Daily Australian News Thread 2014

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/22...grade/?cs=2439

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THE LOWEDOWN: A-League or b-grade
By DAVID LOWE
April 14, 2014, 10:45 p.m.
TO save some work I really should keep a copy of my columns, particularly the ones that have followed the final round of the regular season, because let's be honest, it's a familiar story, isn't it?

For the fourth season in succession the Jets finished outside the top six, there would be a string of sevens next to their name in the form guide if they were racehorses, and a roller-coaster season came to a regulation - some would argue premature - end.

As Mark Bosnich and Robbie Slater are fond of reminding us: "The table doesn't lie." After 27 rounds, and despite several significant victories, the Jets haven't been consistent enough to make the finals.

Everyone will have a theory, the club will no doubt conduct an internal review, the experts will dissect the pros and cons, but I'm not convinced that anyone is too devastated by the events of the season.

Lots of what ifs, and we can beat anyones, a Golden Boot for Adam Taggart, a good victory to end the season, a fitting send-off for Michael Bridges, and we can all wander home reasonably happy, remarking wistfully "there's always next year".

And so there is, and not just for the Jets. But, in my opinion, it's that kind of attitude that pervades the A-League and, contrary to popular belief, isn't leading to improvement season by season.

Who would be willing to argue that the Wanderers, Mariners, Victory and Sydney FC are noticeably stronger, if any stronger at all, than they were last season?

Brisbane Roar have won the Premiers Plate by 10 points but have looked vulnerable to teams with discipline, organisation and pace on the break.

I enjoy watching them in full flight, but they are by no means untouchable.

Fox Sports commentator Andy Harper is a fan, but he answered my recent question - can Brisbane win the title if Thomas Broich is injured - with "probably not", which says a lot about the German's quality and just as much about the myth of system, style and structures.

Are Brisbane as good as two or three seasons ago?

Adelaide have improved, but is that because they have learned a system, or because a talented side and their coach have adapted and modified their playing style? Do they have the grunt and desire to complement their skill and win a title?

Would the current Adelaide side have beaten John Kosmina's team that included Travis Dodd, Fernando Rech, Ange Costanzo and co. from the A-League's formative years? Irrelevant, you might say, and unprovable, and that may be true, but it is relevant if we are to believe all the messages about improvement.

Melbourne Victory may yet go on to win this year's championship, but you'd have a hard time convincing me that their current side, playing with structure, set rotations and false No.9s, would have lived with the title-winning sides that featured a flying Archie Thompson, Danny Allsopp, Kevin Muscat himself, and the enigmatic Brazilian, Fred, to name a few.

Point being, that with no relegation or promotion there are not too many consequences for mediocre seasons, poor management, poor planning and such - except perhaps for a slight drop in the number of bums on seats.

Are we all happy with a league where every team can beat every other side without too much of a shock? The Mariners and the Victory, who finished third and fourth, both have negative goal differences, the Jets' was zero, and the Heart's, who finished last, was all of minus six.

The Jets have proven they could beat almost any side, anywhere, except Perth unfortunately and tellingly, and I'd back the last-placed Heart with real confidence against anyone if the games were played over 60 minutes, rather than 90.

While the salary cap ensures the sustainability of clubs, does it do so at the expense of improving the top level achievable in our domestic competition?

It's good for fantasy team managers and ensuring that nearly all teams are engaged in the playoff hunt until round 25 or 26, but has it made the standard better?

Believe it or not, I'm not old enough to remember the St George rugby league team that won 11 premierships in a row, but I wonder did everyone get bored with that, or did they drive opponents to improve and catch up? You'd hope it was the latter.

Competing with Barcelona and Real Madrid cannot have been easy over the past decade, but Atletico Madrid have lifted themselves to the semi-finals of the Champions League and the cusp of the league championship because they had to raise their level to compete.

Would it be so bad to have a big-spending team to loathe and berate, from this day forth until death do us part? Someone to sneer at, disrespect at every opportunity, who a victory against would provide the greatest thrill and joy of a season.

If that team were to be near unbeatable would it be so bad? Bayern Munich (reserves) lost their first game since the Royal bub was a twinkle in William's eye the other day, but there is nothing but admiration for their football.

When Sergio Aguero scored that famous late goal for Manchester City, and ended 41 years of trophy-less seasons, many rejoiced for them, but more still rejoiced in the fact that they had denied Manchester United in Fergie-time.

Is top-flight football the domain of sage financial sustainability and an even spread of talent, or of the most powerful clubs harnessing as much playing quality as they can muster, and saying to the opposition "see what you can do to compete"?

So back to the Jets, in particular, and a relatively blank canvas.

What is the strategy? Who is going to steer it? Is the car still in the garage waiting for a driver while others are way down the road with their plans for next season, and beyond.

Has Clayton Zane done enough to retain the job? If he doesn't, why will the next appointment be theoretically better?

The Jets are apparently going through a process to find the best candidate, but surely they should know by now?

Zane, to me, and I hope this doesn't sign his certificate of expulsion, has done a pretty decent job in terms of the football the Jets have played.

Would he be a better coach if Sydney had fallen over against Perth, and the Jets had then defied history and sneaked a win in a semi-final at Gosford against the Mariners?

I think we know the answer to that, but if that scenario had unfolded, we might be hailing him as some sort of messiah.

Whoever gets the coaching gig is starting behind the eight ball in terms of recruiting from the domestic talent pools.

Most players are now contracted for the upcoming year and beyond so if, as we expect, between five and seven players depart the club for a variety of reasons, the Jets are going to have to find some real overseas talent to make a telling difference.

It's a time for reflection, analysis, and yet always of hope. Will anything change, though, or will the fans just be happy to go to games in a largely jovial, convivial atmosphere, and have a pretty competitive mid-table team?

The time of due process has surely expired. Decisions need to be made now, hopefully for the right reasons, unhindered, or unaffected too much by financial considerations.

The hardcore will still turn up. Surely it's time to reward their loyalty with improvement in all aspects of the football club.

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makes some good points about the jets but there's also some serious shit talk when it comes to the development of the league.

it's like he went off on some different tangent and then realised he did so and had to wrap it all up somehow.

onya, lowey.

That's pretty much how all his articles go though, isn't it? He makes some good points but they are all over the shop, some never quite fleshed out and some just completely irrelevant to the rest of the article entirely.

Also I don't believe he has mentioned that for the first time ever, all three Australian clubs competing in the ACL look likely to progress through the group stage.

I usually like Lowey's articles, and while I agree with some parts of that one I struggle to subscribe fully to it, particularly about the stuff not related to the Jerks, TBH.

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Adelaide United FC is pleased to officially announce that Coach Josep Gombau has agreed to terms to extend his contract with the Reds until the 2016/17 Hyundai A-League season.

Gombau’s 2-year extension, which was finalised earlier today, comes on the cusp of the Reds’ participation in the 2013/14 finals series, is a clear message from the Adelaide United hierarchy of the regard held for the former Academy Coach at the Catalan giants, Barcelona.

Since Gombau commenced his tenure last year in mid-July, Adelaide United has being playing a style of football that has caught the attention of the entire A-League. He has also won the hearts of all football fans around the country, through his passion and commitment to the game.

Recently, the Spaniard was voted to lead the FOXTEL All Stars against Juventus at ANZ Stadium on 10 August 2014.

Adelaide United Chairman Greg Griffin stated that the club is clearly delighted to secure the services of Josep and his team with an extension of 2-years which will take him to the end 2016/17 Hyundai A-League season.

“This contract extension gives Josep and the club the opportunity to consolidate and build upon the work already undertaken this season. The entire playing squad and support staff have embraced the desire for Josep to extend his terms at the Adelaide United Football Club.”

Having brought his style of football to the Reds, Josep Gombau has expressed his delight for the extension.

“To make this project work, we need time, and with this time we will be able to produce and achieve this style of football.

“I want to say thank you to the club and to the fans for having confidence in me.

“This extension is also part of my players and I want to share this extension with them.

“I would also like to say thank you for the support to myself and my family, as we are very happy in Adelaide and are grateful to stay for another 3-years.”

The focus now turns to the Reds upcoming Sudden Death Final on Saturday night. The squad will depart tomorrow afternoon for Gosford, where they will take on Central Coast Mariners at Central Coast Stadium. Kick-Off is at 4.00pm ACDT.

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Good news for honorary pissants like me.

wouldn't be surprised if he's been sacked by this time next year

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Originally Posted by parksey

wouldn't be surprised if he's been sacked by this time next year

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Agree the bloke is over rated. FFS one or 2 moments they created last Friday and the rest of the time they offered **** all.

Almost like watching gve and his shit

Wellington have signed Sunderland’s reserve team captain Spaniard Alejandro Gorrin. Looks to be a decent player.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/...midfield/89911

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6T5Fo7Gs_Y#t=113

Isn't bridges meant to be our version of greenacre with all his contacts in England.

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Originally Posted by OmeletteDuFromage

Wellington have signed Sunderland’s reserve team captain Spaniard Alejandro Gorrin. Looks to be a decent player.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6T5Fo7Gs_Y#t=113

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gotta check the goal at 2.01

also since when do hard nutter poms need an u21 premier league. getem in to the seniors or ressies

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Originally Posted by hawk

gotta check the goal at 2.01

also since when do hard nutter poms need an u21 premier league. getem in to the seniors or ressies

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yeah, thats alejandro at 2:01

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Originally Posted by Tommyjet

Isn't bridges meant to be our version of greenacre with all his contacts in England.

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lol, something like that. Despite playing at the highest level in England for years at several clubs, I'm pretty sure the only thing he's ever done for us is give Harry a call.

Remo in.

(In case anyone mentions it, Bridges and Heskey didn't even know each other before Heskey came here)

Didn't they play England yoof team back in the day together???
Hardly makes them close though

Keep bashing bridges coz it saves me having to

Bloody hell :(

http://www.whufc.com/articles/201404...236884_3774196

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West Ham United announce the sad news that forward Dylan Tombides has passed away at the age of 20 following his brave battle with cancer.
Dylan passed away on Friday morning with his family by his side having courageously fought the disease for three years after initially being diagnosed with testicular cancer in summer 2011.

He remained a regular visitor to Chadwell Heath throughout his treatment and his positive attitude and professional approach to his football and training always impressed and boosted his team-mates and coaches alike.

Dylan's amazing resilience and positivity saw him through months of surgery and chemotherapy, while his outstanding talent saw him make his first-team debut in a League Cup tie with Wigan Athletic at the Boleyn Ground in September 2012.

Away from the pitch, Dylan did a huge amount of work to raise awareness of male cancer, supporting the One for the Boys campaign at a number of high-profile events alongside the likes of Hollywood star Samuel L. Jackson, snooker star Jimmy White and fellow Australian Peter Andre.

Dylan was respected by everyone who knew him for his intelligent views on the game and his larger than life character. He was a loving son, amazing brother and well-respected member of the West Ham squad. He will be hugely missed by everyone who had the honour of knowing him.

His passing will be marked by a minute's applause ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture with Crystal Palace at the Boleyn Ground. The Hammers' players will also wear black armbands in his memory.

The thoughts of everyone associated with the Club are with his parents Tracylee and Jim, brother Taylor, his family and friends at this sad time. The Club request that their privacy is now respected and they are allowed to grieve their much loved son and brother in peace.

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Wait, seriously?!

That's horrible news :(

Was just a few months ago that he was back in the U20 side looking to resurrect his national team ambitions. ****ing hell :(

^ That's exactly what I remember reading, that he had just started making his comeback at West Ham this season following his recovery.

Huge, huge shock.
What an outstanding talent he was at that U17 tournament, and more importantly he seemed like a genuinely nice guy.

sooo sad and sooo bloody young :(

I thought he was on the mend aswell. I thought he had beaten it. :( rip.

Very sad day for Australian football. I, like so many others, have followed his young career and health battles and there will be many with sad souls today.

I thought I read he ws beginning to make a comeback but unfortunately not :(

What shit news. Has hit me so hard

That seriously sucks. Sad, sad news.

Bit of overall Jets club news, Coach, heskey & possible transfers, still no real detail though.

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Arnold top target on Newcastle Jets radar

19 April 2014-SBS: Greg Prichard


Graham Arnold is favourite for the Newcastle Jets coaching job while Emile Heskey's status as the club's international marquee is almost certainly over.

The Jets would also look to keep interim coach Clayton Zane at the club, if he is overlooked for the position on a full-time basis.

This is all occuring with question marks over whether Nathan Tinkler, with his well-documented business issues, will continue as the owner of the Jets long-term.

At this stage there have been no concerns regarding cash flow. The World Game has spoken to several Jets players in recent weeks who all said they have continued to be paid on time.

TWG recently sought to put questions to Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop regarding the future of the Jets, including: Have you asked for assurances regarding continued backing of the club by the Hunter Sports Group? What do you make of a recent newspaper report that Tinkler is trying to sell the club, possibly in Asia? And would the FFA step in to financially ensure the future of the Jets if its current ownership fell over without any new owners being in place?

FFA replied with a statement from an unnamed spokesperson, which read: "It’s business as usual for the Newcastle Jets as a member club of the Hyundai A-League. Like all clubs, there’s regular contact with FFA on a range of matters that affect the day-to-day running of a football club.

"FFA is satisfied that the Jets management are well advanced with planning for the off-season activities and Season 10 in 2014/15."

Newcastle had already interviewed three outside candidates for the coaching job before Arnold became available after his recent split with J-League club Vegalta Sendai.

Jets management itself made contact with Arnold and has scheduled further discussions with. An overnight report that Arnold had rejected strong interest from Perth Glory only makes Newcastle seem a more likely vehicle for the one-time Socceroos boss.

Although tt remains to be seen whether Sydney FC makes another play for Arnold, with Frank Farina no certainty to be in charge at the Sky Blues next season.

Zane, who replaced Gary van Egmond mid-season and narrowly missed taking the club to the A-League finals series, has a history of coaching at the Jets going back to the club's youth league and W-League teams.

TWG understands that while Zane remains an option for the coaching job next year, the priority aim of the Jets is to install a more experienced coach who would also be prepared to mentor the highly-regarded former Socceroos striker for a possible future move to the top job.

Newcastle is currently conducting its end-of-season review and Zane would obviously have input into that.

The club is keen to appoint a coach as soon as is practically possible because of decisions that need to be made regarding player retention and recruitment. The new coach's input would be regarded as critical to those decisions.

The Jets have 17 players signed for next season, which means the club has room for up to another six.

Outstanding young striker Adam Taggart, who finished the season clearly on top of the competition goal-scoring list with 16, has been linked with a move overseas.

Taggart is contracted to the Jets next season, but TWG has been told the club would not attempt to stand in the way of a young player keen to try his luck on a foreign stage.

The versatile Josh Brillante and goalkeeper Mark Birighitti are also understood to be possibilities for overseas moves.

The most likely relationship between Heskey and the Jets in the future would involve the former England international striker filling an ambassadorial role on behalf of the club, although a short stint as a guest player is apparently a possibility as well.

Heskey is 36 and has had an injury-interrupted second season with the Jets. However, he finished the season strongly, working well in combinations with Taggart and Joel Griffiths.

Heskey is extremely well-liked and respected within the club because of the support and encouragement he has given other players and the positive image he presents on behalf of the club to existing and potential sponsors.

But he is on a marquee salary and the club has several other important decisions to make with the money available to spend.

TWG has been told Heskey understands the situation. Whether he plays for another club in some other part of the world remains to be seen, but the Jets are keen to have him remain associated with the club beyond his playing days there.
http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/...tle-Jets-radar

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Correct me if I'm wrong, but as it stands, Bridges and Deans both hold the title of "Assistant coach", and surely Zane would want to at least be made an assistant if he were to be demoted.

If a new coach is brought in, then at least one of Deans, Bridges, or Zane needs to be sacked, probably more. That's not even taking into account the fact that a new coach might want his own assistant.

Correct although deans can probably be demoted to women's coach if not sacked

My bet at this stage is bridges assistant and youth team coach, zane first assistant to Arnold. If so we may well have not so up and down season next

Surely one will be bumped off to NYL next season, other two will help with first team duties.

Preferably Bridges to NYL, if he is serious about coaching, he needs to actually do it and not just hang around someone else doing it for a few years.

Alternatively, DEANS OUT.

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Originally Posted by Grimario

Surely one will be bumped off to NYL next season, other two will help with first team duties.

Preferably Bridges to NYL, if he is serious about coaching, he needs to actually do it and not just hang around someone else doing it for a few years.

Alternatively, DEANS OUT.

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Perhaps bridges or deans will be shifted over to the emerging jets, bridges makes more sense, can start small with the emerging jets, all the while he can easily fit in his media work and getting his coaching certification so he can then step up to the NYL.

I still think Arnold will go to sydney though.

What about Pascoe's current role as youth team coach? Is that just temporary or what? Seems like he always pops up in our youth set up, but he's been around in his latest stint for at least a 4 or 5 months now (again, correct me if I'm wrong).

In any case, the whole coaching structure has been a mess for years now. If I were I certain CEO I would be sorting this out right now...

But that's not the CEO's role though at the Jets. The CEO is there to play football manager all day and let HSG run the club.

If that's all it takes... where can I submit a job application?

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Originally Posted by militiamon

What about Pascoe's current role as youth team coach? Is that just temporary or what? Seems like he always pops up in our youth set up, but he's been around in his latest stint for at least a 4 or 5 months now (again, correct me if I'm wrong).

In any case, the whole coaching structure has been a mess for years now. If I were I certain CEO I would be sorting this out right now...

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I could be wrong but I was under the impression that pascoe was only a part time assistant youth coach with the jets and that with his role at hunter sports high he didn't want the full time gig, blokes just been left holding the reins with the constant disruption's with the youth league coach chopping and changing every year.

http://m.footballaustralia.com.au/ne...n-Zane/89049/5

Cheers Pico.
I wonder who the full-time youth coach was then? The Member should be able to confirm this, but Pascoe was definitely acting youth coach for a good number of the NYL fixtures this season.

Middleby out.

Wasn't it inZane?

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Originally Posted by Thomas477

Wasn't it inZane?

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Originally Posted by militiamon

Cheers Pico.
I wonder who the full-time youth coach was then? The Member should be able to confirm this, but Pascoe was definitely acting youth coach for a good number of the NYL fixtures this season.

Middleby out.

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Yes it was Zane.

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Originally Posted by militiamon

Cheers Pico.
I wonder who the full-time youth coach was then? The Member should be able to confirm this, but Pascoe was definitely acting youth coach for a good number of the NYL fixtures this season.

Middleby out.

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Zane was the coach until GVE got arsed and Zane got the top job.

The club under the reigns of Middleby appointed Deans to the job.

For some reason Deans was always on the bench at HAL games when it coincided with Yoof games so wasn't doing it on those days.

Deans was also nowhere to be seen when the HAL commitments weren't happening and it was left to Pascoe to hold the reigns.


Needless to say who was the dumb **** who appointed Deans to the role and never made him do it

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AFTER four points from its last 18 available in the A-League, Newcastle Jets has agreed with Gary Van Egmond to a 'mutual termination' of his contract, in a move aimed at ending the club's mid-season slump and reigniting their A-League playoff hopes.

After a 'mutual termination' Former Socceroo striker Clayton Zane will be handed the job in a caretaker capacity for the rest of the season.

Zane is the current Jets youth grade coach.

Craig Deans will remain as an assistant coach while also taking on the role of National Youth League coach for the remainder of the season.
"After not qualifying for the A-League Finals Series for the last three years, this is a vitally important season for the Club and both parties, the Club and Gary agree team requires a new voice and direction to take us forward," Jets CEO Robbie Middleby said in a statement on Monday.

"Gary has made a significant and lasting contribution to the Jets, winning a Championship in his first term as manager and now, helping to put together a squad of some of the best emerging talent in Australia."

It's understood a meeting planned to discuss the coaching job did not go ahead but a source close to the Jets camp confirmed Van Egmond will be replaced immediately.

It's a massive show of faith in Zane, who just two seasons ago was in charge of the Jets women's team in the W-League before taking on the club's youth team role for the first time last season.

Prior to that, he did some junior coaching in England at Queens Park Rangers after ending a playing career that saw him capped 14 times for Australia.

"In Clayton, we have an ex-Socceroo who has played at a high level in Europe and is a talented young coach," Middleby said.

"Our youth team is currently enjoying its best season to date in the NYL, sitting in second in the competition.

"We have confidence that Clayton will bring a new perspective to take the team forward this year and battle for Finals qualification."


It's understood Jets management will take their time to find a full-time coaching replacement for next season.

Speculation about Van Egmond's future has been rife for months but it's understood Jets officials had planned on waiting until the end of season when his current contract expires before replacing him.

But the team's poor recent form forced a re-think with the team's insipid 3-1 loss to A-League cellar-dwellers Melbourne Heart on Friday night seen as the final straw.

It was the Heart's first A-League win in 20 games but it was the lack of desire shown by the Jets players after they had led 1-0 rather than the result itself that has seen club officials react.

It's understood Van Egmond is "off" with a number of players and sources within the club claim it's his lack of man-management skills rather than his tactical coaching nous that has led to his sacking.

While they remain in the play-offs mix, the Jets have been on the slide for several weeks, winning just one of their past six games and they have only one competition point to show from their past four encounters.

Van Egmond's departure ends his second stint as Jets coach.

His career highlight came at the end of the 2007-2008 season when he led the Jets to an A-League grandfinal win over Central Coast.

But major success has eluded him ever since.

After quitting the club in 2009 to take up a coaching appointment at the Australian Institute of Sport, he returned just prior to the start of the 2011-12 season after the Jets sacked then coach Branko Cullina.

But the club has not figured in the play-offs since.

Remarkably given today's announcement, Van Egmond may not be lost to the club altogether.

He is considered a front-runner to head the club's Emerging Jets junior program in the vacant technical director's role if he wants the job.

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MFKS has nailed it.

But fear not Member, this was all Palmer's evil doing.
I'm sure he forced Middleby into simultaneously appointing Deans as Youth and Assistant coach.
Palmer must have also fixed it so that Deans never actually attended any NYL games in his role as coach.

Praise Middleby!

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Originally Posted by militiamon

MFKS has nailed it.

But fear not Member, this was all Palmer's evil doing.
I'm sure he forced Middleby into simultaneously appointing Deans as Youth and Assistant coach.
Palmer must have also fixed it so that Deans never actually attended any NYL games in his role as coach.

Praise Middleby!

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You need to stop picking on him. It's not constructive.

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Originally Posted by plague

You need to stop picking on him. It's not constructive.

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Firstly the 60 odd pages of the GVE out thread proved to be constructive eventually before the bullet was fired:whistling::grin:


Seriously would love to know why you have changed your tune on Middleby seeing as you were the president of the Middleby out movement until you abdicated the throne.

Please PM me with your reasons and I will not divulge them


Your backflip on this has me intrigued as to why