Mike Blair ofski.

[Pitfitter1105]

Stepping down at the season end, unexpected, so now who do we look to?

[Tichtheid]

test

[Tichtheid]

It's working again!

Shame it has to be on this topic.

We have a good squad, I hope we can get a coach that can get them playing how they can.

Best of luck to Mike Blair, he seems like a really nice guy and a talented coach at that, the timing for head-coach just wasn't right.

[The Feral Goat]

He never appeared that comfortable in the role but thought he would have taken time to grow into it. However, if he is not enjoying it fair enough.

Been some very enjoyable rugby at the DAM under him. Wonder if players knew at some point before Scarlets shocker.

Not sure there are many within SRU already that are realistic replacements. John Dalziel probably only one must be about make or break time for him.

Roddy Grant maybe looking for an HC role after a strong period at Ulster?

Edit: Few names on various twitter /newspaper articles
Lee Blacket as a DOR type
Steve Lawrie
Greig Laidlaw

[Pitfitter1105]

Roddy Grant might just be ready to come back? Good shout.

[macdone]

Big Vern is available...

[Trophyhunter]

Disappointing but can only but respect his honesty .

[macdone]

Pivac?

[TheSmidge]

If he can be extracted from Ulster, Roddy Grant has to be the outstanding candidate on a like-for-like basis. Would certainly be an appointment very warmly welcomed as “one of us”. If not, then John Dalziel is probably the internal candidate.

However, suggestion of a DoR type (Lee Blackett mentioned) then presumably a more junior “head coach”. Not sure how that would work within the SRU structure, which are unlike any other club structures in NH, particularly in relation to recruitment.

[dolf_lundgren]

Reports of Steve Diamond taking over with immediate effect.

WOW, really not sure about this, feels like a step back. Although if he can stay away from the playing side too much and allow Blair to handle that i woudl be for it.

Edit, it does look like he is keen on getting back into coaching.

[The Feral Goat]

hmm not sure on this, never been a fan of Diamond he comes across as a dick and his methods are questionable. However thought similar of Cockerill. Feels like a backward step and if players ultimately wanted shot of Cockerill cant see them being over joyed with Diamond. However that is me looking from outside. Those that have played for Diamond, VDM & McCallum, may rate him, dont know.

Would be happy for Blair to remain as attack coach, keeps him in Scottish rugby, as long as he has a voice and is allowed to develop and coach our attack not just do as asked by HC/DOR.

[Trophyhunter]

“ Lead Consultant “ suggests expediency on contract outside of process and governance checks . His experience will have some value and tone of PR is non committal , but he will understandably want to be head coach . Our priority has to be getting our current 10s standards up . Recent performances in that key role have been flakey. Hopefully BK returns to club action in good shape and mindset.

[The Chiel]

Rugby Paper saying Diamond till at least the end of the season, BUT Blackett possibly still in the frame for next season and beyond.

I wonder if this is Diamond immediately available but Blackett not wanting to dump Scarlets straight away, given they offered him the job for this season when he was out of work. Or it could just be TRP tipped Blackett so they're keeping it alive a bit longer !

[mike04]

The rugby paper is claiming Lee Blackett is joining Diamond at Edinburgh next season. If Blackett can get us playing like Llanelli since he joined in November it will be good to watch. Then we would need a competent defence coach

[The Chiel]

The rugby paper is claiming Lee Blackett is joining Diamond at Edinburgh next season. If Blackett can get us playing like Llanelli since he joined in November it will be good to watch. Then we would need a competent defence coach

Seeing reports Blackett has gone to Bath as attack coach. I thought he would have wanted a Head Coach job, but there you go.