Friday, June 11, 2004
Comment: Now the fickle media laud Eels
Last week, 1Eyed Eel worked our tail off keeping this website up to date. Day after day, media report after media report flowed in with Brian Smith and the players under intense scrutiny and a constant barrage or criticism.
Had Parramatta lost last week, this week probably would have presented more of the same.
Parramatta didn't lose, they got up in the last minute of the game after Newcastle made a crucial mistake throwing an intercept pass.
Suddenly, the media criticism dropped off - instantaneously. The attack dogs dropped off and reporters began asking warm and fuzzy questions in press conferences. "Brian, mate, buddy, you must be glad that this will ease the pressure on you?"
Throughout the week, there has not been a peep, except for continual references to the pressure being off. This despite the fact that a player's poll, once again showed Brian Smith was the coach players least wanted to play under. You can bet if Parramatta had of lost last week, that statistic would have been back page news - instead, if it got a mention, it was in the last paragraph in a story about Justin Hodges being overrated.
In today's Daily Telegraph, Dean Ritchie lauds the Eels boss Denis Fitzgerald for sticking by his coach. "Fitzgerald refused to buckle under intense pressure and has maintained a strong and unwavering stance in support of Smith. He has remained firm and did not panic while Souths and the Warriors plunged their clubs into crisis by sacking their coaches.
"And surprise, surprise, look what solidarity delivers. The Eels came from 10-0 down last weekend to topple the Newcastle Knights 18-16 in the dying moments.
The previous week, Ritchie's stories had run under headlines like: "Smith day's numbered?" and "Is it time?".
Had Parra lost, what would have been difference? Would the coach had suddenly been less capable had Luke Burt not managed to pluck that final ball from the air and score a try? Would the player's effort had been any poorer?
If the last couple of weeks have shown anything, it's that the media really is a circus.
Had Parramatta lost last week, this week probably would have presented more of the same.
Parramatta didn't lose, they got up in the last minute of the game after Newcastle made a crucial mistake throwing an intercept pass.
Suddenly, the media criticism dropped off - instantaneously. The attack dogs dropped off and reporters began asking warm and fuzzy questions in press conferences. "Brian, mate, buddy, you must be glad that this will ease the pressure on you?"
Throughout the week, there has not been a peep, except for continual references to the pressure being off. This despite the fact that a player's poll, once again showed Brian Smith was the coach players least wanted to play under. You can bet if Parramatta had of lost last week, that statistic would have been back page news - instead, if it got a mention, it was in the last paragraph in a story about Justin Hodges being overrated.
In today's Daily Telegraph, Dean Ritchie lauds the Eels boss Denis Fitzgerald for sticking by his coach. "Fitzgerald refused to buckle under intense pressure and has maintained a strong and unwavering stance in support of Smith. He has remained firm and did not panic while Souths and the Warriors plunged their clubs into crisis by sacking their coaches.
"And surprise, surprise, look what solidarity delivers. The Eels came from 10-0 down last weekend to topple the Newcastle Knights 18-16 in the dying moments.
The previous week, Ritchie's stories had run under headlines like: "Smith day's numbered?" and "Is it time?".
Had Parra lost, what would have been difference? Would the coach had suddenly been less capable had Luke Burt not managed to pluck that final ball from the air and score a try? Would the player's effort had been any poorer?
If the last couple of weeks have shown anything, it's that the media really is a circus.
Comments:
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Here, here! The media is about nothing but pushing whatever agenda they think will sell a paper that day, plain and simple. Stick by the Eels, guys, through thick and thin!!!
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# posted by 
: June 11, 2004 at 8:58 AM
: June 11, 2004 at 8:58 AM << Home
