OK I listened to Anthony's podcast.
Two things which I always sensed are that he is a knock about and operates from emotions, with his heart on his sleeve. Sure he's definitely honest from his perspective and I've got to give it to him that he does think things through well. Very much into loyalty, which I respect, but I got a sense that he was rather naïve when it comes to the corporate world, even in his later football life.
And I don't think he can separate the fact that as a young bloke he was in demand, just like DCE, and probably had to follow the wisdom of others regarding contract decisions. Of course back then the money was less because of the problems Manly were having post Northern Eagles and the big media money for clubs was yet to come..
What he doesn't seem to appreciate is that the club is run by businessmen, not footballers now. Businessmen look to the future, not loyalty to the past. Watmough is one of the older generation who operate on mateship, loyalty etc, what the smaller game financially was about. But in the modern game, probably thanks to News Ltd and media money, its a business with cut throat decisions. The Stewarts as well as himself were on the slide, whether he wants to admit that or not. Of course the money people are going to focus their attention on the young talent coming through. Logically that should be obvious, but I guess being inside its not easy to see. Toovey was stuck with being the coach when those decisions had to be made. What else could he do.
Watmough operates with his heart on his sleeve. No doubt he's very loyal to his friends and believes life is sharing. He's right in many ways, but unfortunately the world in reality does not work like that at higher levels. There its about power and profit. One day DCE will face the same issues
