News Thompson signs with Essendon

[_Me_]

he will breach honesty etc at the bombers and no-one will believe or trust him

 

[SeeTheBombersFlyUp]

I'd say he has done a marvelous job at your club for the time he has been there.

I remember back when everyone was calling for his sacking, how must he of felt about the supporters and officials then of the club?

To then deliver your club 2 premierships in such a short period of time is something you people seem to forget. How many premierships did you see your beloved cats win before he lead you to those 2? Chances are zero. He's done more then his fair share at Geelong, and actually gave you something to cheer about.

Give the guy some respect. Sure in hindsight there may have been better ways to handle the situation, regardless though can you blame him on wanting to return to the club where he grew up as a young man, one he captained and shared premiership success as a player at and have all his early football memories at?

 

[Lance Uppercut]

What is it about this move that gets under our skin?

Is it what Thompson has previously said? Or that Macca has gone there as well?
Is it that Costa has been wrong footed , caught out by BT changing his mind?
Is it we think that its a commentary on our club that people are casting us aside as yesterdays news, deserting a perceived sinking ship or at least a ship taking on water?Is it that we fear going back to where we were , and maybe Thompson and BMC saw it was time to get the hell out of Dodge?

My thoughts are along the lines of - if someone had said to me ten years ago when looking for a coach , Thompson would coach us for 10 years, win a couple of flags and then go back to Ess ... and I would have said where do I sign. Brendan McCartney too was a long time servant of the club. Yes he left before his contract was up but for what ever reason he wanted a change.

The question for me is , are we going to let these 'people' define our club.

Just listening to some Kiwi was on SEN and he was asked about whether he admired or hated Aussies. He stated that he admired them cause generally , they were prepared to do whatever to win. Bowl under arm?Take the rules to limit. Mmm Kiwi's might think ...mmm don't really want to be perceived as the bad guy. Aussies- I dont f--ing care what you have to do to win , just win"

To me , this is exactly what Ess are doing. They are club that has a much longer history of success than us and the last decade has seen them diminished to be compared to Richmond. They have had enough. No more Mister Nice Guy. They probably know what they are doing is like kicking sand in our face but so bet it. So what if they burn the relationship with Geelong for a while , in the end it Essendon that counts not us.

Ess feel they must do something and I respect that. Flags are not given out like a Charity at the Salvos , to win them you have to be brave enough to be be the bad guy. Didn't Brisbane punch the crap out of kids and teach them the way of the big boys versus little boys. Well right now the same thing is happening only off the field. Thompson, goes, Ablett goes , others go and others are targeted. We are on the beach and the sand is getting kicked in our face , so what are we going to do about it? Just be the nice guy , just say blah,blah, blah. If thats the case we are deserving of that sand, we really are just a mirage of success , we are a shallow shell of a truly great club.

So how should we respond , I don't know. Perhaps let Cooky warm up the tongue , get Scott and the players out and let people know that they will be looking forward the Ess. matches . I dont know but what we must convey beyond an doubt is that We are Geelong.

WE. Not Thompson, not McCartney , not Ablett. WE.

We have been here longer than most , we will be around when Thompson is just a long gone memory. So see you to Mark Thompson, thanks for your efforts and enjoy your time at Ess and remember , what comes around, go's around.

what a cracker of a post!

 

[The rabbi]

Re: How to Destroy Your Reputation

You really are a nasty piece of work.

 

[Biggy_Boy]

I'd say he has done a marvelous job at your club for the time he has been there.

I remember back when everyone was calling for his sacking, how must he of felt about the supporters and officials then of the club?

To then deliver your club 2 premierships in such a short period of time is something you people seem to forget. How many premierships did you see your beloved cats win before he lead you to those 2? Chances are zero. He's done more then his fair share at Geelong, and actually gave you something to cheer about.

Give the guy some respect. Sure in hindsight there may have been better ways to handle the situation, regardless though can you blame him on wanting to return to the club where he grew up as a young man, one he captained and shared premiership success as a player at and have all his early football memories at?

So Bomber was the only reason we won those premierships?

 

[TheHonestyPolicy]

I'd say he has done a marvelous job at your club for the time he has been there.

I remember back when everyone was calling for his sacking, how must he of felt about the supporters and officials then of the club?

To then deliver your club 2 premierships in such a short period of time is something you people seem to forget. How many premierships did you see your beloved cats win before he lead you to those 2? Chances are zero. He's done more then his fair share at Geelong, and actually gave you something to cheer about.

Give the guy some respect. Sure in hindsight there may have been better ways to handle the situation, regardless though can you blame him on wanting to return to the club where he grew up as a young man, one he captained and shared premiership success as a player at and have all his early football memories at?

After 7 seasons at the end of 2006 and a less than 50% win/loss ratio and no GF appearances we had run right off the rails. We werent fit, game plan crap and in nearly 99% of cases coaches at this point get the sack.
It was only after Cook's review of that 2006 post season that this group started to play to their true potentail in 2007. A point sadly lost on Bomber supporters who think Thompson will walk back over water to Windy Hill. Get a grip. Stephen Wells' name should be mentioned here too among the many others in the playing group for example who played loyal for far less cash than their real worth.

He left in very distasteful circumstances given he was in talks with the Bombers since July and was calling from GFC facilities. Why dont you just give Geelong supporters time to vent their disappointment?

We have all shown gratitude to Bomber for his efforts at the club, but how you can ignore the rest is beyond me, and it's nowhere near our fault.

 

[Tony Delaney]

Re: How to Destroy Your Reputation

I guess 2 premierships, 3 grand finals and probably the most successful coach and era in Geelongs history is now shot. Why because he wants to return to the club he loves and the club that helped make him into the coach he was.

Yes no worries he should have came out and said mid year that coaching was wearing him out and he would like to return to Essendon in a lesser role. What then - you would have praised him for his honesty -I think not.

I also think he handled the Ablett leaving situation pretty poor but also understand his frustration at the pressure it caused his team.

I think he felt one way or another that in 2011 he may not be coaching Geelong, the get out of contract clause may have been a bit of a giveaway. I think it best not to just judge on what you 'see' , people have other things going on in their lives besides footy and Bomber is no different.

 

[johnnystav]

Re: How to Destroy Your Reputation

I guess 2 premierships, 3 grand finals and probably the most successful coach and era in Geelongs history is now shot. Why because he wants to return to the club he loves and the club that helped make him into the coach he was.

Yes no worries he should have came out and said mid year that coaching was wearing him out and he would like to return to Essendon in a lesser role. What then - you would have praised him for his honesty -I think not.

I also think he handled the Ablett leaving situation pretty poor but also understand his frustration at the pressure it caused his team.

I think he felt one way or another that in 2012 he may not be coaching Geelong, the get out of contract clause may have been a bit of a giveaway. I think it best not to just judge on what you 'see' , people have other things going on in their lives besides footy and Bomber is no different.

Not really in both cases it's just the untruthfulness that bothers people. we all recognize what they have both done for the club, but again if they were just honest it wouldn't be bad at all

 

[pinion]

Re: How to Destroy Your Reputation

more than anything, it's disappointing that a guy like cooke feels betrayed given the rapport they seemed to have. it's also disappointing that costa's reign ends in this sort of fashion.

he'll always be the coach who broke our premiership drought, but the exit definitely taints his legacy, particularly since the media has been a step ahead of everything he's done

 

[Clawfinger]

Re: How to Destroy Your Reputation

I guess 2 premierships, 3 grand finals and probably the most successful coach and era in Geelongs history is now shot. Why because he wants to return to the club he loves and the club that helped make him into the coach he was.

Yes no worries he should have came out and said mid year that coaching was wearing him out and he would like to return to Essendon in a lesser role. What then - you would have praised him for his honesty -I think not.

I also think he handled the Ablett leaving situation pretty poor but also understand his frustration at the pressure it caused his team.

I think he felt one way or another that in 2012 he may not be coaching Geelong, the get out of contract clause may have been a bit of a giveaway. I think it best not to just judge on what you 'see' , people have other things going on in their lives besides footy and Bomber is no different.

He was the coach he was because he was given the time and opportunity to carry out a long-term plan which resulted in 3 successive GFs, 2 of them victorious - not sure what Essendon had to do with that.
Personally I wish him well, even if it's all been handled a bit badly - God knows you could do with some help over there.

 

[Vdubs]

What is his actual role there?

salad, cheese and pickles

 

[hamG]

Re: How to Destroy Your Reputation

Meh, goes to show the small fry moments we have for media blowouts in the AFL. Its not like Bomber used his penis to examine the dentistry of the nearest golden lab or anything, sheez.

 

[Scaley mate #4]

How will you greet bomber when Geelong plays Essendon?

Poll on bomber;

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=775354

 

[Cats33]

Thanks for the memories bomber but now its time for you to **** off .

I kind of feel sorry for the bloke , wtf is he thinking lol Essendon , he must be so burnt out that he hasnt had a chance to have a look at that medicore list they have .

 

[you pick one]

Re: How to Destroy Your Reputation

Bomber in discussions with Essendon in July. He has been speaking to Hird for a very long time. Too gutless to front the media. Next time you will be shafting someone use a pre-paid phone

Piss off, hope you enjoy your cheap little chick.

Gazz talk total crap all year, and leave for the money because you think you are a superstar.

I was on the steps of the town hall in 1963 to see fred wooler bring home the cup,I had to wait 44years for Tom, Bomber,and the boys to bring home another one, and then back up in09.
What Bomber, Gaz,or any of the team do now or in the future I Wish them luck and thank them for taking us on the ride of our lives.

 

[KennyHunter9]

It's the sheer hypocrisy of the guy that will stick.

After all the comments about Gaz and loyalty, he looks like a liar.

And in this regard, Hird is truly his understudy.

 

[catfan1]

Thanks for the memories Bomber, best for both parties moving forward. The saddest day for me over the past month has been the retirement of Maxy, a champion who was an inspiration to all his teammates. I believe Chris Scott will be sensational for our club, time to turn the page and bring on 2011

 

[Kings Army]

Re: How to Destroy Your Reputation

I guess 2 premierships, 3 grand finals and probably the most successful coach and era in Geelongs history is now shot. Why because he wants to return to the club he loves and the club that helped make him into the coach he was.

Yes no worries he should have came out and said mid year that coaching was wearing him out and he would like to return to Essendon in a lesser role. What then - you would have praised him for his honesty -I think not.

I also think he handled the Ablett leaving situation pretty poor but also understand his frustration at the pressure it caused his team.

I think he felt one way or another that in 2012 he may not be coaching Geelong, the get out of contract clause may have been a bit of a giveaway. I think it best not to just judge on what you 'see' , people have other things going on in their lives besides footy and Bomber is no different.

I just hope that when he sits down with a Hurley or a Pears and tells them to knock back bigger offers from other club because loyalty is important that they just laugh in his face.

Not sure who you are to tell people how he felt about 2012. Unless that is you Bomber?

 

[smooth mover]

So Bomber was the only reason we won those premierships?

Well it was all bombers fault in 2006 when u's weren't winning flags & he nearly got the sack as a result!! I think evryone here should stop being so naive & thinking your club didn't cause SOME of these issues! I think both parties are to blame, now lets just get on with 2001

After 7 seasons at the end of 2006 and a less than 50% win/loss ratio and no GF appearances we had run right off the rails. We werent fit, game plan crap and in nearly 99% of cases coaches at this point get the sack.
It was only after Cook's review of that 2006 post season that this group started to play to their true potentail in 2007. A point sadly lost on Bomber supporters who think Thompson will walk back over water to Windy Hill. Get a grip. Stephen Wells' name should be mentioned here too among the many others in the playing group for example who played loyal for far less cash than their real worth.

He left in very distasteful circumstances given he was in talks with the Bombers since July and was calling from GFC facilities. Why dont you just give Geelong supporters time to vent their disappointment?

We have all shown gratitude to Bomber for his efforts at the club, but how you can ignore the rest is beyond me, and it's nowhere near our fault.

It never is TheHonestyPolicy, never take the blame, ur being a true male there

 

[darren forssman]

I think both parties are to blame, now lets just get on with 2001

yes, lets raise our glasses to 2001, looking forward to how it pans out.

 

[AndyLesPaul]

What's so hypocritical about what he's said about Gablett?

He remained a one-club player, did not leave for the money, does he bag out Ablett for being a one-club coach? No (and Bomber was a one-club [senior] coach anyway)

I mean yeah sure I'm stoked he's at our club now, but what has he actually said that directly leads him to being hypocritical? Give me a quote and I'll be satisfied

 

[Scaley mate #4]

My mother-in-law is a devoted cat fan for 40+ years, and I tend to agree with her (easier than disagreeing) evaluation,

Bomber Thompson had grown up following Essendon, and surpassed his childhood dream by not only playing for the bombers, but captaining them to a premiership. He is red and black through and through.

He finished his football career with the one club, and then went on to become an assistant coach with that very club until it was obvious that Sheedy, the current coach of Essendon at the time, was staying put for awhile. Bomber then went on to an assistant coaching role at the then Kangaroos!

An opportunity arose for him to take the next step and become the senior coach at the Geelong Football Club, and although he would have dearly love it to be Essendon, he also knows Sheedy had his boots well-and-truly nailed to the Essendon coaches box floor! The rest of his time at the cats is a wonderful part of GFC history.

As the period of cats dominance started to show a crack or two, his old club was an obvious basket case, and bomber had been in the same job and at the same desk for a decade or more, naturally talks, ideas and dreams were starting to be bantered around with his life long friends.

Bomber sees an opportunity to end his time with the cats whilst they are still in good shape (3rd), two premierships, two Brownlow's, two Norn Smiths, and a swag of all Australians, MVP's, record memberships etc......

He leaves Geelong one year short of his extended contract, not for money, not for another senior coaching position, but to go back to the club that is in his blood, the club that gave him his life's opportunity, the club he adores, the club called The Bombers!

Why would you begrudge a man who has given the GFC, perhaps the greatest period in it's history for returning to his roots?

 

[AM]

Scaley,

Read some of the other threads. It wasn't what he did it was the way he did it. And that goes for Essendon too. What a weak gutless effort today. They hold a presser and not one of the top people had the guts to front. Not the sleaze, Evans. Not the CEO, Robson. Not the coach, Hird. And not the man at the centre, Thompson. Piss weak!

As Ashley Brown said here

Hamilton earned his keep today, and it is an indictment on president David Evans, chief executive Ian Robson and particularly coach James Hird that they weren't on hand for the announcement and to answer truthfully the murky questions about how the deal came together. If truth was on their side, they should have had no qualms about facing the media and stating once and for all that the deal to bring Thompson back to Essendon was only hatched after he left Geelong.

 

[FoxC]

Read some of the other threads. It wasn't what he did it was the way he did it. And that goes for Essendon too.

This is the crux of the matter which many people fail to grasp, especially Bombers fans. The same goes for the Ablett saga.

So, let me yell out one more time: WE DON'T BEGRUDGE THEM LEAVING GEELONG, WE JUST WISH THEY HAD BEEN UPFRONT AND HONEST ABOUT IT.

Brian Cook was interviewed on 3AW tonight and for those who missed the interview, this is what he said:

- Geelong wishes Thompson all the best with his future, but there have been many half truths told by Thompson and Essendon and that Geelong is disappointed with the lack of transparency in the way he left

- The club paid Thompson's mobile phone bill and when asked by Dwayne Russell if there were records of phone calls between Thompson and Essendon as far back as July, Cook politely declined to confirm or deny, but jokingly said David Evans may have just called to say hello

- Cook doesn't believe Ablett would have stayed either way, as he left for more money and the club understood his decision

- Geelong will do everything to keep Bartel from GWS poaching but Cook believes Jimmy is not a money person, although he will be rewarded with increased salary cap room from Ablett's departure and retirement of senior players in the next few years

- Cook believes C Scott will be a great coach in the medium term and that Geelong still have great staff and players.

Unlike that pack of liars at Windy Hill, our club conducts itself with class in the face of adversity and setbacks which makes me very proud to be a Geelong supporter.

 

[TheHonestyPolicy]

Well it was all bombers fault in 2006 when u's weren't winning flags & he nearly got the sack as a result!! I think evryone here should stop being so naive & thinking your club didn't cause SOME of these issues! I think both parties are to blame, now lets just get on with 2001



It never is TheHonestyPolicy, never take the blame, ur being a true male there

Incredibly insightful and eloquent stuff.

Yes I will repeat, Geelong has played no part in Bomber's duplicity and outright deception that has lead to this mess. It had nothing to do with Geelong that he held talks with the Bombers mid season in a season that could have yeilded a flag, what a joke. Bomber laid all the blame fairly on the players over the game plan at season's end, remind me who the senior coach was if you would? He nearly got the sack in 2006 because 99% of coaches do after 7 seasons when their win loss ratio is less than 50% and they havent played off in a GF. I think thats all fairly straight forward stuff.

Yes lets get on with 2001!! Not surprising to find a Bombers' supporter living in the past. I agree the last 10 yrs has been hilarious