With the new Coach announced, I'm going to lock this thread up. Please post your comments relating to the announcement to:

www.connachtclan.com/clan-forum/2-connac...new-head-coach#61739

Andy friend confirmed as new head coach

Craic Head wrote:

Mark Mostyn wrote:

Craic Head wrote: I like the sound of Andy Friend. The more that I read about him, the more I like him. I also like the attacking philosophy of a former Sevens coach. After the way the boys were taught an expansive game by Lam, I could see the benefit of an attack minded coach to continue.

I'd much prefer us to be tough and hard to beat first, then build from there.

Maybe I should have added that all good teams are built on a solid defence of course ! But, I do like the sound of Andy Friend, all Sevens teams have brilliant fitness levels as well and that is something every top team has to have. I think that KK was a good attacking coach, but he is gone now and we move on. Something went wrong in house for sure. Of all the candidates that I have seen so far, Friend sounds like a good fit.

I spoke to an Australian colleague who knew him when he was with the Brumbies..."Has some strong points, but weaknesses too, a big believer in player autonomy, fine if you have a Gregan or Larkham, otherwise...."

Kidney or Kiss? Wouldn't want either to be honest.

One more ruled out
www.the42.ie/declan-kidney-london-irish-3-4027666-May2018/

Mark Mostyn wrote:

Craic Head wrote: I like the sound of Andy Friend. The more that I read about him, the more I like him. I also like the attacking philosophy of a former Sevens coach. After the way the boys were taught an expansive game by Lam, I could see the benefit of an attack minded coach to continue.

I'd much prefer us to be tough and hard to beat first, then build from there.

Maybe I should have added that all good teams are built on a solid defence of course ! But, I do like the sound of Andy Friend, all Sevens teams have brilliant fitness levels as well and that is something every top team has to have. I think that KK was a good attacking coach, but he is gone now and we move on. Something went wrong in house for sure. Of all the candidates that I have seen so far, Friend sounds like a good fit.

Where are the rumours about O'Gara?

Craic Head wrote: I like the sound of Andy Friend. The more that I read about him, the more I like him. I also like the attacking philosophy of a former Sevens coach. After the way the boys were taught an expansive game by Lam, I could see the benefit of an attack minded coach to continue.

I'd much prefer us to be tough and hard to beat first, then build from there.

KK had an attacking philosophy too and look what happened to him. Friend is a credible contender. The current silence is deafening. I wonder if Kieran Crowley is still in the running or are the rumours on O'Gara founded on any basis in fact?

I like the sound of Andy Friend. The more that I read about him, the more I like him. I also like the attacking philosophy of a former Sevens coach. After the way the boys were taught an expansive game by Lam, I could see the benefit of an attack minded coach to continue.

You and that rumour started here by you.

Carolan ruled himself out already according to Linley in the advertiser yesterday

Rumour it will be filled in-house Nigel.

Unlikely, he's rumoured to be involved in Stade Français new era

Mike Prendergast is available

With the appointment of Dan up north could he be a dark horse?

citynews.com.au/2018/gavel-the-good-friend-of-rugby/
Grassroot is a beloved word in Connacht!