The split seems to be 50/50 amongst fans if Des should stay or go, so the board is going cop a hammering no matter what decision they make. Personally I think he should be stood down, but after thinking about a bit the person whose thoughts should count the most is our next coach. It has to be Toovs and I'm confident it will. If Toovs think he's ready to go in time for preseason, then its see ya later Des. If Toovs is happy for Des to take charge, then thats what should happen. I actually think both men need to sit down and have a real chat about how it could play out. It potentially could harm their friendship and become a disaster, or we could win another premiership, or anywhere in between. Then perhaps they need to both front the board and tell them how they think it will pan out, going over all the scenarios then the board should make the decision. Quite possibly it could made for them.
I think you can list a hundred reasons why each decision should be made, and most of those reasons can't be quantified. Just me personally, I think seeing Des in the coaches box for the next 12 months will be a reminder of where he is going. I have all the confidence in the world that Toovs will be an excellent coach and also think that any player who is going to leave because Des is leaving will do it no matter if he leaves in 2012 or 2013, so I don't think we could be hurt from that side if Toovs is in charge.
I'm confident we can win a premiership next year regardless and I suppose the question to the fans should be would you like to Des as a 3 time premiership winning coach, or Toovs with his first?