In recent days Lucy Zelic used Twitter and national radio to criticise the outrage expressed by those disappointed with the sacking of Alen Stajcic.
According to the SBS presenter, people’s reactions to one of the most momentous days in modern Australian football would be different if more ‘facts’ were available to them.
The natural gut reaction to the sacking was threefold. Initially people wondered why. A fair question. What followed was an also logical: Why now?
Thirdly, and more intriguingly, theories about the mysterious surveys that informed the decision raised myriad questions around the motivations and legality of the move made by Football Federation Australia.
Zelic’s tweet alluded to a level of knowledge possessed by just a few – a knowledge that, once acquired, would alter people’s views and perceptions on Stajcic’s removal.
“Some things that have become very clear out of Stajcic’s sacking: 1. The public’s (understandable) lack of trust in FFA has dictated reactions. 2. Those truly in the know re: women’s football aren’t entirely shocked by this news 3. The ‘actual facts’ are protected legally,” Zelic tweeted.
Aside from my initial and knee-jerk feelings of disappointment at not being “in the know”, the more pertinent question arose of exactly who was.
It appeared clear that there was indeed a significant secret – a second shooter on the grassy knoll if you will. There was, dare I say, a conspiracy theory.
Zelic’s commentary suggested that the pair of player surveys upon which the FFA had acted were indeed laden with facts and evidence that, if accessed, would paint a rather unpleasant image of the coach and the workplace culture over which he ruled.
With confidentiality assured to players and staff, it appeared to me that facts were conveniently destined to remain veiled from the light of day.
The Twitter conversation evolved, with some calling on Zelic to release the information that had helped form her view on the situation.
Experienced broadcaster Tim Gossage enquired, “You seem to be in the know Lucy. Saying a lot but stopping at saying anything. Fuelling the fire maybe?”
Foxtel broadcaster Daniel Garb appeared to be one of those “in the know”, defending the decision with a somewhat inflammatory description of the culture within the Australian women’s football team.
“Would you rather FFA swept an untenable situation under the carpet?” he tweeted.
Over the course of the weekend I had heard the words ‘toxic’, ‘welfare’, ‘workplace’, ‘culture’, ‘untenable’, ‘deteriorating’ and ‘unsustainable’ emanate from a variety of ‘sources’, people and theorists. Frankly, it stank to high heaven.
I realised there must have been an undoubted truth we were yet to learn. Apparently only a select few knew and they weren’t saying – well, not yet!
Amid the breaking news and the disgraceful and logical assumptions formed about Stajcic, the course of natural justice was well and truly set to ‘implode’. People were right to question his character after the clear-cut decision made by FFA was supported by a knowledgeable group of people “in the know”, assuring all and sundry that it was just, deserved and fair.
What followed was astonishing, with the Matildas taking to social media in support of their mentor.
“Today our world turned upside down. Although we aren’t privy to the finer details of Staj’s dismissal, I respect him as a coach and what he has done for the group thus far,” Elise Kellond-Knight tweeted.
“Disappointing news yesterday losing our head coach, especially so close to a major tournament,” Emily Gielnik said, to which Clare Polkinghorne added, “What he’s done for the Matilda’s and football in Aus is incredible.”
“Yesterday’s news was totally unexpected. Staj has done so much for women’s football, which we thank him for.” Tameka Butt tweeted.
“Shattered with what we have found out today.” Chloe Logarzo said.
“The achievements we succeeded in with him guiding us were monumental. The stuff dreams are made of. Thank you doesn’t cover it. I’m still in shock,” said Lydia Williams.
“His dedication to our team was remarkable … I am truly saddened,” Alanna Kennedy said.
I may have missed a few, but the pattern is quite clear.
When world superstar Sam Kerr was roped into the debate amid a suggestion that her silent response was potentially instructed by the powers at be, her subsequent comment was telling,
“I have not been gagged by the FFA,” she tweeted. “I have not commented because I wasn’t ready to comment while I am still shocked and upset. My trust was in Staj to lead us to the World Cup final & I believe he was the best coach for that. Thankful for everything his (sic) done for me and the team.”
The Matildas are far more than just the players and the coach at the helm. A broader staff and collection of contributors engage on a daily basis to build what has become one of Australia’s most successful and truly international teams.
The players’ comments appear to defy a supposed toxic culture and the untenable situation that David Gallop claimed had been worsening in recent months.
Perhaps the issues lie more with Stajcic’s relationships outside the playing group or with a small number of his chargers. That information lies embedded in the surveys that were completed and subsequently used to inform the FFA’s decision.
It all seems like a funny way to do business.
Ray Gatt said it well over the weekend when he tweeted, “So now Australian soccer is run by surveys! Great idea. Let’s do a survey on FFA, PFA and Ourwatch. Love to see the results.”
As for the real story and the way forward? Well, the hastily called press conference on Monday afternoon loomed as an opportunity for the FFA to provide answers. Instead we were presented with the most vacuous and pointless ten minutes of fluff that clarified nothing and merely annoyed people just hours prior to a vital Socceroos Asian Cup knockout fixture.
I’d like to tell you more but, sorry, I guess I am just not “in the know”.
ken higgs
Guest
I'm not sure I follow the logic of current players supporting Stajcic because if they didn't a new coach wouldn't select them. Why would a new coach not select them if they didn't come out in support of Stajcic?
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
I can't rebut any of your statements because I've seen none of them, for myself. So your'e saying - "I have first hand knowledge of his behaviour." and you did nothing, Shame on you! Especially as you say you are invovled at elite level in NSW "I know his MO and so do a lot of other people connected with womens football in NSW." again you and them did nothing, again Shame on you. "I have seen and heard him behave in the ways I have described. It is not speculation." once again, what did you do about it? You say you coach women’s elite footballers in NSW, I have a simple question, Don't you think you had a responsiblity to those players to actually stand up and be counted? How many times did you report said comments to his employers?
con trips
Guest
FFA shifty cover up where are the journalist to uncover all this, why are we treated as muchrooms
con trips
Guest
I think its a disgrace how we are kept in the dark about Alan Stajcic sacking and that is not one good reporter that carries out his duty and finds out the truth this is a dictatorship and it needs to stop or football will implode and destroy itself and the people in charge are just not good enough to be there , massive stuff ups everywhere
Pearcy
Roar Rookie
Must have been a long shift. It's 2019!
Pearcy
Roar Rookie
Details?
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Thanks JB, I appreciate, and respect your view. I think it’s an indictment on the former coach that he walked mid-season, and the staff he appointed (bar Davies) walked mid-season. They put together this team, it’s the players they selected. They didn’t walk because the club witheld resources, didn’t spend enough on players or didn’t pay them. They walked because the team they put together was not working, and getting worse. It reflects badly on them, not Roar. I’d expect plenty of these players not to re-signed when their contracts expire, but I wouldn’t expect Roar to pay them out and release them.
chris
Guest
Are you just being obtuse or do you not read what I write or find it difficult to grasp what I am saying? I have first hand knowledge of his behaviour. I coach women's elite footballers in NSW. I know his MO and so do a lot of other people connected with womens football in NSW. I have seen and heard him behave in the ways I have described. It is not speculation. His behaviour and treatment of players in NSW is not up to the standards that most people would find acceptable. Now, if you have something to say to rebut my claims then go for it.
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
Chris, I don't pick fights with any one, all i have to do is voice an opinion and 50% of the people who read or hear it will either agree or disagree. Some will say so, most won't. You made 3 distinct points that AS is alleged to have done. I assume you were present when he said these things? If you weren't then it was only hear-say and unfortunately lacks any credibility. 1. Shaming players in front of team mates for carrying too much weight. Telling a player they are too heavy, or too slow or too tall or small in front of team mates isn't a sackable offence, because if it was we'd be changing coaches at every level every other month. [IMO] 2. Telling players to join a particular club just to gain national selection, suggests that talent plays no part in his selection criteria. Do you really believe that? 3, Telling players to go to a school where he teaches seems far fetched especially if he works in NSW and the player/s live interstate. This is a very easily checked, if you have the inclination. I'm not suggesting that there are no issues that need addressing, what I am questioning is both the timing, the way it was done and the down right secrecy behind it all. I would love to conduct a survey into all levels of the FFA and see if we will get the same response to that survey as we have with this one.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Yes, Stajcic's days were numbered months ago, a section of the new board needed something to run with, and they got it via the surveys, which were organisation-wide, and the voices which counted most, those of the senior matildas, mattered the least. Ultimately: - the so-called toxic culture was run-of-the-mill elite training methods, - those outside of the elite players are the ones complaining about it, and - this was a godsend for certain sections of the board who already were looking for change.
Onside
Guest
Gallop says Stajcic was in the no.
Bangers N Mash
Guest
Because it’s actually Speculation?
Stupified
Guest
Appears a "toxic culture" of success and winning was created. Australian sport needs more not less. Appears the complaints came from outside of this winning culture.
Jbinnie
Guest
Lionheart - No need for apologies. First of all you must recognise to whom I addressed my comment , Waz, a man with whom I have been discussing these Roar problems for all of this season. I am very much aware that you are what I term a loyal supporter,and under no circumstances would I attempt to change that, but you must also appreciate that I have been watching football in Australia for 50 years now and frankly that attempt at team play against CCM is probably one of the worst team displays I have seen,the team did not play as a team, they played as 11 individuals. The next day I read about a statement made by the CEO that "Roar were not in crisis" and I'm afraid that's where you and I differ,for any club who has a team playing like that has a HUGE problem. Apparently you are prepared to sacrifice this season, and that is your right, but where I stand is that the season is only halfway through and the remaining time has to be used to try and improve what is happening on the field. You see I don't reckon coaches are super football brains, and with Roar's record of coach selection in the past I'm not so sure any new man is going to work wonders, for Roar's problem is players ,and without players you can have no impact in match performance. As I have said before, if your team is to perform in the A league then a simple question has to be put, that being, "Is this lad good enough to play with the Socceroos?". If he is not, he is not good enough to challenge for a top position in the HAL. If you do this exercise you will appreciate my vision of Roar's problem , and I consider it an opinion that should be shared by the top brass at Roar. Cheers jb.
chris
Guest
No actually I couldn't care less what you do with my "version of the truth".
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Apologies JB, for being so forthright. In my opinion, and it is an opinion only, informed by distant observation and not necessary fact, the crisis at Roar has been solved, or at least step 1 has been taken to solve it. The culture has been toxic under the former coaching staff, no doubt, we only need look at the foul count and consider events involving assistant coaches and some players on the sidelines, in the tunnels. It’s never been like that at Roar, not before the (former) coaching staff arrived. Now that they have gone, and it matters not in what order they left, they’re gone, I believe the club is finally on the path to correct the matter. As for this season, unfortunately we’re stuck with the legacy of our former coaches for a while. I don’t expect the interim coach can fix it, that will be a job for the new coach who, I hope, will be appointed after a detailed and careful review of candidates. I think we have to tolerate the legacy, and keep our expectations low for now, until a new team is appointed and then give them time to fix things. The damage is too great for band aids JB, so I’m quite ready for a poor rest-of-season 2018/19 with the knowledge that we have started to head in the right direction. I feel a sense of relief actually. Bring on 2019/20.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Increasingly, it's looking like this was an act of opportunism from some quarters on the board. The concerns of a handful of junior matildas as been taken as the golden opportunity for a bold statement. At least one board member must have thought all her Christmases had come at once.
TheVolley
Guest
My question is if the players themselves don't know the issues, and no one has even spoken up or given a hint of it, then where is evidence that such a situation exists? A toxic culture would affect the players one would think but apparently this is not the case. So who are the people being affected by this 'toxic' culture?
Nephilim
Roar Rookie
Matildas coach sacked after quarter of players revealed they were afraid to ask for help By Tracey Holmes https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-22/matildas-environment-of-stress-and-fear/10734412 It is expected the full Our Watch report will be delivered to the FFA headquarters this week. So the FFA don't even have the details, only the foot notes, sounds quite questionable to me. That's why Gallop doesn't say anything of worth, because not even himself knows why Stajcic has been sacked. There are some damning accusations , but you can't make an evidence based decision without evidence. Look if Stajcic is in the wrong, then none of us has the right to complain. It becomes an ethical problem that a person has lost their job, maybe their career without knowing the evidence. The FFA has handled this very poorly.
jbinnie
Guest
Lionheart - Not your usual reply. First of all I stopped "smoking " some 50 years ago and have no intention of restarting. Lets get serious. You obviously found the facts that I listed as somewhat unbelievable,and that is your prerogative, but as a Roar fan ,if you watched that display of "football' against CCM, and then read a reported statement in the following days,in that the CEO denied that Roar have a problem,then I'm afraid even the eternal optimism I have recently mentioned re. your views, have to come into some doubt. Let's stop mincing words,Roar are in trouble in the HAL and nothing you can say to me will alter my opinion. Cheers jb.