Alan Jones better used as a motivator, says Muggleton
Roar Pro
By Liam FitzGibbon, 14 Nov 2007 Liam FitzGibbon is a Roar Pro
Wallabies coaching candidate John Muggleton says rival Alan Jones should be brought back as a motivational speaker to the Australian side rather than coach.
Muggleton, Australia’s long-serving assistant coach, is one of five candidates – along with Jones, David Nucifora, Ewen McKenzie and Laurie Fisher – interviewed by the Australian Rugby Union last week for the vacant Wallabies head coaching position.
The defensive specialist was blunt about Jones’ candidature last week, saying: “I think I had an advantage over Alan because I have coached this century” in reference to the fact Jones last coached the Wallabies in 1987.
And while he has reiterated his opinion Jones should not be appointed head coach, Muggleton said the broadcaster should be involved in some capacity and he would be happy to work with him.
“If I was head coach, the first thing I would do would be write a letter to Alan and ask him to do what he used to do in the Rod McQueen (Wallabies coach 1997-2001) era,” Muggleton told Sydney radio station 2KY.
“He used to come down to Melbourne – it used to be a bit of a tradition – and talk to the team before the Test matches in Melbourne and I found that really refreshing and I enjoyed his talks and the motivation he gave.
“I think that’s the role that he should have … We haven’t had that for a few years with he and Eddie’s (former coach Eddie Jones) relationship not being the best to say the least.
“I think he needs to be involved in some capacity but I think it’s simplistic to think he can just walk through the door and do the coaching job.”
Asked whether he would be prepared to remain an assistant coach if Jones was appointed head coach, Muggleton said: “I wouldn’t have a problem with it.
“That would have to be up to them … I’m a fulltime employee of the ARU, I’m not on contract, so when the new coaches come in they tend to get me.”
Although many may view the appointment of Jones as a risk given his time out of the job, Muggleton believed going with him would be the easy option for the ARU.
“I don’t think Alan Jones is a risk, I think that’s the easy option to appoint Alan,” he said.
“You don’t get any backlash off it.”
Muggleton, who rates himself a 12-1 chance of landing the role, believes the ARU are looking for “something different” and was confident he could offer it.
“I’m fairly confident that I got across the point that I’m the only one who’s different out of them (the five candidates),” Muggleton said.
“I do think differently to other people, if they want to go that way, if they want to take a risk.
“Either way, I enjoy my job. I’m not saying the other guys aren’t worthy candidates, I just think I could do a good job.”
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Peter L said | November 14th 2007 @ 1:12pm | Report comment
OK – if Jones is wanted, as an occasional motivating speaker he could play a role. It would suit his ego and style, and not open the ARU to the poisoned contents of his chalice too directly.
Bruce Sheekey, if you’re looking at this post, this is probably as close to a concession as I would ever get to having Jones involved in Rugby in any country. But in this capacity I would quite probably say he could have a role in any country.
gavin said | November 15th 2007 @ 2:50pm | Report comment
Almost a couple of weeks ago, J Muggleton rather demeanigly toward Jones, claimed at least he had coached this century.
He has since said he would be willing to be coach with Jones as motivater. Mr Muggleton appears more conciliatory as he sees Jones firming for the job.
Say hello to the others on the dole queue for me Muggo ! HAHA
Wallabyfan said | November 23rd 2007 @ 10:27am | Report comment
I think dont see it as conciliatory by Muggleton, its more a look at the steps he is willing to take to bring the game back to the glory days of australian rugby.
Jones was making these motivational talks in the Macqueen era when Arguably Australian rugby was at its best in the modern game. As well as taking the team in a new direction, it seems as though Muggleton wants to instill some of those components from the glory days to help revive the Australian team.
By the way gavin, if you read the article properly, Muggleton would have a Job regardless of whether Jones is employed or not as he said he is an employee of the ARU and not on contract.
gavin said | November 24th 2007 @ 5:00am | Report comment
I see a quote from Muggo, and I do remember Jones saying if he gets the job people will end up on the dole queue!. There wold be no stipulation to include Muggleton in any capacity!
Dave74 said | November 24th 2007 @ 8:22am | Report comment
I read a quote this morning (think it was on Rugbyheaven) that the ARU will appoint the assistant coaches, not the head coach. I think the head coach should have the freedom to appoint whichever assistants he believes will best be able to help him achieve the desired game style.
wallabyfan said | November 25th 2007 @ 11:42am | Report comment
Yes dave74 thats exactly right.
So it seems either of 2 things:
1. Muggleton will still (and should be) the defensive coach for the Wallabys. *we have had the best defensive record in the world for the last 7 or so years.*
2. Muggleton wont be working with the Wallabys. However, as he is an employee of the ARU it will mean he will work more closely with the provinces i.e. NSW, QLD, ACT, WA and the ARC etc. and not be lining up in the dole Queue.
gavin said | November 25th 2007 @ 12:02pm | Report comment
yes Dave74 you are corect. More evidence the people running the show should be on the dole queue!