Scenes of elation and cheering have erupted across Queensland today. The main pocket of joy was seen in Brisbane’s King George Square with hundreds of rugby-crazed fans gathering to celebrate the sacking of Queensland Reds coach, Richard ‘Dick’ Graham.
Since his initial installation as head coach in 2013, Reds fans haven’t been sold on the appointment of Dick. They were hardly hungry for Dick at all.
It’s as if Reds fans felt they needed some sort of protection against Dick. They were very suspicious of Dick. How did he manage to squirm his way into the top job anyway?
Dick’s game plan lacked penetration and has often been described as impotent. There was no real thrust behind Dick’s attacking football or forward play.
During his reign, Dick managed to drive away an entire playing list of talent, including Will Genia, James Horwill and Quade Cooper.
Dick even managed to get coaching advisor, John ‘Knuckles’ Connolly, fired, in what was as clear a case of Dick envy as you’re likely to see, proving that the Dick is mightier than Knuckles.
With a 28% win rate, it is hard to see how Dick made it this long as a coach. Some people in the community wondered if he had leverage over the Queensland Rugby Union board.
Matt O’Connor and Nick Stiles have replaced Dick as coach. It is hard to imagine there will be any case of the ghosts of Dick’s past remaining to haunt the current roster.
Not Bothered
Guest
I wonder how long they will blame Graham for now. Will it still be his fault next year? I love how this guy says Graham drove away players. Cheika drove Kepu, Douglas, AAC and Betham from the Tahs too right?
Brisbane Boys
Guest
Do better this article is below par
RedandBlack
Guest
B-llacks - this is an article in the finest traditions of rugby. Save yr high brow consideration for more uplifting endeavors - rugby enjoys a good wallow in the dubious humour category.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
The Waratahs and Brumbies have the exact same structures in place... In fact many disappointing Reds like Jake Schatz were contract due to supposedly impressive club performances.
Fin
Guest
Aaron you have written two articles for The Roar and there already seems to be a strong focus in one area. For most authors that is one sport but for you it seems different. I wish you well in your writing endeavours but I can't help but think there might be other websites around that are more suited to your area of interest.
grapeseed
Guest
There it is. Pun nirvana.
Squirrel
Guest
The huge losses will continue. Qlders are thick as and don't look why. Your academies are failing and your premier comp has gone to crap. Hence no players if quality. Not one qlder would make the tahs
Aaron "Robbo" Robinson
Roar Rookie
Dick takes the sack on the chin?
Aaron "Robbo" Robinson
Roar Rookie
Dick takes the sack?
Boz the Younger
Guest
A bit unkind, I am as glad to see the Reds looking for a new coach as any fan, but the man did just lose his job. I'm not sure that losing a few footy games qualifies a bloke for this sort of treatment, it wasn't like he mismanaged the dams and flooded Brisbane or anything ...
Brady-Arland
Guest
the old CEO of Qld rugby loved Dick to much and he was holding on to him with both hands. So when he left, dick was let go and was very deflated.
Carl
Guest
Put this man in the Experts section.
ethan
Guest
High Brow discussion is my favourite.
breakdown
Guest
and with him gone they will all of a sudden start winning? I don't think so