Manly will part ways with Trent Barrett after the coach “brought the club into disrepute” by expecting training equipment that wasn’t used in the war era.
The decision brings to a close a spiteful period of mud-slinging on the Northern Beaches, with both parties agreeing to a ceasefire after talks began to dangerously involve Peter Peters.
Manly and Barrett had been unable to reach an agreement after weeks of negotiations, even after engaging a third-party mediator in Dean Ritchie.
Both will now go behind closed doors to thrash out a settlement deal, despite receiving legal advice to continue amicably destructing their relationship in the public forum.
The agreement comes after the club discovered it couldn’t legitimately sack a rookie coach for not being presently successful and someone else, despite it working fine on Geoff Toovey.
Alternatively, Barrett was informed he could not request a release just because the pair “couldn’t find common ground” simply because the club “literally didn’t have a ground”.
Tensions were initially flamed at Manly after Barrett conveniently blamed the club’s resources for a disastrous season instead of other factors within his control, like the Denver Test.
After the relationship became “untenable”, Barrett reportedly handed in his notice in June in a bid to urgently commence the de-radicalisation process of falling out with Bob Fulton.
Prior to this, he had made a raft of demands including:
- greater access to sports science
- dignity
- a new set of matches to light the changerooms
- changerooms
Barrett had also requested additional staff to replace former assistant Willie Peters, who was allegedly forced to resign because he was unfortunately bullied at staff drinks.
However, the club denied Barrett’s accusations, claiming he was probably sacked because he was short and couldn’t take a joke.
Speaking from the club’s offices – which they claimed was a tent, but was actually just a plastic bag on a stick – a club official refuted the talk that Manly was grossly under-resourced.
He pointed out the large sums of money spent by owner Scott Penn on churning through CEOs like Australian prime ministers, while also confirming plans for a new Centre of Excellence to be funded using equity in Daly Cherry-Evans.
The official also renounced claims Mrs Barrett and her children were forced to clean the gym, mainly because the club didn’t have one.
He then stated the club were left with no choice following the saga but to bow to Barrett’s demands for an upgrade in standards, and did so by getting a better coach.
Manly will reportedly seek a fresh start with Barrett’s current assistant John Cartwright, with officials said to be encouraged by his pedigree in professional poverty after six years at the Titans.
However, Cartwright’s appointment could be delayed awaiting approval from the Manly supremo, with Wayne Beavis currently holidaying on his small Pacific island.
In response, Barrett is expected to hold another press conference where nothing is revealed unless it is as an unidentified source to the newspapers.
Malo5
Guest
Barrett go to England. Don’t hide behind the facilities. Ya just can’t coach. You won’t get an nrl gig
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
It will be interesting to see how the future unfolds for Barrett, Super league perhaps? Although it's not the same thing , the situation at Manly and the potential reminds me of Fittlers appointment to SOO and Haslers early years at Manly. They say timing is everything and that could ring true for Manly's next coach. I thought Barrett could have had a run a bit like Hasler but for several reasons he'll go down as a run more like Peter Sharps.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Bellamy's strike rate at the Storm or in rep footy when Cameron Smith isn't on deck is dismal. The coach who has won a title or two at a strong club with a winning strike rate in the 60's is depicted as the answer to a struggling clubs woes, M . History or reality isn't referenced and somehow he's in the 30's or 40's strike rate and after a few years at the battlers he is shuffled off.
Aussie Abroad
Guest
After watching this all unfold, my main thought is why would a club want to hire him after bagging the club and walking out on the players
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Forty, very sensible comments. There is nothing wrong at Manly except one thing - they’re at the wrong end of the ladder. We’re in the wrong place. I mean, there are some very handy players on the field. Very handy. There’s plenty of barbells and ointment. What there isn’t on hand is defence, running into the gap, and game plans. And the responsibility for that does not reside with the owner nor the CEO. If this ‘coach’ were to have another year, he’d extend the carnage to 4 years. The same length as World War I. And look how that turned out. Don’t write Des off, notwithstanding rumours to the contrary.
M
Guest
Great insight Forty. If only all coaches were judged with some common sense. Most punters go straight for the win/loss percentages which is really only a small part of the overall picture. Get Bellamy coaching Newcastle or Titans, for example, and the percentages would read differently.
Albo
Roar Rookie
And as far as Zorba & Bozo are concerned , "Hoss " (or "the map" to his mates) would be far more acceptable as a good bloke and drinking buddy, than 'madge' !
Albo
Roar Rookie
The only good thing about that Narrabeen complex is the quick access onto Cromer Golf course !
Matt H
Roar Guru
Fair call.
Matt H
Roar Guru
Wayne Bennett enjoyed his time at the Knights coaching for a mad dictator of an owner with no resources, so I would have thought he'd be perfect.
Matt H
Roar Guru
Based on their lack of resources, maybe Richie Rich would be the ideal consultant.
Dane Eldridge
Expert
Beautiful stuff EJ. Remember too: no need to pack your own plastic furniture for Suncorp either. Luxury
Paul
Roar Guru
Scott, we want Madge at the Dragons, so please don't talk him up as a Manly option
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Yeah I don’t get it TB, when it came to black market calves blood, Narrabeen used to be the place to be! I imagine the facilities are still fine, but like anything, a losing season makes you search for excuses. And Trent seems to love an excuse! Thanks for the laugh as always Dane. I’ll be at the game this Sunday at Suncorp, and is my right as an adopted QLDer after a few trays of XXXX, will be letting those sitting in the coaches box know my feelings.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Cartwrights winning % is pretty healthy considering he coached the Titans. I'll bet when he looked onto the field he didn't see Sam Burgess or Greg Inglis galloping about the place. If he did I'd say 56% would have been very likely.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Scott Penn said he wanted an "NRL experienced coach" and he discounted Des and Tooves. We dont know his definition of "experienced", but if that includes winning a Grand Final then only Madge and Tim Sheens make the list.
Dane Eldridge
Expert
Interesting, Randy. Such is the depths of their despair, perhaps Manly need Darren Lockyer in drag
RandyM
Guest
Barret's voice is too smooth, perhaps manly players only respond to the gruff vocals of Des and Toovey. Barret may need to start smoking 2 packs a day or cop a few punches to the throat.
Dane Eldridge
Expert
Madge the obvious choice there, but any idea of what percentage of him is a ‘Manly person?’
Dane Eldridge
Expert
KK, I await this with great zeal. Trent does have the movie star looks, but in saying this, I rate him the second most attractive Manly coach after Graham Lowe