Following the sacking of high-profile coach Des Hasler at the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, interviews have begun to appoint a new coach.
Former Bulldogs players Willie Mason and Reni Maitua believe that the board are in need to employ a coach whose calibre is of those who coached the Bulldogs in the past. After hearing Michael Maguire was one of the names being mentioned, Willie Mason expressed his fury declaring that Dean Pay, a premiership winner with Canterbury in 1995, and an undefeated NSW Under 20’s coach, should be the front runner to be the man at the helm at Belmore.
Bulldogs are in crisis, behind the closed doors of the leagues club, job security is uncertain and the future of the club is unstable.
Perhaps the Canterbury board listened to the media, and the frustrated fans. Interviewing began with Dean Pay, as Canterbury are desperate to reinvigorate their Bulldog culture that cult-figure Peter Moore provided them with.
Does Dean Pay really have what it takes to turn this powerful-potential into a successful team?
Despite the highly-anticipated inclusions of Kieran Foran and Aaron Woods, much more would need to be done to turn this powerful potential into old playing points. However, it all starts with the juniors, I don’t expect Bulldogs to finish in the top eight next year but next year will be a step towards success.
Bulldogs need to mentor their young players, so they will be first-grade ready in 2019. Realistically, Bulldogs won’t win the premiership next year, and I think we can all agree on that, but could Dean Pay use next year as a building block for what’s to come.
As a Bulldogs supporter and member myself, Dean Pay seems like the realistic option. Considering he coached the Under 20’s NSW Squad, surely he’s developed strong relationships with the next generation of young Australian Footballers, for he will attract the hottest property to Belmore.
The club is regularly criticised for their inability to recruit and attract young talent. However, with Pay at the helm, maybe the outlook on the Bulldogs recruitment would change as Canterbury will boast a strong line up in the following years of his appointment.
Although some argue to some extent that Pay doesn’t have the experience to coach a first-grade side, let’s not forget his several years in the Super League, or his stints as assistant coach with Melbourne Storm and Canberra Raiders/
Bulldogs need to have a squad overhaul in the coming years, and for me, Dean Pay looks like the man to take this club forward with his Origin credentials as he can attract young footballers to Belmore.
The Bulldogs need new blood and I’m done with seeing them in this hole, perhaps next year is the first step to re-building the once “Family Club”.