Penn fires back at Sea Eagles critics

[effnic]

Why is Barrett still coaching us???
Why are we going after Neil Henry of all the coaches off contract???
What the F@#k is going on with this club i love???

Someone needs to come out ASAP and just be honest with the fans, its killing me.

Get your s@#t together Manly.

 

[eagleron]

Not me. We didn't listen to the boys!!

Sounds like you went to the same school as my missus!!

 

[Snake]

As I understand selling of the leagues club has funded any moneys' put in by the owners but I could be wrong on this. The Penn's don't seem to be passionate football club owners like say Russel Crowe. So why own a club & let it slide. We had grants to patch up Brookie but nothing has happened despite Zorba constantly pushing the agenda that the place is an overpriced cow shed. The redevelopment plan for brookie has probably something to do with it. I'd imagine a lot of money to be made if it ever happens. Anyway, I refuse to believe that the owners have no plans. Again, they are not stupid. They have built a business empire but knowing exactly what they want to do & how to do it.

The redevelopment plans stall because of the relationships and structures of local, state and federal governments. The Penn Family cannot afford to redevelop without the ongoing support of government. I could be wrong but I personally don't think they have big plans, I think they would be content to employ some new staff, a new coach and hope that results on the field improve. Additionally, I would think they will keep lobbying for an upgrade of Brookie and leave it at that. Either that or they'll eventually sell to an overseas company.

The motivation should be to keep a CEO in office for an extended period of time to allow for stability and I think they need to cut ties with Bozo. I don't blame him entirely for our current predicament but he can't rule with iron fist and have his sons running around implementing his plans from a mobile phone. It's 2018 and clubs cannot run like that anymore. It has to be professional. That's my 2 cents worth anyway.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Look its good that Scott Penn has finally said something, that the fans needed to hear. I think his failure to speak up until now has been a major concern. No one doubts the financial commitment this family have put into the Sea Eagles. But to me the ball has been dropped in a number of areas which Penn should have been on top of.

1. The team has been a disaster this year. I know injuries have been savage and there has been the salary cap issue, but they took a hard line on Toovey, they should have been just as diligent with Barrett and especially the defensive coaching. Its their business. You just don't allow the problem to increase unattended.

2. Scott needs to clarify the Brookvale Oval issue. I know that's not his responsibility, but its affecting the status of the Sea Eagles, crowds, conditions etc. There has been promise of funding to improve the ground for years, yet where is it and who is holding onto it? Interest alone could would be in the $100,000s per year. Where is it? Is someone using it fraudulently? Is it being diverted to other programmes? I know this has nothing to do with the Penns but having serious vested interests in the ground, they need to be demanding action.

3. The club need to be responding firmly to media allegations, and putting journos in their place if they are being misquoted. There needs to be a firm PR action so that fans know where the likely truth lies. The crowds are diminishing not only because of the poor performances, but also because of the bad press. Don't blame the fans for responding to what they hear. If you don't come out and clearly state what is happening, rumours and innuendoes will flourish. Fans can only know what they are being told, and if its all from the vested interests of journos who hate Manly, then what do you expect fans to think

4. You need to show proactive action over the off season to give fans heart that Manly is on the rise again. Its your business, and the fans are the most important ingredient you have, so you must ensure they can see something worthwhile to look forward to. Getting angry at their negative responses is just stabbing yourself in the back. You need the fans on side. Do a decent PR job to win them back and tell Zorba to stop blaming the fans for the predicament that has nothing to do with them.

Well said mate!!!

 

[BOZO]

[

Look its good that Scott Penn has finally said something, that the fans needed to hear. I think his failure to speak up until now has been a major concern. No one doubts the financial commitment this family have put into the Sea Eagles. But to me the ball has been dropped in a number of areas which Penn should have been on top of.

1. The team has been a disaster this year. I know injuries have been savage and there has been the salary cap issue, but they took a hard line on Toovey, they should have been just as diligent with Barrett and especially the defensive coaching. Its their business. You just don't allow the problem to increase unattended.

2. Scott needs to clarify the Brookvale Oval issue. I know that's not his responsibility, but its affecting the status of the Sea Eagles, crowds, conditions etc. There has been promise of funding to improve the ground for years, yet where is it and who is holding onto it? Interest alone could would be in the $100,000s per year. Where is it? Is someone using it fraudulently? Is it being diverted to other programmes? I know this has nothing to do with the Penns but having serious vested interests in the ground, they need to be demanding action.

3. The club need to be responding firmly to media allegations, and putting journos in their place if they are being misquoted. There needs to be a firm PR action so that fans know where the likely truth lies. The crowds are diminishing not only because of the poor performances, but also because of the bad press. Don't blame the fans for responding to what they hear. If you don't come out and clearly state what is happening, rumours and innuendoes will flourish. Fans can only know what they are being told, and if its all from the vested interests of journos who hate Manly, then what do you expect fans to think

4. You need to show proactive action over the off season to give fans heart that Manly is on the rise again. Its your business, and the fans are the most important ingredient you have, so you must ensure they can see something worthwhile to look forward to. Getting angry at their negative responses is just stabbing yourself in the back. You need the fans on side. Do a decent PR job to win them back and tell Zorba to stop blaming the fans for the predicament that has nothing to do with them.

Very articulate . Great post !

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Making the members and fans “ irrelevant “ is a very dangerous tact for a sporting organisation.

We’ve been called “ sausage roll eating nufties” and someone overhearing a board member saying “ members are the least of our worries” are examples of the fact that they really don’t give a **** about us.

If we think membership numbers are low in 2018 then they are going to absolutely tank for 2019.

 

[davohan123]

Making the members and fans “ irrelevant “ is a very dangerous tact for a sporting organisation.

We’ve been called “ sausage roll eating nufties” and someone overhearing a board member saying “ members are the least of our worries” are examples of the fact that they really don’t give a **** about us.

If we think membership numbers are low in 2018 then they are going to absolutely tank for 2019.

That would change in an instant if 2V’s or Des was appointed and the penns left the joint with zorba..but that will never happen.
I expect 5000-6000 members at best in 2019 unless things change

 

[OneEyedEagle]

Look its good that Scott Penn has finally said something, that the fans needed to hear. I think his failure to speak up until now has been a major concern. No one doubts the financial commitment this family have put into the Sea Eagles. But to me the ball has been dropped in a number of areas which Penn should have been on top of.

1. The team has been a disaster this year. I know injuries have been savage and there has been the salary cap issue, but they took a hard line on Toovey, they should have been just as diligent with Barrett and especially the defensive coaching. Its their business. You just don't allow the problem to increase unattended.

2. Scott needs to clarify the Brookvale Oval issue. I know that's not his responsibility, but its affecting the status of the Sea Eagles, crowds, conditions etc. There has been promise of funding to improve the ground for years, yet where is it and who is holding onto it? Interest alone could would be in the $100,000s per year. Where is it? Is someone using it fraudulently? Is it being diverted to other programmes? I know this has nothing to do with the Penns but having serious vested interests in the ground, they need to be demanding action.

3. The club need to be responding firmly to media allegations, and putting journos in their place if they are being misquoted. There needs to be a firm PR action so that fans know where the likely truth lies. The crowds are diminishing not only because of the poor performances, but also because of the bad press. Don't blame the fans for responding to what they hear. If you don't come out and clearly state what is happening, rumours and innuendoes will flourish. Fans can only know what they are being told, and if its all from the vested interests of journos who hate Manly, then what do you expect fans to think

4. You need to show proactive action over the off season to give fans heart that Manly is on the rise again. Its your business, and the fans are the most important ingredient you have, so you must ensure they can see something worthwhile to look forward to. Getting angry at their negative responses is just stabbing yourself in the back. You need the fans on side. Do a decent PR job to win them back and tell Zorba to stop blaming the fans for the predicament that has nothing to do with them.

That's what is so disappointing, the fact that it took so long to get a response from the owners. The other side is that they do employee a group CEO in Lyall Gorman who should have released a statement.

What we don't know is what was the communication between owner and group CEO on how and when to release a statement.

I don't think anyone is seriously trying to tarnish the brand but who knows I can be wrong.

But geez, won't this make a great underbelly TV mini series 🙂

 

[lurker]

Making the members and fans “ irrelevant “ is a very dangerous tact for a sporting organisation.

We’ve been called “ sausage roll eating nufties” and someone overhearing a board member saying “ members are the least of our worries” are examples of the fact that they really don’t give a **** about us.

If we think membership numbers are low in 2018 then they are going to absolutely tank for 2019.

I’m sorry but this is all Chinese whispers. I refuse to buy into it. I don’t give a **** what zorba says and the other one could be completely made up, misheard or any number of things. There’s just no logic to the argument that you pour large amounts of money and time all for the off chance of selling it later. You’d be better off just putting money in residential real estate

Whether other people believe it or not and regardless of questions about how it’s being run I don’t think people can deny that the penns have some level of passion or comittment for manly

 

[manlyfan76]

If the penns want to spend less, then how about give us fans something to be excited about. Give us direction, hope and most importantly give us our soul back.
An extra 10,000 members would be close to 1 million in revenue alone then add in sales of merch and food and beer sales at games etc. Hell it might even bring in more sponsorship further eliviating the strain on daddy pen.

FFS it ain't that hard.

 

[BOZO]

Making the members and fans “ irrelevant “ is a very dangerous tact for a sporting organisation.

We’ve been called “ sausage roll eating nufties” and someone overhearing a board member saying “ members are the least of our worries” are examples of the fact that they really don’t give a **** about us.

If we think membership numbers are low in 2018 then they are going to absolutely tank for 2019.

I like most others will continue to support our club as our club has proven that tough times never last !!!
The Good times will be back once again
I think most of those quotes have been taken off the wrong context
I look past one persons quote
The club does care about us and has proven to do so in many ways such as ....

Manly Members and Supporters, join us at our 2018 NRL Season Launch Fan Day.
To mark a new year for our Club, we invite you to join the players and coaching staff at Lottoland
In 2018, the Sea Eagles are focusing on reconnecting with the Northern Beaches community, getting back to the roots that have
made this proud and historic Club one of the most successful in the history of the game

The club also has our players do some outstanding community work
We will disagree once more feathered friend but the love is still there

 

[manlyfan76]

I’m sorry but this is all Chinese whispers. I refuse to buy into it. I don’t give a **** what zorba says and the other one could be completely made up, misheard or any number of things. There’s just no logic to the argument that you pour large amounts of money and time all for the off chance of selling it later. You’d be better off just putting money in residential real estate

Whether other people believe it or not and regardless of questions about how it’s being run I don’t think people can deny that the penns have some level of passion or comittment for manly

The hobo had passion and commitment. We need the head honchos to run the club.

 

[BOZO]

I’m sorry but this is all Chinese whispers. I refuse to buy into it. I don’t give a **** what zorba says and the other one could be completely made up, misheard or any number of things. There’s just no logic to the argument that you pour large amounts of money and time all for the off chance of selling it later. You’d be better off just putting money in residential real estate

Whether other people believe it or not and regardless of questions about how it’s being run I don’t think people can deny that the penns have some level of passion or comittment for manly

Any one that thinks that the Penns have no passion for the club are living in denial

People like Magnificent Max Delmege and the Penns have invested their hard earned money and saved our beloved club

The moral of the story ?
Money talks and bullsht walks

 

[Wombat64]

Of course it could be as simple as the club seeing we were going to struggle with the cap, roster this year and have decided to defer investment as late as possible

That would take intelligence

 

[lurker]

That was really gay brother

Enter the 21st century mate. Don’t use that as a slur

 

[Wombat64]

Enter the 21st century mate. Don’t use that as a slur

Entered. Thanks for the heads up

 

[BOZO]

If the penns want to spend less, then how about give us fans something to be excited about. Give us direction, hope and most importantly give us our soul back.
An extra 10,000 members would be close to 1 million in revenue alone then add in sales of merch and food and beer sales at games etc. Hell it might even bring in more sponsorship further eliviating the strain on daddy pen.

FFS it ain't that hard.

Some good points there . I am sure they are on to it

 

[double hoops]

I'm starting to think what tooves said was bang on. These guys do care and they are trying, but they've been given very bad advice. Gorman will fix it, and Barrett doesn't like him because Gorman see's him for the sorry coach that he is.
I think Barrett is just doing what he always does and is looking for excuses as to why he sucks as a coach. The only reason players like dce stick up for Barrett is because he's their mate.

I agree with all of that.
I rate Gorman, his track record is just too good, and any disappointing features since with us, just result is questions being asked about what he is and isn't allowed to do.

Barrett has looked clueless this year, I'm not convinced he is the right coach. The discipline has looked poor his entire tenure.

What I don't Except Penn doesn't have plenty to answer.

Scott you want tangibles. Here is a couple.

No recruitment manager. You say its not like you haven't been looking. You made an offer and got knocked back. Sorry the seasons over, just looking and not getting it done, doesn't cut it. not good enough.

No pathways coach. Same as above.

No assistant accountant to over see salary cap matters. Umm hello, how long does it take to find a bloody accountant. We know one by the name of Toovey. Seriously your paying lawyers to defend your salary cap reporting charges , but still don't have someone double checking figures and our cap.

Answer away Scotty.

#boothepennandzorbatoo.
#Makemanlygreatagain

 

[Ron E. Gibbs]

Not sure what to make of Penn's statement. Sounds like his bromance with Trent has well and truly gone sour and the whole "he said", "she said" process is in full effect. I'm glad he's finally raised his head and spoken to someone, but he needs to understand that a lot of his and the club's problems are of his own making. He seems to forget that he was the one who hired Trent in the first place. He was also the one who made that ridiculous "results driven business" statement, which was never going to endear him to fans and was always going to come back to haunt him. The whole club's a mess and it's up to him to give it direction.

 

[davohan123]

Not sure what to make of Penn's statement. Sounds like his bromance with Trent has well and truly gone sour and the whole "he said", "she said" process is in full effect. I'm glad he's finally raised his head and spoken to someone, but he needs to understand that a lot of his and the club's problems are of his own making. He seems to forget that he was the one who hired Trent in the first place. He was also the one who made that ridiculous "results driven business" statement, which was never going to endear him to fans and was always going to come back to haunt him. The whole club's a mess and it's up to him to give it direction.

Great post