Coaches - who will last the year?

[boof1978]

At the start of the season a few of us had our tips for the first sacked coach and one's who would be sacked throughout the season. I had 1. Chris Connoly, 2. Grant Thomas and 3. Neil Deniher. Safe to say Daniher was a bad call, but the other two are up there. Fair enough the saints have had injuries but so have every other team. Gehrig and Reiwoldt dont look interested, Thomas has had his time he's finished. And Chris Connoly well do we need to say anymore.................

[Beaussie]

I think Connoly will last the season but wont be wanted next year if the Dockers fail to make the 8 and make an impression during the finals. The weekend's game against the Cats over at Subi certainly doesn't bode well for his future.

[Beaussie]

I guess the following was a given. Poor bugger must be feeling the pressure.

Finals or the sack: Connolly
By Courtney Walsh
June 22, 2006
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,86 ... 11,00.html

FREMANTLE coach Chris Connolly yesterday conceded that he had the rest of the season to salvage his career at the Dockers.

A dreadful performance at home against Geelong, following a lost opportunity against Western Bulldogs in Melbourne, has seen the Dockers slip from the eight and Connolly's position come under further scrutiny.

Former premiership coach Robert Walls and Brownlow medal winner Brad Hardie have this week called for Connolly to be sacked.

Walls was scathing on Tuesday, saying Connolly was too soft on his players and was coaching poorly.

Connolly, contracted until the end of next season, dismissed the criticism but agreed that missing the finals would be unacceptable.

"I went into this season with no illusions," he said.

"We need to make the finals and play a brand of footy that is going to win finals. That is the expectation and that sits well with me and I have been strong with that.

"We've got 10 rounds to make it happen, then decisions will be made on all levels."

Despite his denial, Connolly is clearly feeling the pressure.

He hit out yesterday at Dockers fans who had jeered out-of-form defender Byron Schammer against Geelong, telling them to stay home if they were not going to be supportive. Schammer was in good form early in the season but his disposal in recent weeks has been poor.

"He does not deserve to be bronx-cheered," Connolly said.

"He is a class kid (who) has shown his class. He's (just) going through a rough spot.

"There are not many people in the outer who have played AFL football. Don't drop your expectations, but the kid needs more support than bronx-cheers.

"Everyone's frustrated. Work in a way that is going to help us get on track."

Connolly said the Dockers' recent problems stemmed from a lack of confidence and form from several senior players.

But he said that would be rectified by the return of players including Peter Bell and possibly Justin Longmuir.

Despite the poor match against the Cats, Connolly said he "wouldn't write off Fremantle yet".

He said the key was for struggling stars such as Paul Hasleby and Luke McPharlin to find form quickly ahead of the Dockers' next challenge, taking on Sydney at Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday week.