Glasgow and Edinburgh 28 and Counting - The banter goes on!

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28 and counting, where do we get the energy!

Another Glasgow re-signing coming up this afternoon, following on from the White Rhino, the animal theme is hinted at again. Who could that be?

Ancient history:

https://www.606v2.com/t70348p1000-glasgow-and-edinburgh-unceasing-banter-thread-27#4033843

tigertattie wrote:Lam wouldn’t touch Glasgow with a barge pole.

Scotland on the other hand…………..

.... He wouldn't touch with a deep sea drillbit

Surely the time has come for Al Kellock to step forward and take the top job at Glasgow? Long overdue. Ryan Wilson could be a co-head player coach, perhaps in charge of discipline, and Bob Harley can coach the backs. It would be a novel structure, to be sure, but the seamless passing on of that intangible essence that is the "Warriors DNA" would be assured.

I know he wants to go back to NZ, but I'd throw the kitchen sink at getting Chris Boyd to stay for a couple more years on these shores. I think he's done terrific things with Northampton and his style of play would really suit the Glasgow squad.

If you're willing to wait a year you can have Toonie back after the World Cup Group Stage exit, although you'll have to ship out Huw Jones again and fork out for Chris Harris....

I think Glasgow fans need to majorly lower their expectations here. All the coaching manoeuvres are already locked in place for next season, so the pool of options will be very small. Glasgow are an absolute basket case of a club and the coach will need at least a season to get who he wants, as most of the player transfers will already be locked in place for next season!

It won't be Lancaster.

I actually think John Dalziel is the most obvious choice, as much as it will shaft Scotland.

I would not be unhappy with Dalziel, but as RDW says, hard to square that with Scotlands needs.

Interesting to see how this one pans out.

Agreed on Lancaster. His stock has risen since his England tenure. In fact if Rob Baxter doesn't want it England could do worse than going back to Lancaster. Steve Borthwick perhaps, or maybe even Andy Farrell, but Lancaster would/should be in the running.

Never heard of Dalziel, so it'll probably be him. If you want a Scottish option you could have Duncan Hodge. His effect on the Edinburgh backline could best be described as astonishing....

I think Dalziel's coaching trajectory will lead to a head coach job as he's done well at every role he's been given, but this probably earlier than planned.

Kenny Murray another potential given how well he knows the club, but very much uninspiring as an appointment.

We've been talking about Kenny Murray on here for over a decade. Pretty sure the Ayr brigade on here reckoned him the next Steve Hansen back in the day. As you say, an uninspired choice.

Despite Glasgow being a bit of a mess, I agree with the earlier comment and reckon it's a very appealing prospect for an attack minded young coach with something to prove. With the new recruits and a fit squad, the XV looks useful and is underachieving.

Lads, your stars are aligning…. Duncan Hodge is dusting off his coaching tracksuit as we speak

TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:Lads, your stars are aligning…. Duncan Hodge is dusting off his coaching tracksuit as we speak

Bwahahaha can you imagine

I called it. What can I say.

Danny Wilson used to to get the boys to rate their own performance in attack and defence as a number between 1 and 10. You go up in public and write the numbers next to your name on a whiteboard.
Danny boy would then write his own figures for you (usually much lower) right beside your numbers  - again in front of everyone. What. a. knob.

Also get rid of Kellock as Managing Director please. He annoys the crap out of me.

Glasgow are f-ucked though - what a $hit time to fire a coach. Should have been done 6 months previously, when the writing was on the wall, to get the new guy in well before pre-season (which will essentially start in about 6 weeks). This reeks of petulance and panic from Dodson.

This is the logical conclusion to the panicky decision of giving Gregor Townsend the Scotland head coaching role 5 years too early, and getting rid of Vern Cottar.

A national team now stalled through an inexperienced coach, and all of Townsend's good work at Glasgow now essentially undone, and then some.

Cheers Dodson.

There's a couple of Scottish coaches at the Dragons - Simon Cross (defence) and Gordon Ross (backs). Would you like them back?! Although I appreciate they've got a pretty tough job to do with our lot So they might actually be pretty decent!

Don't hold back Mcsweens, let it all out!

Could also persuade Alan Solomons to not retire...

The Oracle wrote:There's a couple of Scottish coaches at the Dragons - Simon Cross (defence) and Gordon Ross (backs).  Would you like them back?!  Although I appreciate they've got a pretty tough job to do with our lot  So they might actually be pretty decent!

If Gordon Ross is anything like he was playing as a coach then you're alright, please keep him! I can barely remember Simon Cross only that he wasn't the good Cross.

RDW wrote:Could also persuade Alan Solomons to not retire...

He's done a fine job at keeping a heavily funded premiership side strictly mediocre. Can't get too big for their boots!

I think throw the kitchen sink at getting Roddy Grant back. He was a player's player and the kind of person scotstoun needs at the moment. Also with Big bad Bob going there's a vacancy for a ginger in the leadership group.

Robertson in the Mail, reckons that Lancaster is the number one choice and is being approached.


Maybe a long shot but certainly worth a try.

I'd be amazed.if Lancaster is interested.

He's very much hit the ceiling in terms of where he can go at Leinster,.but there will likely be much more high profile club jobs and maybe even an international coaching job in the next year or two.

funnyExiledScot wrote:Agreed on Lancaster. His stock has risen since his England tenure. In fact if Rob Baxter doesn't want it England could do worse than going back to Lancaster. Steve Borthwick perhaps, or maybe even Andy Farrell, but Lancaster would/should be in the running.

He won't be. Was disliked by the players, mainly due to his love of having meetings about future meetings. Performances on the field were not good and lacked Innovation and left England with the embarrassing record of only world cup host not to make it out the group stages. I'd be surprised if he got any job in England let alone the big one.

Borthwick, Baxter, Farrell, Edwards and maybe Skivington and Cockerill I'd expect to be on the shortlist for the RFU.

RDW wrote:I'd be amazed.if Lancaster is interested.

He's very much hit the ceiling in terms of where he can go at Leinster,.but there will likely be much more high profile club jobs and maybe even an international coaching job in the next year or two.

Perhaps a head coaching job for a year would be seen by him as a nice stepping stone to that.

Lancaster played for Scotland age-grade.

His son has also played for Scotland u18s.

Not a crazy idea to approach him imo.

There's something about DW's demise that is niggling at the back of my mind.
It would appear that he hasn't been sacked but according to the club "stood down". This would suggest that he will stay on the payroll until his contract runs out or he finds a new employer. It also suggests that the buffties haven't got a replacement lined up. If they had they would have paid DW off and cleared the office of all traces of him. The new boss would be in ASAP and the seamless transition would proceed.... seamlessly.
Instead he's been "stood down". Hovering like Banquo's ghost. Waiting for his severance to be agreed?

p.s. if McSweens is right and DW asked players to rate themselves publicly and then downgraded them It makes the last quarter collapse more understandable ; not a fitness issue more a psychological issue. it does seem to suggest he lost the dressing room some time ago and things went into a downward spiral. Which the buffties should have seen developnig and had a replacement identified and ready and DW's exit startegy agreed.

Mcsweens wrote:Lancaster played for Scotland age-grade.

His son has also played for Scotland u18s.

Not a crazy idea to approach him imo.

His familly home is also in Cumbria, a lot easier to get to and from Glasgow than Dublin.

Hard to know what he might do next but you do suspect he will eventually want to move on from Leinster and with his England baggage maybe would rather not go to the priemership atm.

As i said before, likely a long shot, but would not rule it out.

Might as well aim high.

I see Wilson has been sacked, he underachieved with the squad he had really. He is better suited to being a forwards coach.

jimbopip wrote:There's something about DW's demise that is niggling at the back of my mind.
It would appear that he hasn't been sacked but according to the club "stood down". This would suggest that he will stay on the payroll until his contract runs out or he finds a new employer. It also suggests that the buffties haven't got a replacement lined up. If they had they would have paid DW off and cleared the office of all traces of him. The new boss would be in ASAP and the seamless transition would proceed.... seamlessly.
Instead he's been "stood down". Hovering like Banquo's ghost. Waiting for his severance to be agreed?

p.s. if McSweens is right and DW asked players to rate themselves publicly and then downgraded them   It makes the last quarter collapse more understandable ; not a fitness issue more a psychological issue. it does seem to suggest he lost the dressing room some time ago and things went into a downward spiral. Which the buffties should have seen developnig and had a replacement identified and ready and DW's exit startegy agreed.

Maybe they don't have the money in the bank to pay him off.

Oakdene wrote:

jimbopip wrote:There's something about DW's demise that is niggling at the back of my mind.
It would appear that he hasn't been sacked but according to the club "stood down". This would suggest that he will stay on the payroll until his contract runs out or he finds a new employer. It also suggests that the buffties haven't got a replacement lined up. If they had they would have paid DW off and cleared the office of all traces of him. The new boss would be in ASAP and the seamless transition would proceed.... seamlessly.
Instead he's been "stood down". Hovering like Banquo's ghost. Waiting for his severance to be agreed?

p.s. if McSweens is right and DW asked players to rate themselves publicly and then downgraded them   It makes the last quarter collapse more understandable ; not a fitness issue more a psychological issue. it does seem to suggest he lost the dressing room some time ago and things went into a downward spiral. Which the buffties should have seen developnig and had a replacement identified and ready and DW's exit startegy agreed.

Maybe they don't have the money in the bank to pay him off.

If that's the case you are left with a discredited and undermined coach paid to be doing nothing of value. Essentially the worst of both worlds.

NeilyBroon wrote:

RDW wrote:Could also persuade Alan Solomons to not retire...

He's done a fine job at keeping a heavily funded premiership side strictly mediocre. Can't get too big for their boots!

He must also be just about in line for his telegram from the Queen at this point! He was about 95 when he was coaching Edinburgh!

Perhaps Matt Taylor? He’s familiar with the club and has bucket loads of experience as an assistant coach. Would be a good stepping stone for him making the jump to head coach. But perhaps that would feel like a backwards step. Plus RWC is not far off. A year too soon probably.

I’d avoid Lancaster to be honest. Fast attacking rugby and Lancaster doesn’t seem right to me.

Promotion from within might be the way to do it with a short term contract to prove their worth and a pay packet to match. Point the feelers out in the meantime and hopefully by next season Glasgow will be in a better place to either continue with their Scottish coach or line up a good replacement.

Mcsweens wrote:

Oakdene wrote:

jimbopip wrote:There's something about DW's demise that is niggling at the back of my mind.
It would appear that he hasn't been sacked but according to the club "stood down". This would suggest that he will stay on the payroll until his contract runs out or he finds a new employer. It also suggests that the buffties haven't got a replacement lined up. If they had they would have paid DW off and cleared the office of all traces of him. The new boss would be in ASAP and the seamless transition would proceed.... seamlessly.
Instead he's been "stood down". Hovering like Banquo's ghost. Waiting for his severance to be agreed?

p.s. if McSweens is right and DW asked players to rate themselves publicly and then downgraded them   It makes the last quarter collapse more understandable ; not a fitness issue more a psychological issue. it does seem to suggest he lost the dressing room some time ago and things went into a downward spiral. Which the buffties should have seen developnig and had a replacement identified and ready and DW's exit startegy agreed.

Maybe they don't have the money in the bank to pay him off.

If that's the case you are left with a discredited and undermined coach paid to be doing nothing of value. Essentially the worst of both worlds.

I'm sure that David Moyes did the same with Manchester United when he was placed on gardening leave. It maybe that Glasgow can't afford to pay Wilson off & potentially buy another coach out of their contract.

It is just semantics

They don't like to say sacked as it reflects badly on them.

There will have been various clauses in his contract to cover eventualities like this and he will leave with some sort of payoff and as he only has a year to run on his current one, it won't be silly money either.

Hopefully it will allow him time snd space to relocate and find a new job. He won't be ciaching Glasgow again though, if they can't find a coach for the start of the season, surely one of the existing coaches will step up or Malinder or Murray will step in temporarily.

I find it hard to beleive they did not see this coming the way the season has gone and they may already have been doing some groundwork.

Mcsweens wrote:Lancaster played for Scotland age-grade.

His son has also played for Scotland u18s.

Not a crazy idea to approach him imo.

Lancaster's mother is from Dumfries.

I think the Lancaster suggestion is unlikely, but not totally impossible.

He has been at Leinster for some time now and won everything there is to win as a number 2. Leo Cullen doesn't seem to be going anywhere quickly, so he may feel like he want's to be #1 again? If he does well with Glasgow, you can easily envision a pretty cushty role within the union for somebody of his calibre (if he wants to go down that route), or even as a stepping stone to another international gig. As has been mentioned, he played age grade rugby for Scotland and his son has connections here too - that might count for something.

He is probably a man in high demand, but I don't think the idea should be totally discounted.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:Agreed on Lancaster. His stock has risen since his England tenure. In fact if Rob Baxter doesn't want it England could do worse than going back to Lancaster. Steve Borthwick perhaps, or maybe even Andy Farrell, but Lancaster would/should be in the running.

He won't be. Was disliked by the players, mainly due to his love of having meetings about future meetings. Performances on the field were not good and lacked Innovation and left England with the embarrassing record of only world cup host not to make it out the group stages. I'd be surprised if he got any job in England let alone the big one.

Borthwick, Baxter, Farrell, Edwards and maybe Skivington and Cockerill I'd expect to be on the shortlist for the RFU.

Not Cockerill I'd say. Tough cookie and good at discipline, but short on inspiration. The vast improvement at Edinburgh after he left should count against him. Whislt he did initially make the squad more competitive and built a foundation, he really did stall in the end.

Lancaster's love of holding meetings about future meetings will cause issues at Glasgow. Ryan Wilson doesn't strike me as a man with much of an attention span...

jimbopip wrote:Does anyone know what GC's mildly racist uncle Dougie is doing these days? And it's not eighteen months in Barlinnie: that ended last week.

So that's why I had 18 missed calls from that 0141 number. I hope someone did pick him up in the end.

When you're in the market for a new coach, so much depends on what sort of budget and what sort of managerial freedom you're offering them. Dodson will know that.

Lancaster would be excellent, as would Mark Shaw at Sarries (who doesn't get the credit he deserves) and Chippie Solomon from the Stormers. I suppose taking Shaun Edwards away from France would be impossible?

Actually Shaun Edwards was lined up to sign, but then he watched the Glasgow defence in action against Leinster. He had to be rushed to A&E but I hear that he's recovering well.

funnyExiledScot wrote:Actually Shaun Edwards was lined up to sign, but then he watched the Glasgow defence in action against Leinster. He had to be rushed to A&E but I hear that he's recovering well.

Too much laughing will do that to you.

George Carlin wrote:When you're in the market for a new coach, so much depends on what sort of budget and what sort of managerial freedom you're offering them. Dodson will know that.

Lancaster would be excellent, as would Mark Shaw at Sarries (who doesn't get the credit he deserves) and Chippie Solomon from the Stormers. I suppose taking Shaun Edwards away from France would be impossible?

Very true Shaw is often overlooked as is Sorrell the backs/attack coach. They've been quietly effective appointments for Sarries. Sorrell reinvented the attack there and took away the reliance on Farrell kicking the leather off the ball. Only a matter of time before one or both gets offers for the top job outright. Shaw might be a tough one to pull away as he's already head coach under DOR McCall. Sorrell I was surprised not to see targeted by England when they were after an attack coach.

Edinbrugh awards night winners:

Player of the year - Bennett
Players player of the year - Boffelli
Young player of the year - Muncaster
Most improved - Boyle
Best defender - Sykes
Leadership award - Pyrgos
Caullie lug - Schoeman

Can't really argue with any of that!

Only one award I disagree with.

Leadership award ought to have gone to Grant Gilchrist. He has really stepped up this season and, for me, is now a first choice lock for Scotland which, with J Gray, Skinner and Cummings knocking about, is an achievement. He's starting to punch his considerable weight and strength, which is an exciting prospect for Edinburgh and Scotland. He's also only 31.

Pyrgos has improved under Blair and is a good coach for both Vellacott and Shiel, both superior scrum halves. Perhaps it's the legacy of Greg Laidlaw, but hopefully one day soon we'll disassociate laborious box kicking and slow play with real leadership. That isn't an intended slight on Laidlaw, who for other reasons is one of the very best leaders Edinburgh have had.

Yeah a good point FES - Gilchrist has had a great season.

Appropriately strong Scottish showing in the URC Team of the Year (voted for by a panel of journalists with a drink problem and 37 unfinished novels between them. Probably):

URC Dream Team: W Gelant (Stormers); S Senatla (Stormers), J Hume (Ulster), D Willemse (Stormers), L Zas (Stormers); R Byrne (Leinster), C Casey (Munster); O Nche (Sharks), J Grobbelaar (Bulls), T du Toit (Sharks); J Kleyn (Munster), R Nortje (Bulls); M Coetzee (Bulls), N Timoney (Ulster), E Roos (Stormers).

They should name a Nightmare Team, just so that we can get some representation!

Presumably a mainly SA panel? With a Munster and Ulster representative?
Curious that Leinster were league winners, but there is only one Leinster player in there!

Apparently they were going to ask the judging panel to explain themselves but they were all away at a braai.

Big blow for Edinburgh with Calum McRae moving to Treviso. He's made a huge difference to our defence in his time at Edinburgh.

RDW wrote:Big blow for Edinburgh with Calum McRae moving to Treviso. He's made a huge difference to our defence in his time at Edinburgh.

I thought they'd appointed Salvi the former Chiefs defence coach?

formerly known as Sam wrote:

RDW wrote:Big blow for Edinburgh with Calum McRae moving to Treviso. He's made a huge difference to our defence in his time at Edinburgh.

I thought they'd appointed Salvi the former Chiefs defence coach?

There was speculation about that, but i don't think it was ever confirmed