Can any coach ever exert influence over a board or whole club? I suggest DES will have less influence at Canterbury than he has at manly. The Dogs board has had it's own issues for some time (eg Mortimer sacked, garry Hughes suing the club etc). At manly since 2004 DES has by necessity had a bigger role than simply coach. This changed a little over the past year, and I think we see the results of a power struggle here, which is a great pity. His personality appears to be one of no compromise, which is great for a coach, but bad for an administrator, and DES appeared heavily involved in the admin side of things, right down to lobbying for a brookie upgrade. And as we have heard this was done in a divisive and confrontational manner. I hope this year pans put with DES as coach only, and toovey is groomed for the job he deserves. Toovey is every bit as competitive and smart as DES (I played with and against him as a kid) and is probably a bit better with board situation, given his profession and nrma experience. He should also have the players on board, fingers crossed.
