would still be in charge at Ravenhill next season.

In a statement Williams said he was leaving Ulster by mutual consent.

Williams believes the team has progressed during his time at Ravenhill and he forecasts a successful future for Ulster.

"I am delighted with the progress of the Ulster players - the team is still in the very early days of their development," he added.

"They have won some excellent victories. There were outstanding performances in this year's Heineken Cup and the win against Harliquins and the defeat of Munster at Thomond Park in the Magners League are the stand out matches.

"We lost too many close games due to our inexperience but that will change with time.

"There needs to be patience and understanding that this team will grow into a powerful outfit in years to come. I am deeply disappointed that I will not be there with them on the journey.

"From Stephen Ferris, Paddy Wallace and Rory Best through to Darren Cave, Ian Whitton, David Pollock and Niall O'Connor, I was privileged to coach Ulster and witness the potential of their talent.

"I have enjoyed every day here in Ulster and am deeply sorry to leave in these circumstances. I will be watching out for them next season, but from Australia."

A sample from the comments on the BBC site attached to this article:

"Family reasons"?? Yeah, right! Not good enough I'm afraid...same story with Scotland. Some signings have been very poor and failed to hold on to key players...mind you, that was hardly his fault with budget constraints. Safe trip home Matt!

 

[Scarfman]

Re: Matt Williams = assistant to Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans

OK - SITUATION NORMAL - RETURN TO YOUR WORKSTATIONS - CODE GREEN

Although if I were fatprop I might be worried about a knock on the door from some G&GR members wielding four-by-twos.

THIS ARTICLE FROM 2005

http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2005/03/02/story176597927.asp

Munster may look to Bradley

By Barry Coughlan
CONNACHT coach Michael Bradley is favoured to replace Alan Gaffney in the Munster hot-seat after the Australian yesterday accepted an offer to return home as assistant to Wallaby coach, Eddie Jones.Bradley's return to his southern roots would spark another IRFU-Connacht storm, but if the Union stick to stated policy and appoint an indigenous coach, Bradley is the clear front-runner.

Connacht chief executive, Gerry Kelly admitted that it would be a "bombshell" to lose Bradley.

"I have not yet been in contact with my fellow officers or with Michael," he said, "but it is something we will have to look at seriously and I will be aiming to discuss it with Michael at the earliest opportunity."

Mr Kelly said that any decision to switch provinces would be completely up to Bradley's. "That would be his own personal decision. He has been wonderful for us. We would hate to lose him."

Gaffney said last night that his decision not to seek a new Munster contract was not one he took lightly. But after almost five years in Ireland, first as assistant Leinster coach to Matt Williams, he felt the time was right to move back home to his native Australia.

It is understood that Munster Branch chiefs were prepared to offer him an extension of the three-year contract he has up to the end of the current season.

"I have loved every minute of my time in Ireland but the opportunity given to me by the Australian Rugby Union was something I could not have turned down. All coaches want to get this type of opportunity at national level and I couldn't die wondering what if. The contract goes on until the end of the World Cup in 2007. OK, it means I am an assistant but I am looking forward to the challenge and it is a great opportunity for me."

What punishment for fatprop? I'm open to any ideas.

 

[fatprop]

Re: Matt Williams = assistant to Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans

:lmao: sorry guys, just a poach from PR that someone looks to have been doctored

http://forum.planet-rugby.com/index.php?t=msg&th=157573&prevloaded=1&&start=80

 

[RugbyReg]

Re: Matt Williams = assistant to Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans

ban him!!!! :angryfire: :angryfire:

 

[Scotty]

Re: Matt Williams = assistant to Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans

I read that whole thread while holding my breath........ I can breath easy again.

 

[mark_s]

Re: Matt Williams = assistant to Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans

Good one to whoever started it, just dont do it again

 

[Lee Grant]

Re: Matt Williams = assistant to Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans

Sucked me in but I had already written the post below; so I'll let it stand.

***************************

I wonder what his duties will be? I can't see Matt Williams being a replacement for the technical stuff that Foley did for them; so it looks like an area will be covered that wasn't before. Deans made a big hoo-haa last year of being lean and mean; so the appoitment is not consistent twith that stance.

I never thought much of him as a coach when he was at the Waratahs and he hasn't had a stellar international career. Fans of the West Harbour Pirates (Lindommer and 3 others) will be rolling their eyes.

But there are two things against criticising the appointment:
- that Deans is not likely to pick a dud

- that Williams has got Ulster competitive this year including thrashing Munster and Leinster. They finished worse than last year at 8th (out of 10) but I remember 3 or 4 heartbreaking losses of just a point or two and winning just one of them would have got them to 5th.

Whatever - to the occasional viewer they looked a lot better team than last year, and if the TV commentators are to be believed, he was held in high regard by the club.

 

[Lindommer]

Re: Matt Williams = assistant to Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans

Too late, the West Harbour posse's left Concord Oval to go to fp's house with a horse and some rope. They asked me about trees nearby. :nta: :nta: :nta:

Bugger. Their phones aren't working. : : :


How's about we treat this thread like a bad dream and delete the whole thing.

 

[cyclopath]

Re: Matt Williams = assistant to Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans

Too late, the West Harbour posse's left Concord Oval to go to fp's house with a horse and some rope. They asked me about trees nearby. :nta: :nta: :nta:

Bugger. Their phones aren't working. : : :


How's about we treat this thread like a bad dream and delete the whole thing.

Why are you gonna string up the horse? What did he do? ;D ;D

 

[formeropenside]

Re: Matt Williams = assistant to Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans

Too late, the West Harbour posse's left Concord Oval to go to fp's house with a horse and some rope. They asked me about trees nearby. :nta: :nta: :nta:

Bugger. Their phones aren't working. : : :


How's about we treat this thread like a bad dream and delete the whole thing.

Why are you gonna string up the horse? What did he do? ;D ;D

Are you sure it wasn't a horse and a barrel?

 

[naza]

Please tell me Pek Cowan is also part of the gag.