dolf_lundgren wrote:They would probably say the same as others who feel they haven't had a fair crack of the whip, like Hughes/Jones under Rennie, Others, like Bennet, under Townsend, there were players who didnt like Cotter too.
Barclay had an issue with Cockers as he wanted to keep playing and there wasnt a contract offer from Edinburgh, to be fair in terms of value for money, players coming through and the uncertainty of covid then it was the right decision. If Barclay thought Cockers was so bad, why did he want another contract?
While coaches do need to treat players fairly, I would argue they are not there to be their friend and if a player isn't performing then they need to be frank with them.
Of all the players who have a gripe, it is probably Matt Scott who has most right to, but it didnt sound like his issue was with Cockers. I would have him back in a heardbeat.
I woudl agree that shoutyness only lasts so long, but it was exaclty what we needed at the time and possibly what is still needed in some players. I would bet there will be a number of player who will say how good a coach Cockers is.
There is a massive difference between being frank with players and going OTT. I don't think there has been a coach involved in the Scottish sides for a while that can be described as being too friendly with the players.
I don't think I have seen anyone argue that Cockerill wasn't what was needed at the time but that time only lasts so long.
Has any player come out and said it is a shame he is leaving? I genuinely don't know so asking the question. Sutherland didn't mention him is the coverage of his move either.
That also is one part of the criticism. Fans could see players rigidly sticking to the plans with little initiative on the pitch and his and his staff have been pretty poor at youth development.