(no subject)
Well this was definitely socking news and it took everyone by surprise. I have to say I wasn't a happy camper about it, I guess I was thinking like a lot of other fans that Graham Murray would be coaching at least a couple more seasons. All I have to say is that if they didn't renew his contract because of any notion that Wayne Bennett would accept coming up here then I'm in agreement with many of the Cowboys fans. If we want to keep Muzza then we have to fight for him. If his assistant coach is up for the main coaching role then that would be a more better choice I reckon, keep it with someone who knows the region, the players and the locals.
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Fans: we'll back Muzz
JOSH ALSTON
(www.townsvillebulletin.com.au)
15Feb08
NORTH Queensland fans are standing up for their coach in the wake of the shock announcement that Cowboys mentor Graham Murray's contract will not be renewed at the end of the 2008 season.
The Townsville Bulletin was inundated with text messages yesterday from angry fans who were baffled at the club's decision to release Murray after almost seven largely successful years at the helm.
In his tenure Murray has guided the Cowboys from underachievers to grand final contenders and many readers believed the decision to sack him could be dire for the club's future.
"Typical Cowboys. Muzz takes us from easybeats to serious contenders and what thanks does he get, shown the door and told `beat it'. You expect loyalty but show none. Pathetic," one text said.
"This man has taken our team from wooden spooners and a downright embarrassment into genuine premiership contenders in a few short years. The club say they are going in a different direction. What's that, back to the foot of the table?" was another angry reader's response.
And the speculation that Wayne Bennett could be next in line for the job has added further fuel to the fire, with many fans saying they will turn their back on the club if the Brisbane Broncos' coach is lured North.
Bennett announced last week that he would stand down from the Broncos at the end of the season and the Cowboys are the short money favourite to provide his new home.
"An atrocious decision, not renewing Muzz's contract - and we don't want has-beens like W. Bennett up here," was one reader's response.
"Luv U Muzz, please stay, Bennett past his use-by date. Cowboys should learn by past experiences with use-by stars. You sure have lost me & co 4 2009," lamented another.
But while the Cowboys are running a huge risk of losing a section of their loyal supporters, club chief executive Peter Parr said he was unfazed.
The club had already braced itself for a huge public reaction to the decision and Parr said it was expected in light of what Murray had achieved for rugby league fans throughout North Queensland.
But he also clarified that the board of directors would not be going back on their decision - even if the Cowboys go all the way in 2008.
"I'm not concerned about it (the backlash). I expect it," he said.
"I expect there will be some backlash because he has been a really key part of the wonderful achievements we've had over the last six or seven years.
"He's very popular, and rightly so, and I expect some public backlash from the fans and the community.
"But the board has taken this decision in what they consider the best interests of the team going forward beyond this year."
___________________________________
Fans: we'll back Muzz
JOSH ALSTON
(www.townsvillebulletin.com.au)
15Feb08
NORTH Queensland fans are standing up for their coach in the wake of the shock announcement that Cowboys mentor Graham Murray's contract will not be renewed at the end of the 2008 season.
The Townsville Bulletin was inundated with text messages yesterday from angry fans who were baffled at the club's decision to release Murray after almost seven largely successful years at the helm.
In his tenure Murray has guided the Cowboys from underachievers to grand final contenders and many readers believed the decision to sack him could be dire for the club's future.
"Typical Cowboys. Muzz takes us from easybeats to serious contenders and what thanks does he get, shown the door and told `beat it'. You expect loyalty but show none. Pathetic," one text said.
"This man has taken our team from wooden spooners and a downright embarrassment into genuine premiership contenders in a few short years. The club say they are going in a different direction. What's that, back to the foot of the table?" was another angry reader's response.
And the speculation that Wayne Bennett could be next in line for the job has added further fuel to the fire, with many fans saying they will turn their back on the club if the Brisbane Broncos' coach is lured North.
Bennett announced last week that he would stand down from the Broncos at the end of the season and the Cowboys are the short money favourite to provide his new home.
"An atrocious decision, not renewing Muzz's contract - and we don't want has-beens like W. Bennett up here," was one reader's response.
"Luv U Muzz, please stay, Bennett past his use-by date. Cowboys should learn by past experiences with use-by stars. You sure have lost me & co 4 2009," lamented another.
But while the Cowboys are running a huge risk of losing a section of their loyal supporters, club chief executive Peter Parr said he was unfazed.
The club had already braced itself for a huge public reaction to the decision and Parr said it was expected in light of what Murray had achieved for rugby league fans throughout North Queensland.
But he also clarified that the board of directors would not be going back on their decision - even if the Cowboys go all the way in 2008.
"I'm not concerned about it (the backlash). I expect it," he said.
"I expect there will be some backlash because he has been a really key part of the wonderful achievements we've had over the last six or seven years.
"He's very popular, and rightly so, and I expect some public backlash from the fans and the community.
"But the board has taken this decision in what they consider the best interests of the team going forward beyond this year."