eagle40
Reserve Grader
I attended the meeting with a similar mindset to you but I left feeling a little assured that Scott is committed to success as are we all, and that Lyall is a smart and professional administrator.
The crowd were polite and I'd like to think it reflects well in the make-up of the fans - intelligent and not easily fooled but respectful and understanding of the major hurdles the club faces to be competitive in a comp skewed to the 'big 3': Easts, Brisbane and Melbourne. I doubt there would have been the level of intelligence shown at a meeting of Eels and Bulldogs fans.
However, basically little was confirmed except that Scott is not selling up, Kapow is staying and we are committed to Lottoland (a moniker I hate but which Lyall kept using, indicating that the club still needs the sponsorship money). Time will tell, of course.
The on-field performances in 2019 are really all that matters. Start winning and fans will flock back and money will flow. An upgraded oval won't translate to winning matches.
Lyall continually praised the strength of our core playing stock and seemed to think it was just a matter of improving our player depth that we needed.
Perhaps success will come simply by our players getting more mentally tough. Perhaps we don't need a complete overhaul. Getting Matt Ballin back would help with getting all players to buy into the Manly 'culture' and not looking upon their role as earning money.
I’m happy that you enjoyed your experience & you sound positive. If the Penn management continues to administer the club as they have since 2012, promising everything & delivering zero,you won’t have too attend many more information nights.
The NRL are just waiting for a Sydney based Club to fall over & we are looking deadset favourites. Talks cheap, aggressive financial management is needed now.