Hey... long time member first time poster here... When I got the email for the member forum and clicked “can’t attend” I found myself writing this letter in the “have your say” form.
I thought I’d share it here because it seems like many of you are having similar thoughts...
To the Members Forum
What the the Sea Eagles’ Board, Chairman and CEO must address is the lack of action on the most serious issue the club has faced in recent years; the Head Coach role for 2019 and beyond. This is not a question of the coaching issue itself, but rather a call to resolve this drama that began in July and still lingers 4 weeks out from the start of the pre-season.
As such little time remains until players return for pre-season training, it is now the case that the first grade team will begin their campaign behind their competitors in terms of preparation, recruitment and culture.
During an era in which Manly fans and members have endured seemingly endless scandals, this lack of action reflects particularly poorly on the Sea Eagles’ administration; with many calling in to question whether the present environment is conducive to team success.
As they say, “winning fixes everything”. An improved team environment must be the singular, razor focus of the Board, Chairman and CEO. Right now, I just don’t see that.
What I see is a Sea Eagles organisation that has struggled to make difficult decisions in support of its own best interests and identity.
My hope is that the Sea Eagles’ Board, Chairman and CEO will look to those who came before them as their guide out of this dark time.
What has made Manly unique in Australian sport is a procession of leaders in the administration, coaching staff and player list that each were a part of the successful eras that preceded their leadership.
It’s a long line of proud local men, heroes who command respect, each playing their part to guide the next generation. It’s a 70-year tradition of success. An unbroken chain that links each Sea Eagles era all the way back to Wally O’Connell, captain-coach of the original Sea Eagles.
It is said that true leadership creates new leaders. Through this succession, Manly have re-generated success over a dynasty. It’s the DNA of the “Manly culture” and it’s where the Sea Eagles must now look for its next leaders. Manly men to carry the Manly culture into a new era.
It is with this tradition in mind that I ask the Sea Eagles administration to swiftly make the difficult decisions and bravely confront the issue before them.
I don’t expect that my letter will be addressed publicly or privately. How the Sea Eagles’ administration responds will be evident on the field for all to see.
Remember, you are the custodians of a great legacy that belongs to the proud Manly-Warringah community.
Actions speak louder than words.