Vote now: Should Knights stay or go?
Posted by Brent DiamondAug 23. 2010 4:18 am
MOST football pundits that log on to Football Nation believe that Essendon coach Matthew Knights should be given the axe at the end of the season.
Knights has averaged just 20 per cent support from fans over the past month and will need a minor miracle to stay in the role despite his positivity during a press conference yesterday after yet another Bombers’ loss.
The margin cannoned out to nine goals before the Bombers kicked the last five goals of the match.
“I’m very confident that come Round 1 next year, I’ll be sitting up in that coach’s box. David and Ian have never given me any other reason to think otherwise,” Knights said.
“Great clubs have great strength in that area and they stay the course. And that’s what gives me huge belief that there’s going to be no issues because this club has had a tradition and a history of supporting.
“It supported a coach for 27 years and had a lot of success.
“It’s a very stable football environment and I think I’ve got a good rapport with the board, so that’s what gives you an understanding that nothing is going to change.”
But just how serious can you take that with both chairman and board members alike denying to Channel Nine’s The Footy Show and showing reluctancy that Knights will be there next season.
While he is far from Knights’ position, Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade will feel the heat if his team doesn’t get their premiership hopes back on track.
Excuses for injuries won’t help the matter. The Bulldogs need a big win against the Bombers this week to regain some belief.
Vote now in our exclusive Coach Ratings.
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