OK, I'm just setting the scene for my match reports regarding Capalaba Mighty Bulldogs (U15s) next year.
As you know I've been appointed coach of the U15 Doggies, and the preamble goes like this:
Me, an unfancied coach, is given unfancied team to run prior to the 2008 season. I was told at the time I was appointed that I would have hardly any kids turn up for trials owing to the "best" kids having gone to another club after last season when we finished sixth.
Oddly, they have followed the coach who secured that sixth place (the lowest the boys have ever finished) to the other club (?)
At the trials LOADS of kids turned up, and we chose twelve, leaving a couple of spots available for latecomers of the required standard.
During the trials which I ran and oversaw, one senior club coach cast aspersions on what he saw as my rather unorthodox methods (I basically schewed the dribbling around cones deal, preferring the lads to play one whole match, with drinks breaks, to see how they fared in a real game situation).
I told him to take his clipboard and f**k off, that I was sick of his snotty attitude and that I had never liked him anyway.
He chose not to take any more part in the proceedings.
After the letters of acceptance had been sent out, four players replied and said that they would prefer not to take their place in the side, as a better offer had come up.
This happens, especially in U15s, when the clubs who trial early get the tyre-kickers, just trialling for kicks.
So now I'm phoning around known and able players who appear to be stateless, asking what they're up to next season.
Alex Ferguson started out the same way, I hear.