It would take a pretty bad coach to undo what the club has done right over the past 2 years. I honestly don’t think we’ve changed massively on the field under Holbrook. But the culture at the club and fan interaction has changed and that is good to see. That won’t change now no matter who comes in.
screaming in the family corner, scaring the kiddies
That interview he gave Alan Rooney on radio Merseyside didn't fill me with confidence he's going to be staying
This is the full 1 hour programme, jump to 24.30 for the interview. There's definitely something amiss, and Holbrook says he doesn't like being in this situation, that he's leaving it to his management, and he thinks it'll all be sorted in the next couple of weeks. Alan Rooney tries to pin him down about staying at Saints, but Holbrook swerves giving a clear answer.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p07dfzdc
Thanks. For the first time he sounded very downbeat so I am not sure what to make of that. I guess we should hang on to the bit where he says nothing has changed in terms of his desire to stay but I'd agree it's far from convincing that he is going to.
I could still strangle Alan Rooney.
I've been watching his body language a lot in interviews lately and he seems a bit more edgy and distracted than usual and not his engaging self. You can't blame him being torn if there's a big offer on the table back home. However, from discussions with a few people that know him, his family especially his twin lads, are really enjoying it here. That's priceless.
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Two of his lads are at Liverpool Academy and are apparently very good footballers. Obviously they’ll miss out if he goes back as they don’t have anywhere near the same standard of clubs back in Aus.
My understanding is that it will all be sorted by the 1st August. Looking very likely he’ll be going to the Bulldogs but I guess anything can happen.
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Seems inevitable now sadly.
The early talk in April / May was that he was hopeful a deal would be sorted within a few weeks. The more the weeks have passed without a deal being signed the more likely his head has been turned and he's been lured by the NRL. It'll be sad if he goes but lets hope he leaves with a CC trophy win and GF ring which he would deserve. His coaching record is incredible, I bet his win percentage is over 70%.
If he does go he'll have left us in a good position with a strong squad so whoever gets the job has plenty to work with.
Originally Posted by Despondent Dave
The change in tone of these interviews couldn’t be more apparent:
https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post...ith-st-helens/
https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post...t-helens-deal/
https://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/...o-good-anyone/
NEVER WRITE OFF THE SAINTS
Listening to him on the radio last night he was flat...mono toned and barely audible. We just need to accept it ... shame that its all changed 360 in a few weeks though.
Sounds like he’s been offered a job he can’t really refuse but doesn’t really want to go.
Didn't know his lads were at the Liverpool Academy. He could be really torn between staying here for the sake of his family, or following his coaching ambitions with a plum job in the NRL.
What that Ripley bloke has said on here does make perfect sense - a season shadowing Pay then take over fully the following season, and probably working on recruitment for the 2021 season during that time.
It is a shame but it would be much better if it all got sorted & announced. I doubt one supporter will begrudge him going back to Australia. Just don't want the team dynamic to suffer
I don't think it was 'bullshit'. At the time I think all parties wanted to agree a deal to extend his contract. But subsequently the Bulldogs have - if this Ripley chap is to be believed - made him the sort of offer that is one of the few which would make him consider leaving here. These things happen.
If the Doggies are rebuilding and he wants to take on that challenge then Justin is the perfect fit. If they can promise him shed loads of money for that and a hike in his salary then I wouldn’t blame him for going. The contra argument is that if Saints win the CC and/or the GF then his stock will rise. This will inevitably create interest from other NRL clubs.
The dilemma for Justin is does he take what’s on offer and hopefully finishes on a high at Saints or does he stay to consolidate the excellent job he’s done so far. He may however be fearful that Saints just end up with the LLS again so has to take what’s on the table now!