Tykes to be Mercerless?
Safe hands
By WW
November 26 2014
In an act of breathtaking decisiveness the board have not sacked Gary Mercer despite those members of the press corp who take an interest in the club saying that he has been axed. The club have moved quickly to quash 3 days of rumours with a brief statement which makes everything clear,
Gary Mercer did not have the ideal start to his tenure. It was 9 weeks before the club announced his arrival meaining that he had no time to work with the players before the season started. Too many changes made too soon makes life difficult for any coach. Add to that the bizarre transfer moves made by the directors in the close season and there you have it - a recipe for disaster.
We are lucky to have the B&I cup break before our trip to Jersey. This will give Tommy McGee some time to restore morale and get the squad playing rugby that they are comfortable with. He has some big problems to surmount but will be helped by the return of key players who had not been involved in the early season ordure.
On Friday night the lads are in South Wales. This has to be week 1 of the recovery programme so the result is secondary to the performance. I do not expect an overnight transformation but the green shoots of recovery might just pop up during the match.
On the second weekend in December we travel to Clifton Lane. Roth will be looking to further underline their credentials as the best club in the county. That will be a good indicator of any progress made ( it will also be a cracking day out for the fans). If we get anything from that match it will be game on for Jersey. If we get nothing from that match we then have the Warriors to contend with.
There are no easy fixtures for us. Every club will be looking to take points off us whilst we are still in turmoil. Tommy will stop the rot, of that I have no doubt. My only worry is that it is too late to salvage anything this season other than our pride.
Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: TykesRugby.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 26/11/2014 06:20
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2015:02:04:17:39:04 by Gelbel.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2015:02:04:17:39:04 by Gelbel.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: Bobba (IP Logged)
Date: 26/11/2014 09:46
Well. That makes things perfectly clear! GM has not been sacked but T McGee takes charge of the team affairs on the pitch. Perhaps the Board intend to promote GM for the excellent work he has done as head coach in the three months of his tenure?
Come on Sir Ian, we are sick to our back teeth of waffle and misinformation from the Board. Let us finally have some honesty!
Come on Sir Ian, we are sick to our back teeth of waffle and misinformation from the Board. Let us finally have some honesty!
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: John R (IP Logged)
Date: 26/11/2014 10:00
Maybe Mercer will be our next Director of Rugby?
We may know later this year.......or early next year?
Up the Yorkshire TYKES - Tommy's Brigade !
We may know later this year.......or early next year?
Up the Yorkshire TYKES - Tommy's Brigade !
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: Bobba (IP Logged)
Date: 26/11/2014 10:39
WW I agree that GM did not have the best start at Headingley. The del,ay in appointing him, the lack of pre season with the players the players recruited by the Board may not have been his choice of player. But, he has been at Headingley for three months. He has had the opportunity to spend time with the players, explain to them and coach them into his vision of how they should perform. But what has he actually done? We have regressed into a less than mediocre side in the Championship. Sorry but sympathy? Not a chance.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: Timofe (IP Logged)
Date: 26/11/2014 13:10
Presumably he has not been "sacked" because to do so would trigger contractual wranglings. I suspect that before long we'll see that he has "agreed by mutual consent to leave the club", once his severance deal is sorted out.
Either way, I can't feel sorry for a man who took an attacking team with flair and turned them into a stumbling team that can't even beat the bottom team in the division. Hopefully, Tommy and Vicks can turn that around quickly.
Suffering on the Leeds and Yorkshire roller-coaster since 2001
Either way, I can't feel sorry for a man who took an attacking team with flair and turned them into a stumbling team that can't even beat the bottom team in the division. Hopefully, Tommy and Vicks can turn that around quickly.
Suffering on the Leeds and Yorkshire roller-coaster since 2001
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: Carnegiette1 (IP Logged)
Date: 26/11/2014 19:28
Well said Tim- agree with all of that
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: rotherhamtillidie (IP Logged)
Date: 26/11/2014 19:40
He has been employed for such a short period that he has fairly weak employment protection. I suspect he will "leave by mutual consent", but whether he gets paid for his notice period or the full term of the contract may well depend on the leeds management generosity more than what he's legally entitled to.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: Tassigny74 (IP Logged)
Date: 26/11/2014 20:33
Either way, I can't feel sorry for a man who took an attacking team with flair and turned them into a stumbling team that can't even beat the bottom team in the division. Hopefully, Tommy and Vicks can turn that around quickly.[/quote]
im afraid that team with flair was dismantled as soon as the season finished. the team we have now is really a new team. feel a bit sorry for gm tbh. they always say it takes a few years to build a team. Gibson / Hetherington etc are most to blame imo.
im afraid that team with flair was dismantled as soon as the season finished. the team we have now is really a new team. feel a bit sorry for gm tbh. they always say it takes a few years to build a team. Gibson / Hetherington etc are most to blame imo.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: leemingtyke (IP Logged)
Date: 26/11/2014 22:07
Quote:Tassigny74
im afraid that team with flair was dismantled as soon as the season finished. the team we have now is really a new team. feel a bit sorry for gm tbh. they always say it takes a few years to build a team. Gibson / Hetherington etc are most to blame imo.
This, especially the last sentence.
Since relegation they've steered the club with all the skill, vision and strategic forethought of a panic stricken child in a dodgem car.
Mercer wasn't very good, but to blame him for the position we currently find ourselves in is wrong imho.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: Carnegiette1 (IP Logged)
Date: 26/11/2014 23:37
Yes we lost a lot of good players.
But we still have a lot of good players, who in the last few weeks have been playing more and more cluelessly. With lack of confidence, at times they look like headless chickens.
I am sure that Mercer has not been coaching them to drop the ball.........
A good coach provides the environment for a teamwith the ability we still have, to succeed. That is not happening.
I was lucky enough to see our only confident league win in Cornwall in September- Mercer was 4 days into the job......
Am I sorry it hasn't worked out? Yes of course, for him and the club. But would I be sorry to see him go? No not at all
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:11:26:23:40:22 by Carnegiette1.
But we still have a lot of good players, who in the last few weeks have been playing more and more cluelessly. With lack of confidence, at times they look like headless chickens.
I am sure that Mercer has not been coaching them to drop the ball.........
A good coach provides the environment for a teamwith the ability we still have, to succeed. That is not happening.
I was lucky enough to see our only confident league win in Cornwall in September- Mercer was 4 days into the job......
Am I sorry it hasn't worked out? Yes of course, for him and the club. But would I be sorry to see him go? No not at all
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:11:26:23:40:22 by Carnegiette1.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: JDH (IP Logged)
Date: 27/11/2014 10:44
Me neither. It hasn't worked out.
Will it affect potential new owners? I think current situation is fairly minor compared to the task of getting a team to win promotion then stay in the ap.
Will it affect potential new owners? I think current situation is fairly minor compared to the task of getting a team to win promotion then stay in the ap.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: Wildwillie (IP Logged)
Date: 27/11/2014 11:37
If I was a potential buyer I think the biggest issue for me would be the lack of a fan base.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: JDH (IP Logged)
Date: 27/11/2014 12:00
Which would increase with winning rugby and promotion. As discussed many times, we would get decent support if we were a ap team that could compete. Even better if that team is full of Yorkshire developed players.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: leemingtyke (IP Logged)
Date: 27/11/2014 12:52
Quote:Carnegiette1
Yes we lost a lot of good players.
But we still have a lot of good players, who in the last few weeks have been playing more and more cluelessly. With lack of confidence, at times they look like headless chickens.
I am sure that Mercer has not been coaching them to drop the ball.........
A good coach provides the environment for a teamwith the ability we still have, to succeed. That is not happening.
I was lucky enough to see our only confident league win in Cornwall in September- Mercer was 4 days into the job......
Am I sorry it hasn't worked out? Yes of course, for him and the club. But would I be sorry to see him go? No not at all
I completely agree with you Carnegiette. GM should be doing better with the resources he has available and that's why I am also glad that it looks like he will be replaced.
However:
GM didn't appoint himself.
GM didn't dismantle last seasons team.
GM didn't make any of the new signings.
GM didn't appoint Jimmy Lowes (a fantastic coach but one who was always going to return to RL at the first opportunity).
GM didn't squander 4 million quids worth of P Shares money and refuse to give an adequate explanation of where it went.
And Gary Mercer didn't decide to try and form practically a whole team from loanees when we were first relegated.
We're in the s@#te because of consistently poor decision making by the senior management - that's the root cause. All GM has done is increase the depth.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: Wildwillie (IP Logged)
Date: 27/11/2014 13:17
Quote:leemingtyke
We're in the s@#te because of consistently poor decision making by the senior management - that's the root cause. All GM has done is increase the depth.
...from quite deep to deep!
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: JDH (IP Logged)
Date: 27/11/2014 14:28
With regards to dismantling last years team. What choice did they have? All that left wanted to leave leeds. They were offered deals to stay but moved on to bigger clubs.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: Bran (IP Logged)
Date: 27/11/2014 14:51
Jdh slightly un-fair. There was at least one player who was messed about by gibson durring negotiations of his last contract. He then signed a 1 year extension. If I were him id have been looking for work before the ink dried. Loyalty has to work both ways from the players and the club. Gibson thinks he's in charge of one of the premiership big boys
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: JohnnyP (IP Logged)
Date: 27/11/2014 20:13
GM did leave us with one 10 though and it's been all down hill from there.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: JDH (IP Logged)
Date: 27/11/2014 20:17
Do you mean burdon? That's one player. Did he not want to sign a 1yr deal rather than a longer term deal?
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: almostatyke (IP Logged)
Date: 27/11/2014 20:26
Or Kirsty, who was offered a deal, hesitated, then the club said the offer was withdrawn and played a game.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: Bran (IP Logged)
Date: 27/11/2014 22:13
Kirsty is the one that came to my mind straight away.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: JDH (IP Logged)
Date: 27/11/2014 22:34
Either way players move on from all clubs and you never quite know if the signings you make will be a success or bed into the group. Just look at glaws.
New owners need a sustained cash flow and willing to push for a few seasons to get promotion. Abit like bristol but hopefully with more luck.
Then when promotion comes the difficult job starts
New owners need a sustained cash flow and willing to push for a few seasons to get promotion. Abit like bristol but hopefully with more luck.
Then when promotion comes the difficult job starts
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: JDH (IP Logged)
Date: 28/11/2014 22:23
Very interesting. I do like tommy. He talks straight forward sense
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: John R (IP Logged)
Date: 29/11/2014 11:27
I'm with Tommy!
Very sensible logic.....it does take time.....
Up Tommy's Yorkshire TYKES !
Very sensible logic.....it does take time.....
Up Tommy's Yorkshire TYKES !
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: almostatyke (IP Logged)
Date: 13/12/2014 16:57
Excellent news!
Well spotted Stig.
Well spotted Stig.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: Dr Jabber2 (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2015 19:24
Happy New Year All.
I took my mate to the fans evening at HC when GM was announced as the new Coach.We both both enjoyed the evening, and the banter.
He has been in Northern Thailand for the past fpur months lucky sod,ans will be sure to ask"What has happened to Gary Mercer"?.
Despite my best efforts i can`t seem to find a definative answer.Any one care to enlighten myself.
Also i have noticed that Mark C no longer active on this board?
Ta
Dr J
I took my mate to the fans evening at HC when GM was announced as the new Coach.We both both enjoyed the evening, and the banter.
He has been in Northern Thailand for the past fpur months lucky sod,ans will be sure to ask"What has happened to Gary Mercer"?.
Despite my best efforts i can`t seem to find a definative answer.Any one care to enlighten myself.
Also i have noticed that Mark C no longer active on this board?
Ta
Dr J
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless?
Posted by: bspa2 (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2015 22:57
In mid-December, they were still negotiating.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: Gelbel (IP Logged)
Date: 04/02/2015 17:38
From offy
Yorkshire Carnegie have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Head Coach Gary Mercer that will see him leave the club with immediate effect.
Yorkshire Carnegie Chief Executive Gary Hetherington commented, "We would like to wish Gary the very best for the future and thank him for his efforts since joining the club. Unfortunately for both ourselves and Gary, things have not worked out how we all had hoped back in the summer however both parties can now move forward having concluded this mutual agreement."
Yorkshire Carnegie have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Head Coach Gary Mercer that will see him leave the club with immediate effect.
Yorkshire Carnegie Chief Executive Gary Hetherington commented, "We would like to wish Gary the very best for the future and thank him for his efforts since joining the club. Unfortunately for both ourselves and Gary, things have not worked out how we all had hoped back in the summer however both parties can now move forward having concluded this mutual agreement."
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: Haxbytyke (IP Logged)
Date: 04/02/2015 18:11
And hopefully we can look forward to an official announcement regarding his replacement.
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: almostatyke (IP Logged)
Date: 04/02/2015 18:33
What are the rumours on:
1) Why he went wrong: was there a player revolt?
2) How much did he get?
Twitchy nets syndrome I'm afraid.
1) Why he went wrong: was there a player revolt?
2) How much did he get?
Twitchy nets syndrome I'm afraid.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: oopnorth (IP Logged)
Date: 04/02/2015 21:24
Such speculation though interesting is not helpful in the long run. Hope he moves on to a good place.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: bspa2 (IP Logged)
Date: 04/02/2015 23:46
Reason? - just compare the styles of rugby of three successive coaches (JLo, Mercer, Tommy).
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: North needs success (IP Logged)
Date: 05/02/2015 08:08
And who started that style.......Diccon !
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: ellishicks (IP Logged)
Date: 05/02/2015 10:01
Not until Tommy had sorted out the pack!
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: Bobba (IP Logged)
Date: 05/02/2015 10:04
Thank goodness for small Mercers.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: Rocky (IP Logged)
Date: 05/02/2015 10:13
I have sympathy for Mercer but he appeared to make mistakes and tried to change totally a type of play which, with some modifications, could have been the way to progress the club.
The simple fact is that we as a club have the facilities to be a Premiership team but we don't have the resources (financially) to compete. If you look at the signings and squad additions from the likes of Bristol and Worcester you can see how we have slipped back.
Tommy has a tough job ahead but there is no rush to appoint him in the top job permanently. He needs to have the rest of the season as an extended interview, if we see significant progress than he will have earned his contract.
The simple fact is that we as a club have the facilities to be a Premiership team but we don't have the resources (financially) to compete. If you look at the signings and squad additions from the likes of Bristol and Worcester you can see how we have slipped back.
Tommy has a tough job ahead but there is no rush to appoint him in the top job permanently. He needs to have the rest of the season as an extended interview, if we see significant progress than he will have earned his contract.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: Haxbytyke (IP Logged)
Date: 05/02/2015 11:12
Disagree with the last paragraph Rocky. The club needs stability, and what sort of message does it send out to Tommy, and the players if he is not appointed now. After all he has been on the fringes for a couple of seasons now. How will we get players to stay, and new ones to come in if there is uncertainty about who will be coach? I'd give him a 2 year contract to start with, from where we are now that gives everybody a chance to concentrate on improving our fortunes, and not worry about having a job tomorrow.
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: Leggs (IP Logged)
Date: 05/02/2015 12:46
I agree with Hax.Tommy should be given a two year contract and all the support he needs to get us back in the Prem
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: ellishicks (IP Logged)
Date: 05/02/2015 16:52
Although I suspect the sun got to him on Sunday.... I agree with Hax!
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: Carnegiette1 (IP Logged)
Date: 05/02/2015 19:35
Agree with Rocky, the signs are good with Tommy but there is no rush surely?
The results have to come - get through February unbeaten and that would show progression
The results have to come - get through February unbeaten and that would show progression
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: Rocky (IP Logged)
Date: 05/02/2015 20:04
I understand your perspective Hax and I think Tommy is a nice guy but his results thus far are not good enough to be given the job. If we were to win every game in Feb than I would soften but since TM took over our results were
WWWWLLLLW, about a 55% win rate with 4 games (3 wins and 1 defeat) coming in a cup competition which wasn't a priority for the clubs we faced.
I don't think giving Tommy a deal right now will make a massive difference, if we do well in the coming few months than that will count for more in my opinion.
WWWWLLLLW, about a 55% win rate with 4 games (3 wins and 1 defeat) coming in a cup competition which wasn't a priority for the clubs we faced.
I don't think giving Tommy a deal right now will make a massive difference, if we do well in the coming few months than that will count for more in my opinion.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: leemingtyke (IP Logged)
Date: 05/02/2015 22:21
I absolutely agree with Rocky.
It's vital, absolutely vital, that we get the right man in the Head Coach role. We have to find our Mallinder, Baxter or Richards.
As has been previously mentioned, it's a very big February for us. Lets see where we are at the end of it. Tommy may well be the right man, it's just too early to tell.
It's vital, absolutely vital, that we get the right man in the Head Coach role. We have to find our Mallinder, Baxter or Richards.
As has been previously mentioned, it's a very big February for us. Lets see where we are at the end of it. Tommy may well be the right man, it's just too early to tell.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: Tassigny74 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/02/2015 09:52
they always say it takes 4 years to build a team, if tommy is to be coach (and I have no strong feelings either way tbh) , he needs 3/4 years + money.
realistically were not a big draw for a coach (unless your an ex rhino) , we would struggle to get a better coach .
the old board allowed the team to brake up that's why were struggling.
realistically were not a big draw for a coach (unless your an ex rhino) , we would struggle to get a better coach .
the old board allowed the team to brake up that's why were struggling.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: aitchw (IP Logged)
Date: 06/02/2015 23:51
I think Tommy is doing OK, signs of improving results even if performances are erratic.I wouldn't be rushing in with contract offers yet but hope he is given every incentive to continue the good work knowing a permanent position is there if the results are. You can't in all honesty say this is a star group of players but they proved against Bristol that they can be competitive and good enough to challenge in the Championship. Tommy just needs to achieve some consistency in their performances.
On another note, Mallinder, Baxter and Richards didn't emerge fully fledged onto the coaching stage, they had work to do and who's to say Tommy can't develop into really good coach in time.
On another note, Mallinder, Baxter and Richards didn't emerge fully fledged onto the coaching stage, they had work to do and who's to say Tommy can't develop into really good coach in time.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: Haxbytyke (IP Logged)
Date: 07/02/2015 09:45
The LLLL sequence is against Bristol twice, Wuss, and Scottish, the three top teams in the league. Considering we were in a position to win every one of those games, I think the board should show they want to put the club on a stable footing, and do away with any uncertainty and give TM the job.
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: leemingtyke (IP Logged)
Date: 07/02/2015 13:16
Quote:aitchw
On another note, Mallinder, Baxter and Richards didn't emerge fully fledged onto the coaching stage, they had work to do and who's to say Tommy can't develop into really good coach in time.
Well absolutely, that's why I said that Tommy could well turn out to be our man
I think we just need a little more proof before we go rushing in with a long contract
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: Wildwillie (IP Logged)
Date: 07/02/2015 14:00
No more faffing about...get it sorted!
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: JDH (IP Logged)
Date: 07/02/2015 16:30
Lets just hold off that appointment for now!
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: ellishicks (IP Logged)
Date: 07/02/2015 16:33
Quote:JDH
Lets just hold off that appointment for now!
So.. we manage without a coaching structure in place?
I don't know who people think we're going to get. As far as I can see, we wouldn't exist without the academy.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: JDH (IP Logged)
Date: 07/02/2015 16:36
For now i said.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: leemingtyke (IP Logged)
Date: 07/02/2015 21:21
Quote:ellishicks
So.. we manage without a coaching structure in place?
I don't know who people think we're going to get. As far as I can see, we wouldn't exist without the academy.
You know what, you're right.
Quick, find the nearest bloke with a coaching badge and give him a 5 year contract.
The fact is we have got the academy and consecutive head coaches have failed to make the most if it. Even more reason to make sure we have the right man which may or may not be Tommy.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: Haxbytyke (IP Logged)
Date: 08/02/2015 13:21
The rumours, and please lets leave it at that, have already started about our players. IF they don't know who will be at the helm at Headingley next season, what incentive is there for any of them to stay.
The over riding impression I got from many of them yesterday was, that the structures are in place to give us every chance to be challenging for promotion over the next couple of seasons. That will not happen, if we have the usual merry-go-round of ins and outs.
Lets get some stability at the club. 4 coaches in 3 years is more than enough for anybody.
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
The over riding impression I got from many of them yesterday was, that the structures are in place to give us every chance to be challenging for promotion over the next couple of seasons. That will not happen, if we have the usual merry-go-round of ins and outs.
Lets get some stability at the club. 4 coaches in 3 years is more than enough for anybody.
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
Re: Tykes to be Mercerless - confirmed
Posted by: Carnegiette1 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/02/2015 18:00
You know what Hax I am coming round to what you are saying. I posted on the other thread that what I did like about Tommy's post match interview was that he looked and sounded as pi$$ed off as I felt. I like that honesty and I like his commitment.
I am starting to believe that there is a plan for the club going forward (will hear more on 17th) . We have to stop the chopping and changing and get some stability- let's see what the reaction is next week
I am starting to believe that there is a plan for the club going forward (will hear more on 17th) . We have to stop the chopping and changing and get some stability- let's see what the reaction is next week
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