Following five straight losses the pressure is on Knights – who took over at Essendon in 2008 and is contracted with the club until 2012.
The latest defeat, a disappointing 19-point defeat to 11th-placed Melbourne hardly helped his cause. The final result was kind to Essendon too, as they trailed by as much as 51 points in the last quarter before some junk time goals.
Essendon’s poor run, which has them sitting 13th on the ladder, has left plenty of Bombers fans dissatisfied.
An immediate dismissal isn’t going to happen, though, but combining supporter dissatisfaction with Evans’ comments, it seems Knights’ future at Windy Hill beyond this year is a tad murky.
Indeed, Knights appeared to be feeling the strain on Sunday when he eyeballed the umpires at three-quarter time following a string of 50m penalties against his side, when he probably should’ve been addressing his players.
Then again, Knights came out at yesterday’s press conference claiming he ‘relishes the pressure’.
“I welcome the pressure and welcome the responsibility,” he said. “We’re on a strong vision and we’re going to keep guiding that course and that’s what my role is to do.
“We’re on a bumpy part of that journey but the reality is where it all ends up. We’re not going to steer off that vision.”
But Evans’ comments suggest there’s a possibility they may do just that.
Maybe too much can be read into Evans’ remarks, but it was curious to hear Knights talking about a ‘united’ five-year plan at Essendon in the wake of the chairman’s comments.
“To win a premiership you’ve got to open up a period of sustained effort,” Knights said. “Everyone – the players, the staff – is committed and united to do that and that’s what gives me great confidence.”
Indeed, this is an important point. The Bombers need to stick to the plan.
There’s been some suggestion Essendon could get club-great James Hird to take the reigns at Windy Hill, but he’s unqualified and seems unwilling to move into coaching.
If they removed Knights, realistically the Bombers only other alternative would be to start again with a new coach and a new approach.
That’s a big risk to take based on a few weeks of disappointing footy, especially considering Knights took the Bombers to the finals last season, which is what prompted Essendon to genuinely believe in his vision and approach, and extend his contract in the first place in September last year.
Following that finals appearance, expectations at Windy Hill were lifted for 2010 and perhaps this has been responsible for the pressure thrust onto Knights this year as they appear to have gone backwards, especially following their recent run. But judgement shouldn’t be clouded by recent results.
We shouldn’t forget experienced forward duo Scott Lucas and Matthew Lloyd retired after last year, while the Bombers were looking okay at 5-5 midway through this season after wins over finals-bound St Kilda, Hawthorn, Carlton and the Western Bulldogs, until the loss of key trio David Hille, Dustin Fletcher and Angus Monfries.
“We probably haven’t got the depth to cover when three or four of our better players come out of the team,” Knights said. Indeed, there’s no doubt losing several top echelon players will hurt any side, especially a young side who are still developing and learning.
Knights has aggressively promoted youth and blooded youngsters. They’ve done well at times, but at other times – such as in the past five weeks – they’ve struggled to perform.
The more games he gets into these youngsters under his system and approach – such as Scott Gumbleton, David Zaharakis, Michael Hurley, Leroy Jetta etc – the better off they’ll be in the long-run as they learn to become more consistent players.
The results, as is always the case with youngsters, won’t come instantly and patience is required.
Speaking about his vision, Knights said: “It’s all moving forward nicely, all but the win-loss at this point in time.” It was an amusing comment, especially as results are usually everything for coaches.
Knights, though, loves to talk about the long-term and he uses two examples of fellow coaches who rode out the tough times before claiming the ultimate glory.
He said about his vision: “It’s building a group from scratch two and a half years ago, re-generating the whole list, giving youth opportunities to come in and mix with your experience.
“Alistair Clarkson and Mark Thompson went through very tumultuous periods as coaches, as did their programs. The last two (three) premierships have been won by Hawthorn and Geelong. So as I said, I absorb the pressure, I welcome it, I go about my business.”
Some may criticise Knights’ approach or style, but that was part of the vision Essendon agreed to.
They can do their review, but right now or at the end of the year, the Bombers’ best option is sticking to the plan.
Pete Arvanitis
Guest
Because after three years in charge, he has taken us nowhere. If we continue down the path we're on, I believe the only thing Knights will deliver is a wooden spoon. Selections this year have been woeful and that's been well documented by the media and fans alike. His under 12s game plan of "attack attack attack" has been smashed to pieces too often by too many opposition teams. The game plans relies heavily on skills yet it's been shown time and time again that this is an area that we're extremely lacking in. I have no idea what our "skills training sessions" involve. How about we implement a game plan that exposes the playing groups strengths, not their weaknesses. Surely after three years in charge, Knights should know what they are. His inability to understand that his "plan" isn't working might be the scariest part of all. All I can say he has shown the football world one thing. He simply can't coach.
Knighs'sgottago
Guest
I nearly had a wet dream at hearing hird has the desire to coach the club.... he would get the grace period he deserves where as sheedys successor... was never going to get ! i just dont see how someone who probably never even played in a grand final even as a junior let alone afl is suppossed to guide our youngsters.... although hird has now said it isnt in he's short term plans to coach the club... only because he doesnt want to be seen as taking knighta's job i think we will find he will be gone at seasons end regardless. esp with loses to the eagles in melb, carlton who have not beaten us in god know.... thumped by collingwood, and looks like we will drop this one against a struggling brizzy as well. yeah you guys are right with the no plan b... its all attack, which is ok when it pays off but seeing as we are the kings of clangers at the moment we need to be able to slow the play and maintain possesion when we get 2 or 3 kicked against us. we also use the corridor way to often for a team that turns the ball over alot which is why we get scored agains so often with clangers. some times we need to spread to the wings and bring in to a central zone when bringing itside 50..... i think if knighs goes and hird doesnt take the job at seasons end.... chocko will be there and hird will begin he's apprenticship !! hopefully we get hird right away !
Bob Smith
Guest
I was a long term member whom has not seen a live or telvised game since Knights was appointed coach nor bought my usual 2 members tickets every year and won't whilst Knights stays, those who think he should stay must be in fairy land as he just can't coach with game plan being to predictable and the better coaches in the AFL cut it to pieces.
Redb
Roar Guru
Ben, I tend to think most of those 'good moments' have been brought about by the players (self motivation) themselves. Even early this season, it was a James Hird column in the HS that got the players 'up' for a Hawthorn game. It is the way we lose games not the fact that we lose a game that is the problem. Our defensive structures dont click to prevent runs of goals against us. He has no back up plan , its attack, attack - Geelong style but no ability to play out situations. I note Knights himself says Thompson and Clarkson both went through difficult times before winning premierships, but what about other coaches who did not and were let go for good reason because they were not up to it. Nothing would make he happier than James Hird taking the job with say Mark Williams as his assistant. Hirds syas he does not want to coach, but frankly if Sir Jim took the job I would give him 5 years to make it work, wooden spoon if necessary. If anyone can energise the Essendon football club and its fans its James Hird - we would make Richmond look like paper tigers in comparison, our membership would swell to 60,000, 70,000. It would be phenomenal if everything clicked.
Dan
Guest
I don't know how anyone can seriously believe that Knights should stay on! He has no Plan B, He doesn't motivate the players, His selections are very poor and he has no support from the fans.
Ben Somerford
Roar Guru
Hehe, no I don't Art. But yeh that's right, as you say "over the next few years". He signed a contract in September last year until 2012, and it's 2010 right now. These things take time. Right now (over the past five weeks) it hasn't been happening for Knights and the Bombers, but he's had his good moments in charge of the Bombers and that shouldn't be forgotten.
Art Sapphire
Guest
Problem is Ben, they extended his contract on the understanding that he will be taking the team into finals football over the next few years. Hardwick failed to get the job at Essendon because he wanted a clean out. Knights told the board what they wanted to hear and got the job. You haven't got a spare time machine lying around?? :)
Ben Somerford
Roar Guru
Again, no problem with the board doing their review. But it's an interesting point you make DeeDee and I think history shows alot of premiership-winning coaches were quality players in their day, but it's not the be all and end all. Look at guys like Denis Pagan or Mick Malthouse, or more recently Alistair Clarkson. Also, it's quite harsh to label Knights a 'very average player'. He played almost 300 games and skippered the Tigers for several years.
Ben Somerford
Roar Guru
I know you're an Essendon fan, Redb, so it's interesting to hear your POV. BTW, I'm not saying they will sack him tomorrow and I'm all for their end-of-season review. I just think whatever they find in their review it shouldn't result in his dismissal. They've got a plan, they committed to it barely 12 months ago, so stick to it, these things take time.
Phil Zammit
Roar Rookie
In terms of list management I believe Knight has a pass mark, with a young spine of Pears, Hooker, Ryder, Hurley and Gumbleton - Essendon has a future to build its team around, granted they still obviously would love an elite midfielder to bob up. But in terms of ability as a match day coach I think is where Knights if faltering. Against Melbourne the Bombers were already short on tall timber with Hille, Fletcher & Pears on the sidelines and when Gumbleton was a late withdraw he was replaced with a small player - this was a massive mistake even given Lonergan went on to have a decent game. It meant Neagle was the only tall forward and the Bombers consistently struggled as the ball went forward. Then making matters worse as the Bombers were struggling Knights made few structural moves, other than the normal rotations. He needed to take a risk and move an extra tall player forward but didn't. Knights rarely seems to have a Plan B or Plan C. I'm not saying another plan would have changed the result - but Knights needs to be more proactive on match day. Essendon should not make any rash changes now - but a full evaluation at the end of the year would be prudent and the board should not be afraid to make a change if they don't think Knights can ultimately build to a premiership.
Disgruntled Bomber
Guest
It is time for the Essendon board to realise they made a massive blunder in not only hiring Knights, but re-signing him for another two years! Cut your losses now, pay him out whatever he is owed and move forward as quickly as possible. There is no light at the end of this tunnel. It was staggering that a player who achieved no team success down at Richmond, failed miserably at the Port Adelaide Magpies and Bendigo Bombers -- was hired as a senior AFL coach?! It never made any sense, and never will. Obviously the board was conned by a good salesman, just like Peter Rhode and the Bulldogs. And to rub salt into the wound, look at Hardwick down at Richmond...
Redb
Roar Guru
They stay coaches mould their team into an image of themselves as players. Mark Thompson - Geelong. Matthew Knights - keh?
DeeDee
Guest
Ben, my concern is that Knights was a very average player and I fear that he is bringing that attitude to the coaching of Essendon... Coaches should expect results and he seems happy with the way things are... I think that is something that the board is entitled to seriously question....
Brett McKay
Guest
Ben, I tend to agree with you, but what would be worse for Knights, the President saying there will be a full review of all operations at the end of the year (like there will be at most clubs, I'd imagine), or uttering the infamous " has the full support of the board" line??
Redb
Roar Guru
I doubt the EFC will sack Knights at this stage of season, however a frank and honest assessment of Matthew Knights needs to occur at the end of the season at the very least. I have never been a fan of Knights appointment, he is not a premiership player, his results at Bendigo were nothing special, his only advantage over say Damien Hardwich at the time, was he knew the current players well and I think post the Sheedy era they went for the easy choice. I have doubts about his ability to inspire his players and to construct a game plan that has more than 2 bullets in a six shooter. He has inherited some of the recruitment decisions of the past, but if a full clean out was needed this should have happened in 2007. Full review at season end. Go Dons!
mds1970
Roar Guru
Last year's finals appearance may have flattered the Bombers, who lost more than they won but somehow scraped in. But there can be little doubt they've gone backwards this year. Losing Lloyd and Lucas hasn't helped, but there's nothing in the players currently wearing the black and red jumper that suggests anything's going to turn around any time soon. And with Gold Coast and GWS coming in over the next couple of years and getting the bulk of the early picks, there's going to be slim pickings in the draft. Sadly, it looks like it will be years before Essendon are a force again. Changing the coach won't help at this stage; the new coach wouldn't have enough quality players to work with either.
Ben Somerford
Roar Guru
I'm all ears, Pete. Why do you think Essendon will be better off without him?
Pete Arvanitis
Guest
I disagree with you. Knights needs to go.