Cartwright steps down as Titans coach

Apparently one needs to be a resident of the Golden Strip and live on Cavill Avenue ,in order to establish Titan's news today plastered all over News Ltd publications and electronic media ,under the heading:- " A secret consortium of businessmen worth millions are planning the Gold Coast Titan's revival." GC Bulletin ,Courier Mail.Daily Telegrub,Foxsport News plus others all give details of a possible assistance package.

SFGC It is patently obvious you don't read what I stated,I have also stated I concur with your points.Geez that is therefore not my problem if you can't see that.. Superior knowledge???No, everyone has a point of view, just outlining my experience( not a five minute episode), which does not contradict your comments.Thus I read your point of view FHS.Yet you like to arrogantly(Sheedy like) to lecture me,as if I am the new kid on the block(insert GC area). Hence my response. In future I will use you as a source of reliable information on everything to do with the NRL,as my knowledge(40 years) is thus far extremely limited,and I am guessing all the time.Yeah the internet connection does me a favour, giving me a golden opportunity to respond to trolls and so called experts on rl,which apparently upsets their applecart.

Crosscoder - At the risk of continuing a pointless discussion with someone that cannot see anyone else's point of view and doesn't bother reading what they write if he perceives them as being negative towards RL please do yourself a favour and read my first post where I finish with the following: "I hope they can get it going again so the GC has two competitive sporting teams (Titans and Suns) representing the city on the national stage." Carry one all you like about your superior knowledge of the GC and the Titans - good for you buddy, happy that you keep such a close eye on everything and know everything about RL above all else because you have an internet connection. I will continue to watch and follow everything that I currently do and you can go on watching just the Sharks and Titans if you like, no skin off my nose.

You made a valid point ÿou are not sure". I will spell it out ,for a start I DIDN'T disagree with the thrust of your comments.,in fact simply spelt out observations.My observations golly gosh,after all it is a rl thread.Which you guys have no problem leaping into NRL threads whenever a negative thread is introduced. You continually throw up the I live here point,therefore one who doesn't, has little idea of the Titans.Well my friend it is more than just me visiting once a year.,in fact a couple of times a year on occasions ,and regular contact with in laws.Nearly 30 years up there,they may have some idea.I would back their local knowledge any time. In contact with bloggers who follow the Titans and are members. Regular stories about them on radio /media/and league sites.followed the whole shebang from the push to get the GC into the NRL to the C of E debacle,and you continue to act like you are on the Titan's board. I have been attending games from the moment Seagulls played at Tweed heads ,then the Giants/Chargers.I watched Searle actually play league.Cut the pretentiousness,champ.I have taken more of an interest in that club than any other NRL club apart from my own,since its inception. You don't have to be an alcoholic to know the effects of alcoholism. I know quite a bit about rl in Fiji yet ,I have been there only 5 times in 20 years.You don''t have to sit at a table on site FHS. That's also the beauty of the WWW. .I live in the Shire that does not make me an expert on Southern District Rugby union nor an expert on the Sutherland Sharks soccer team, I played both codes.And have lived here all my life.Which makes your comment rather superficial. The Logo is a giveaway where preferences lie, hence my comments about crowds and the fact you guys spend zero time on general rl or NRL discussions.You are only sighted on matters of crowd/stadium issues. When people contribute to more than one code on a régular basis,IMO they are multi sport followers.I am sure I would be taken seriously with a Sharks logo,making selective comments on AFL threads. Upswing with crowds ,even some AFL people take that with a grain of salt.Yet ignore other crowd drops.Crowd drops are of a concern whether it be stadium issues/position on ladder/Searle,in any code. The use of " nominal "amount as a contribution depends on the totality of expenditure.Nothing from what I have seen,nor Kennett suggests otherwise.ie the taxpayer in reality fills the bulk of the bill.Nothing wrong with Govt funding,but cut the generosity caper it is tokenism.

Ok I should have clarified that season 2008 was their SECOND season in the NRL but FIRST season playing all games at Robina – my mistake and apologise for the lack of clarity. I know they played their first game ever in the NRL at Suncorp in 2007 but I am not sure what that has to do with the season best average and season best attendance in 2008? Since the highwater mark of 2008 the attendance average and total average has dropped every year due to a number of factors already discussed and no point re-hashing. But they are the facts - the team is on the nose at present with the GC Community. Not sure if you actually read what I wrote or just simply got on the defensive because of the logo next to my username. But I AGREE with you there is an issue with accessibility to the stadium for patrons that want to attend. I my case I usually park at my GF’s parents house in Robina and they give us a lift to and from the Town Centre where we walk to the ground. What I questioned was what can be done about it? There is land available around the stadium where car parking could be built but I don’t think anyone wants to wear that cost – certainly not the Titans after the CoE debacle. With regard to stadiums, while some sports contribute nothing and others (AFL) contribute a nominal amount, the fact that at least some money was offered and paid towards construction strengthens your bargaining position when it comes to negotiating rental agreements and management rights. That I would of thought was pretty academic or can’t you get that? Not sure where in any of my above posts I have actually said anything that disagrees with you but your standard MO on this site is attack anyone and everything that ever dares question anything about RL rather than actually engage in any meaningful dialogue. I have said on this site more times that I can recall that I actually watch (live and at the ground), read and engage with all FOUR of our football codes throughout the year during winter and over summer I will do the same with cricket, tennis, golf and surf lifesaving. I have broad interests and I don’t apologise for that but I realise on this site there are plenty of myopic posters that don’t have such broad interests and stick to what they know. So far since January this year as an example I have been to Suncorp, the Gabba, Metricon and cBus Stadium and watched the Reds, Roar, Broncos, Suns, Titans, Heat and the Aussie Cricket Team and it is something that I will continue to do while I live on the Gold Coast. "I attend games when I am on the GC,which is annually,and know the parking set up and the bus rides." Wow so you get to the GC once a year and because your inlaws live here you know all that goes on? How would you react to some peanut using that exact same sentence about Sydney and trying to tell you they know better because of their annual trip to Sydney? Give me a spell. Not sure why you have referenced the Lions in your post when the discussion is about the Gold Coast Titans and John Cartwright? If anything compare them with the Suns who are on an upswing with crowds and membership now that they are actually a competitive team.

Wrong Sports Fan.The first seaon in the NRL was in fact 2007.Due to the demand their inaugural NRL match against the Dragons was moved to Suncorp Brisbane,from Carrara,accroding to records.Hence the 40,000 plus crowd, to which I referred.That helps your average one would have thought. Did you read what I stated, I actually quoted the GC Bulletin as to speculation,not my actual comments . I have explained to you on numerous occasions I have been a regular visitor to the GC since the late 70s probably before you were thought of. .I have inlaws who lived at Currumbin for nealy 3 decades.I have attended Titans games and Seagulls games many times during that period.I caught the bus to Robina from Pacific Fair because the parking was rubbish..So please don't lecture me,as if I have had no first hand experience.Attended a semi there .I watch games there regardless of their opposition. You AFL guys continue to lecture rl people about what is happening in their game,as if they know nothing.There are in addition to attending games there ,and knowing the situation re the Colf E many sources of info.In fact more reliable than just living there. At least you agree on accessability ,which you mate AR has it appears ,only noted the rail aspect. Please don't start me on stadiums and money spent by Govts ,which is yours and ARs constant jibe.<Govts have outlaid huge sums on all stadiums ,don't pretend otherwise.Taxpayers money from followers of all codes.Whether a code puts in $2m or $10,the Govt puts in the overwhelming majority.Kennett has emphasised that point. I don't believe you are concerned about Searle's ownership ,and who knows he may sell out his share.Time will tell and yes there is work to be done.

Gee I really am surprised you agree with SFGC. As spelt out the there is stuff all car parking around there.IOW for locals and visitors to the GC.That is just one of the problems already spelt out ,and in fact one did not disagree with the thrust of your mate's comments.The rail is one aspect which is great,but parking is also needed,as it is available at SFS/SCG/ANZ.. I attend games when I am on the GC,which is annually,and know the parking set up and the bus rides. ' And the club pays $300k per game for that luxury. Exclusive use at one stage included a soccer team,and a couple of union games. . Also spelt out there is more than one reason for crowds falling.Maybe they should get some clues from the Lions. They need more money injected ,not $20m pa ,but mouch more than is currently granted. Summary centre of Ex issues/coach/CEO and parking/onfield performances are the 4 main issues to rectify.

Crosscoder - The Titans opened their season in 2008 at Robina Stadium so I don’t think any games were played at Carrara from that time onwards. There is speculation of a disconnection within the community and club over the Centre of Ex. Many of the creditors trades people,left out of pocket” That is not speculation that is exactly what is happening on the ground up here. If you live in Sydney and get all your information from the news and the GC Bulletin then you don’t know the full picture. Accessibility to the Stadium continues to be an issue and I would love to know how they intend to solve this. There is certainly some land still around Robina Stadium and Robina Station but who is going to foot the bill to build a carpark? The rental figure is a concern and one would think that the Queensland Government would like to support the only professional sports team that currently uses that stadium. That is counter balanced by the fact that the Government paid for every cent of construction without so much of an offer of assistance from either the NRL or the Gold Coast Titans and they are looking at it as recouping their money. Tough situation to be in for the Titans. My only concern moving forward is that Searle still owns 40% of the Titans and the community is aware of this and would also be fully aware that if they Titans prosper then Searle prospers. How this plays out is anyone’s guess. Plenty of work to be done but yesterday were the first steps.

I agree with that SFGC. Cartwright - good bloke, average coach. Searle - ambitious owner, shonky operator. The Titans did unbelievably well to get a fully-government-funded stadium built for their exclusive use. They also have the benefit of Robina train station on the door step of the stadium - a luxury that Carrara Stadium does not have. The Titans' launch was fantastic, ticked all the boxes - but its been steadily down hill from there. Falling crowds each year, fudging, salary cap enquiries, the COE - the club has some good people in charge now, but needs a lot of work to ensure it doesn't become the next failed GC franchise.

The Titan's average in their first year was boosted by their first home crowd match played at Suncorp v Dragons 42,030. 2007 and part 08 were played at Carrara. Crowds in 09 and 10 averaged 18,328 and 17,558 when the team came 3rd and 4th respectively..A big drop then in 2011 when they came stone motherless last of 15,153. In 2012 their financial problems hit the fan with debts est to be between $25m -$35m as a result of the Centre of Ex.debacle. In 2013 down to 14,093 yet the club then debt free,but now currently bleeding money. As the saying goes according to the GC Bulletin's league writer, Searle bit off more than he could chew,and the tradespeople usually big rl supporters suffered accordingly.Get on the wrong side of a tradie,they have long memories. Cartwright should never have been offered a 10 year deal,the word stale comes to mind . They are both gone so that is the 1st step in the rebuilding process. Other points spelt out in the GC Bulletin ." There are many reasons for the decrease in crowds. Transport and accessibility to the stadium has barely improved.There is n o public parking within the precinct and park and ride oprtions add to travel time.I can vouch for that.Many fans risk fines by parking at the nearby Robina Town Centre,yet that is still a 15m, walk to the ground.Their form has been a concern for 4 seasons. There is speculation of a disconnection within the community and club over the Centre of Ex. Many of the creditors trades people,left out of pocket" The rental figure $300,00 per game at last reports needs some negotiation,and there has to be better parking setup in nearby areas.Annesley asccording to him, is working on it. There are a couple of things working in the club's favour a strong junior league at grassroots level.And the NRL now has money in the Bank,which it did not under Gallop,so maybe they can open the promotional purse strings a little. Losing a major sponsor is a worry,but if a club like Cronulla can get a full jersey with Searle & Co off the agenda,maybe the Titans can get on the bandwagon. BTW motst people are aware of Searle's efforts in getting the club up and running.He was on the Footy Show and had stories in Sydney papers.And one doesn't have to live full time on the GC to understand the problems.Thje Centre of Ex probl;ems were well documented in the Sydney print and electronic media.

G'day Tigerdave, Do you think it is fair that the Broncos get so much prime time FTA exposure and some other clubs hardly get any? The Gold Coast and Brisbane cities are so close together they are almost one big city. Would the AFL say to Adelaide, give 15 prime time FTA Friday night games to the crows and 2 to port Adelaide? Not a chance. News ltd. may not like it but the NRL needs to look at this seriously. Things aren't looking good for the Titans.

Actually seems to me that Cartwright fills his team with New South Welshman. In the current squad Qlders are in the minority. It's a Qld-based team and Qlders are very parochial. Cartwright always seemed to favour some NSW has-been to an up-and-coming local junior. Therein lies a significant part of his problem. If locals kids can't see a career path they'll look elsewhere.

Roger !! I read you Ray Charles .Bandits at 6 o'clock.Over and out.

Marco, whilst that's all well and good to say that about the Broncos, the GC team havsnot earnt the respect of the media and general public over the last 4 years. The media sells advertising time on the basis of people watching, and there is no comparison in the viewer numbers of the Broncos and the Titans. The Titans certainly have the footy fans here but have alienated them big time. The irony is that the Broncos are pinching our juniors and our crowds. It;s up the the Gokld Coast to harvest that fertile soil, not the NRL to give hand outs. We are in desperate need of a decent entertainig brand of footy to give the punters something they can warm to, not the garbage they throw up on a week to week basis now.

The NRL and channel 9 give far more support to the Broncos in Qld than what the Titans get. It's a disgrace. I go to the Gold Coast a bit and I wouldn't be surprised if there weren't more Broncos fans there than Titans. Also to their credit the AFL Suns team have done wonders to get the community on side in this mainly rugby league dominated city. Some new guys at the top should help the Titans. But the NRL and their partners need to help more.

Living on the GC the overwhelming sentiment from the public seems to be the following: John Cartwright – Nice bloke, good standing in the GC community but definitely past his time with ideas/innovation and missing the finals four years in a row just isn’t good enough at this level. Many were very surprised when a 6 year contract was announced because that length really hamstrings an administration should the team start to drop in performance as has happened with the Titans. Michael Searle – Good riddance and many are surprised that he actually fell on his sword. Many people have simply never gotten over the CoE debacle and it is not just the immediate tradies that haven’t forgiven, it is their entire network of friends and family who have all shunned the Titans. What I think some people may forget with Michael Searle was that had he not put in so much work dating back to 2003 to push the NRL to bring back a team to the Gold Coast we would not have an NRL team here along with a world class rugby/soccer stadium. Kudos has to be paid for making it a reality whether you like him or not. Searle wore his heart on his sleeve but his ambition exceeded his ability and his finance and what we have current day is a club that is near broke, a total inability to attract top class talent that was not first sacked from their previous employer (Myles, Bird, Kelly etc), a second salary cap investigation in 7 years and average crowds that have been dipping every year since 2008. The high water mark for the club was 2008 when they averaged 21,618 from their 12 home games and had a total attendance of 259,421 through the gates. This was the year BEFORE they made consecutive finals appearances in 09 and 10. As it stands currently the average after 10 home games is 13,382 and a total attendance of 133822 – that is a HUGE drop in just 6 seasons. In addition to this iSelect announced last week that they will be pulling out of the final two years of their contract as naming rights sponsor in 2015-16. One question remains in relation to Searle – Although he has now stood down from the club and has no administrative or executive role he still owns 40% of the Titans. Will the GC community get on board and get behind this team with the knowledge that if the club profits in future seasons then Searle will profit as a result? The rebuild of the club starts now and CEO Graham Annersley and the Board have some serious work to do from a PR and Finance point of view. I hope they can get it going again so the GC has two competitive sporting teams (Titans and Suns) representing the city on the national stage.

Agree BA. Cartwright seems to be stale and bereft of new ideaa. The team roster is unbalanced. Excitement machines at 2,5 and 1 and no centres to trouble opposition teams. If you p;lay the Titans, cover the middle thrid of the field and you 90% there. The footy is boring and noone wants to watch that week in a week out whent hey can pay less and see teams like Manly, Roosters, Souths and other teams light up the competition with open expansive footy. I try to go to the footy each week, but have turned to Qld Cup games now. They are far more open and entertaining than the GC Titans. Hopefully Henry will turn the entertainment value around, but he needs fresh players, not recycled journeymen or discards from other clubs.

Great, now the club can move forward. In saying that, John C handled himself with dignity and was all class in his resignation. The bigger and better news was that Searle is gone, but is he. He still is the majority shareholder, he still will still have power when he wants to use it. Searle did a fantastic job of getting the club up and running and did as impressive and spectacular job in bringing it to its knees. The C Of Excellence was a catalyst but not the only issue. As I've blogged many times, the Gold Coast have one of the best Rugby League breeding grounds and junior base in Australia. Keebra Park and Palm Beach high are always up near the top of the High school championship, Keebra Park have won two championships in recent years......have a look at the GC Holden Cup team. Since inception it has never been out of the bottom half of the competition. Where are the Juniors that should flow seeminglessly from the High Scholl and Juniors competitions. We have no juniors flowing from the NYC to NRL...why?. Other clubs have progressed their NYC players to NRL, we haven't. Why? Brisbane talent scouts poach the locals at an alarming rate, West Tigers are fed by Keebra Park. What is happening? The recruitment and development department have to go immediately. The product is terrible, we play arm wrestle type of footy every week, we can't score points. Hopefully with Cartwright gone the team will open up a bit. The marketing is shocking. With friends, we had two corporate boxes for the firsy 4 years. They treated us like dirrty rags. Whe we cancelled them, not one of us received a phone call to see if anyone wanted Season memberships. I recently went to the Manly v Bronco match at Suncorp. The train was full of Gold Coast supporters wearing Bronco's merchandise. There was obviously more trains than the one I was in. There is indeed fertile ground here to work with. The C of E burnt the workers badly and this game has its roots in the working class. The Titans need to make some restitution here, maybe give those Searle didn't pay a free season ticket for a year or two. There are many issues here, but at least two seem to be addressed. Good move.

Cartwright and searle leaving is a massive boost for the titans. I just hope the nrl can now step in and actually support the club financially to turn a sinking ship around. Meanwhile the GC suns are winning to code war up on the coast with their $10 mil a year war chest, and nothing is being done to support the club to promote the game. Titans fans are treated like Patsy's by Queensland venues, while Brisbane get all the free to air media exposure as the other qld clubs are lucky to get a look in. End rant.

Bout time.