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In Mid 2005 John Mitchell was announced as Coach of the Western Force. I was a very happy camper, here was a guy with an amazing success rate(86%) with the All Blacks and, I thought, unfairly sacked after losing one game (v Wallabies 2003 RWC).
Since that time he has hold of the reigns of our beloved Western Force for over 3 years now. He has a contract to continue as Coach of the Western Force until 2011.
In 2006, the first season of the Western Force, success was hard to come by. But you can see it, a style of play starts to come through. 1 win, 2 draws and 2 losses that are less then 4 points. I was hoping for a better start, but I have faith.
2007 and the Western Force get some new recruits and the win loss ratio looks a little better. Western Force finally notched up a win at home against the Hurricanes and we handed out a couple of spankings to the Reds and the Cheetahs. But, the Crusaders, Chiefs and the Blues gave us a hiding. 6 Wins, 1 Draw and 6 Losses saw the Force 7th on the ladder at the end of the season, a great improvement for a new side, but still some ways to go.
2008 I think its fair to say we should have stepped up, and didn't, continued off field mis-adventures hurt the start of our season. Wester Force finished up 8th with 7 Wins and 6 Losses. I expected better.
How long do we, as fans, continue to talk up a Coach because he has a great Resume?
In the first couple of seasons here on TWF I continued to back John Mitchell's decision even when it didn't make sense. In 2006 when Matt Henjak failed to fire, yet he was continued to be selected at Half Back. In 2007 when Drew Mitchell was continued to be selected at Fullback in front of Sheps.
In John we trustAnyone who questioned these desiscions was shouted down from the rooftops.I believe in the Force, The Whole Force and nothing but the Force. So help us John.
And I used to say it, and believe it too.John Mitchell is a former All Blacks Coach. I think he knows what he is doing.
I believe that 2008 should have been a year for the Force to step up and didn't. For over 2 years now I believe that the Western Force have had the best backline in Australia. I believe that when the Force is purring on all 8 cylinders that they are able to beat any team that faces them.
But, for some reason its not clicking.
For 3 years now the season starts with a whimper and not a BANG.
I believe that there is a failure somewhere in the system.
The pre-season "vote of no-confidence" I believe was a storm in a tea cup. A management questionnaire that got blown out of proportion.
But something is missing. The Force lack fire, lack mongrel.
I believe that anything short of a finals berth is a failure and John Mitchell needs to go.
Perhaps something is being lost in the translation.
Can a Kiwi coach an Aussie side? Maybe Robbie Deans can do a better job with the Wallabies.