Dean Ryan Q&A May 2013

The much anticipated Q&A with Dean Ryan got under way with Darren Birch introducing the Warriors new DOR. 300 tickets were printed for this event of which only 20 went unclaimed. Almost a full house awaited Dean on his return a to  Premiership rugby coaching role. 

I have tried to summarise as best I can but these are only my recollections, anything pertinent I have omitted please post for those who were not there.

Dean began by apologising to those who were hoping for Nigel Redman's season review but he wanted to take the earliest opportunity to engage with the supporters.

His day had been spent answering questions from the press but having so many of the Sixways faithful in front of him was quite daunting.

He has formed opinions from the outside working for Sky of what needs to change for the Warriors and his conversations with Cecil rekindled his desire to get back into coaching subsequent to his time with Scotland.

He had open and engaging conversations with Cecil and the board but it has been a huge decision to come back into rugby coaching. But something was nagging in the back of his mind and he had to see if he could be the one to restructure the systems at Sixways to bring the success that the board envisage.

There is no quick fix, there will be serious and fundamental changes that need to be brought about. The most disappointing thing is the disbanding of, what used to be, a strong and reputable Academy, one that rivalled that of Gloucester's when he was there.

The main thing is that the short term pressures of results do not divert the long term path way. There has to be a far reaching plan that has to take priority.

He then invited questions.

Q. How will your job as DOR differ from that of Head Coach?

A. Job titles are not really important and I will be doing some coaching backed up by a new coaching structure underneath. Some of the changes that need to be made will be taking me away from the day to day running of the team but fundamentally the coaching will be down to me. I will be ensuring that the aspirations of Academy players are supported. I will be challenging the board to help achieve the changes needed to alter the culture of worrying about the next 3 months to that of looking to a more long term view.

Q. How do you rate the squad you have inherited and will there be additions.

A. There is a limit to what can be done as the window for signing players has closed herein the Northern hemisphere. There won't be any players brought in unless they are the right fit. The likes of Augstin Creevy present a challenge as in all likelihood he won't be available to the Warriors until December and that needs to be managed. The long term policy will be to develop players to fill the gaps but if there is a player has the right buy in to the culture and help cross the gap then I will bring them in. There will be no big names only those who have the right fit. If we can't fill gaps then we will go with what we have.

Q. What is the feeling amongst the players?

A. I have not had time to assess this as yet but we have to understand as a group that change is not a place that you can hide the baggage that has accumulated over time. The issues have to be faced as a group, new and current players will have to unify quickly. There will be a coaching structure in place which will maximise the playing resources creating an environment that is comfortable for the players and in which they feel they are going to be looked after.

Q. What role is there for this type of supporter event?

A. We need to redefine what it means to be a Warrior and engage with the support, local rugby clubs and the community making this a place that the players care about. Players will engage with this culture or they will move on. Unity and desire is the key.

Q. What can you do to lift the squad?

A. We need to create a relationship where they need to show that they care about the club and the outcomes. Be prepared to sacrifice for the Warriors.

Q. Are the new players here?

A. No not yet and that is one of the challenges. I have met a few of the new players as they have come for medicals and to be shown round etc. With some of the players on international duty over the summer it makes it all the more important for the group to become unified as quickly as possible.

Q. Will there be any part time coaching?

A. Part time coaching has its place and is very good for specifics but makes it difficult to knit the message together. The coaching will be full time.

Q. Penalty counts have been high and late losses have been an issue, how will this be addressed?

A. Pressure in the whole game causes cracks to appear. Inexperience, poor game management and lack of squad quality all contribute to the pressure. I cannot make a player do what I say, we have to put systems in place to improve understanding and support the players when then pressure is on. Mistakes will happen, me telling them not to do things won't make it happen, putting systems in place works much better.

Q. What will be your measure of success in 3 years?

A. That there academy players breaking into the 1st team on a regular basis. A Strong club culture in place and being credible in the Premiership. It is unrealistic to say top 4 or top 6 as there are no easy answers and the quality of the current squad needs help.

Q. The last 5 players we have got into the England set up have left, how will this be addressed?

A. That there is a platform that supports young player in their dream. Good coaching will be the key to that. As for the players who are leaving I want them to be saying in a year “Shit I should have stayed” Currently those players leaving have lost confidence in the ability of the Warriors to fulfil their dreams as players.

Q. Can you tell us the names of your new coaching staff? (Laughter)

A. I am reviewing the process (More laughter)

Q. How soon will the new coaching structure be in place?

A. The right fit is more important than time lines. I will be coaching but there will be good coaching underneath. I must get a coaching team I am confident with.

Q. We could be in a relegation battle next season, which teams will we be up against?

A. I am not going to talk about places or pedal false expectations and there are other squads in a similar situation to ours.

Q. We have had platitudes spouted after games when we were rubbish, will you be honest?

A. I usually say what I think, it's easy to have an opinion but sometimes the brutal truth is not always the best option. You need to find the best way that is supportive to the players.

Q. Here is a test of honesty - Was that a tip tackle on Goode by Flood? (laughter)

A. Without a doubt (laughter)

Q. What style of rugby will the Warriors be playing under you?

A. I prefer an attacking style but you can't make a style fit a squad you have to use the strengths of the squad. We won't be just nullifying the opposition but just throwing it about and losing isn't an option either. I admire the way that Claremont play with power and pace but we have to do what the group can to. This will be formulated over the summer.

Q. What has Exeter got right that we have got so wrong?

A. They have had the nucleus of the right people for a long time and have been able to build on that. But it's not a template that can be applied as a theoretical exercise as it is their recipe for success and fits their systems. There will be some stripping back as we need to build Worcester foundation from which to build success.

Q. There has been a vote on Saturdays vs Friday Night games, which do you prefer?

A. From a team preparation point of view Saturday's are the best fit for the working week. A change of experience is always good but Friday game compromise preparation and recovery.

Q. Is your role as a Sky pundit going to be useful ?

A. TV lost traction with the elite game and I hope that I gave an insight to the how the game works at the top. It is much easier to have clarity of thought when you are not emotionally involved in the game. In general the best sides win the poor sides don't, Will this help me to be calmer, probably not! (Laughter)

Q. Will you come back and talk to us again?

A. I will come back any time I am asked I want the forum to be open and honest. We all need to go in the right direction even if some of the things that need to be said are not easy listening.

Q. Do referees see Worcester as being in the wrong?

A. When a side is under pressure the human thing is to see the other side as being better. Refs are human, more's the pity ! (Big grin) Sides under pressure will always be seen as the transgressors.

Q. Would you like to see the TMO available for all games?

A. Yes, now that they can go back in the play for infringements I think that it is fairer to have the TMO available for all premiership games

Q. How does your wife feel about you coming back to coaching and what was said 3 weeks ago on Sky?

A. My family has been a huge part of my decision, I couldn't put them through it again if they were not happy. My partner has been supportive and said I need to do what I want to do. Barnesy was doing what he does best but that is all I will say on the matter.

Q. There have been reports of decisions being made by committee at Sixways, how much control will you have?

A. I will be in control of all of it! I won't have complete autonomy any business needs to be accountable. But there will be engagement with the board at all levels. All rugby decisions will be mine. There needs to be leadership, sometimes shared but not just yet. Player empowerment with responsibility and a clear direction is what is needed.

Q. What is your opinion of the “Welsh” Lions?

A. Matt Stevens? Didn't see that one coming I thought that Euan Murray was unlucky. Warburton as captain is brave. A lions captain needs to hold everything together when some players get fed up that they haven't been selected and that can be divisive, I thought that Brian O'Driscoll, with his greater experience may have been a better choice. But Warburton has the credentials

Q. What do you think of Sarries artificial pitch and would you like to see one at Sixwyas.

A. I am old fashioned in that I like the different conditions that a grass pitch gives you. The best grass pitches are better in September and April and the artificial will be better in December. But we shouldn't sanitise the game to make the conditions the same all the time, so grass pitches please.

Dean then thanked us for our attendance in such numbers and asked us for our support as it is very much needed. The real issues need to be addressed and our help is vital.

So Dean Ryan has talked the talk, we all know there have been management issues in the past, just speak to Marcel Garvey or Willie Walker, but we need a DOR who can walk the walk so I guess the jury is still out till at least Christmas!