Exciting stuff, Bring on the extra season ticket sales

I just can’t believe that IL would be that much of a risk taker or stupid enough to go for something like this.

I’ve said it time and time again but if it’s Edwards and he isn’t coming for 2019, we shouldn’t bother and should move on.

I know people have reservations about Edwards but I haven’t. He’d be nailed on my choice for head coach but not at the expense of Winder filling in for a season. I think it would dishearten a lot of fans, me included.

I agree. I'd love Edwards to return to us. And perhaps there is a bigger picture, i.e not being short-sighted missing out on Edwards for the sake of a season, but this idea of a short term Winder for a season doesn't sit too well.

Absolutely spot on

Why would Winder accept the coaches position knowing that he's going to be sacked/demoted in 12 months? It's not going to happen.

I’m not suggesting this is happening for a second.

However from Winders POV it’s win win

Guaranteed employment on a decent wedge for 12 mins minimum
Looks amazing on a CV
Invaluable experience and little risk
Potential to keep his role once Edwards steps in (hypothetically)

Just for devils advocate.

I thought the same... Win win for Winder.

Unless he's poor and tarnishes his future rep for years to come. In a position which could make him look bad when his hands are tied. Who's team would it really be? He'll not be making any signings and probably have little say with who comes in and who leaves.
Will be be respected by players and coaching staff? Debatable, players know full well he's not in charge after a 12 month max.

As we stand (no new coach confirmed), the current squad are playing for their long term future. They’ll know they have to impress whoever is appointed in order to be part of their long term plans. If they know Winder is getting the job on a caretaker basis, it could lead to complacency and a culture of familiarity that would breed negativity around the club. It’s a dangerous plan but if IL believes it to be the right call, I trust him. Winder would not be my choice but I’d keep my faith in IL & KR and see how things go.

FWIW I would much prefer Edwards to any name in the mix. Especially Furner, who's time at Canberra should be reason enough for us to stay clear.

Fair points however

If the team are poor then he gets the "i had no real control" sympathy vote or get out clause. If hes good he gets the "my hands were tied but just look at what i have achieved" argument.

Even if unsuccessful its just a risk free 12 month apprenticeship. I know we are a results driven organisation but experience either success or failure is still 100% a good thing to have

For the latter, i agree this could (could.) be a factor, however duration of a Head Coach's contract does not strictly equate to the level of respect a HC has. For example its still possible for a HC to lose the dressing room 3 months into a 3 year contract for example. Thats a risk factor for both the coach and his employer for the entire duration of his tenure.

In addition, if we have that type of player at our club that bases respect on nothing other than duration. We need to look at who we are signing.

Hypothesise aside. If i was Winder and this opportunity was offered to me. I would bite IL's hand of from a personal development POV not to mention the potential for a 12 month wage bump compared to now

Coaches aren't always respected for whatever reason I agree, but such an appointment puts Winder onto a back foot from the get-go, players know his position is very short-lived. I personally don't see it as risk free at all, very little is, especially in a management coaching position. If Wigan drop off a cliff during his time as head coach it will certainly reflect on Winder, it can't not. He can throw all the excuses at it he likes, but mud sticks.

Either which way, this type of appointment faces difficulties before it even begins, not ideal.

Can anyone think of a top Rugby League coach who’s never played the game. As far as I’m aware John Winder has never played rugby.

So, assuming you work in a very high profile company, if offered your bosses job for 12 months, you wouldn't take it?

That's a rhetorical question...

Not that black and white, never is. I'd way up the pros and cons before making a decision. (PS are wigan offering me the position? this is exciting).

As i said, rhetorical.... Once in a lifetime opportunity, only a person lacking in ambition wouldn't take it. I'd take the job if they asked me FFS!!

Very short-sighted. Always must weigh up the pros and cons. Also the 'once in a lifetime' label doesn't ring true. Who knows what else is on the horizon in the future. Intelligent decision is to also understand the full landscape and bigger picture.
To say 'only a person lacking in ambition wouldn't take it' is a over simplification and unneeded criticism.

Nevertheless I'm not saying he shouldn't take it, just that it's not always black and white.

Do you have splinters in your ass off the fence?

No further comments from me m'lud.

I gave you an honest answer. Pleased there's no more comments from you. 100% of them offer very little the chat. Often taking the tone down a few notches.

Deacon doesn’t want to come back. Edwards can’t come until after RU World Cup. Winder a big possibility but looking like Lam now I believe.

I really hope that is true, one of the finest attacking talents to play in SL, he could work wonders with Williams.

Of the 20 Grand Finals we have had, I'd argue only 4 have been won by coaches who were outstanding players (Hanley in 1999, and Noble in 2001, 2003 and 2005). With that in mind, I'm very skeptical of the "he was a brilliant player, so he will be a brilliant coach" argument.

I don’t think anybody would argue against this. Great players don’t always make great coaches. Cunningham is proof of that. Conversely, average players can make top class coaches, Madge being a prime example.
The difference with Edwards is his rugby brain. He was streets ahead of anybody else on the field in terms of his vision and he’s proven to have outstanding player management skills at both club and international level. The fact it’s the other code is largely irrelevant to me as his rugby knowledge, experience and core leadership skills are evident enough.