Clubs Will Queue For Departing Daniher, Say Axed Coach's Fans
The Age
Thursday June 28, 2007
PAST players and administrators have heaped praise on Neale Daniher and expect other AFL clubs in the market for a senior coach to be lining up for his services.
Former chief executive Hassa Mann, who played 178 games for the Demons, said yesterday that Daniher would be sorely missed after 10 years of valuable service."Neale is a very intelligent person and saw his chances of reappointment diminishing," Mann said. "I don't agree it was a decision that should have been made mid-season, but at least it provides both parties with an opportunity to plan ahead."He said chairman Paul Gardner gave Daniher more support lately than he'd ever had from the board, but said "it appears this decision has been forced" upon the coach after last week's loss."Since Neale arrived at Melbourne the board has lacked football people and football nous, but overall he's still done a good job, without the total support of the board."Former captain and club legend Robert Flower was surprised Daniher had chosen to step down."It's a shame and it's a loss because he's been a great contributor to the club . . . I certainly would have liked Neale to be there next year," Flower said. "But knowing Neale and knowing the respect he's got in the football community, he'll get a job."He obviously believed (it was time to go) and I'd certainly have no hesitation, if I was at a club looking for a new coach, putting him on the list."Former Demons vice-captain and now commentator David Schwarz agreed Daniher's departure would be "a loss" for the club."The way he analysed the opposition and prepared his players was second to none," Schwarz said. "The first half on Friday night (in the Richmond game) certainly didn't help, but we talk about games that can decide coaching careers and that may have been one of those."The players all respect him (and) they'd all say he had a massive influence over their lives, as a teacher and a great person of the game."Brian Dixon, who played 252 games for Melbourne, paid tribute to the outgoing coach."Neale's made his decision and no doubt taken into account all the parameters involved," he said. "He's been an outstanding coach over 10 years and I respect his decision."Praise also came from the club's former football manager, Danny Corcoran, now the chief executive of Athletics Australia."He's been a wonderful coach," said Corcoran, who strongly backed Daniher's appointment.
© 2007 The Age