I was a huge fan of the decision to recruit Lyall Gorman. To have a man with his reputation as a sports administrator in charge is one of the most positive steps the club has taken in years.
However this is now Gorman's big test.
Success comes to football clubs that build a strong back office and build a strong culture but there is no doubt the most important thing to bringing success to any sporting organisation, be it measured in sponsorship dollars or membership numbers, is winning.
Gorman's reputation is built on what he did at the Central Coast Mariners and the Wanderers.
Both clubs enjoyed significant community support and I'd suggest a key reason was the fact they were winners from very early on. How would've the Wanderers faired building a fan base if they had a season like they are having now in their first year? The fact both clubs have won on the field I'd argue is the prime reason for their success off the field.
Gorman's test is now to bring a winning culture to the Sharks and based on the recent history that is a long way away.
It starts and ends with captain and coach and both are failing dismally. I've wanted to give both a fair chance, however based on the first three games they are complete failures in their roles.
Exactly what did they do in the off season? The fact Flanno claimed the loss in round one was due to a lack of passion says a lot. How could they not have passion in round one????? To watch Gallen last night behind the goal posts after the Storm scored try after try and say nothing to his players also says a lot. He is the leader. I'm a senior manager, if I failed to communicate to my staff in difficult times I would be sacked.
The lack of football nous at the club is a worry. Why would anyone recommend the recruitment of Steve Price as assistant. An assistant should be able to provide some of the skills others in the coaching department don't have. It's been clear Flanno can't coach attact, so what do they do, recruit a coach from a club in the Dragons they also fails in the attack department.
The failure to develop players is alarming. We have plenty of stars in our team, yet they are used poorly match after match. Why would anyone recruit Luke Lewis and use him as a battering ram? Look at players who leave the club and look like completely different players, even Chad Townsend is looking good now at the Warriors.
Both Flanno and Gal must go and Gorman is the man who has to do it. However given his lack of League history, who will advise him to do so.
Worrying times.