Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry


By The Birmingham Post
June 4 2008

One of the most colourful personalities in Midlands rugby has joined the region’s most colourful club with Phil Maynard beign named rugby director at troubled Coventry. Maynard, the man who guided Worcester from obscurity and Pertemps Bees to the last four of the Powergen Cup, has agreed a two-year deal to take over at Butts Park and has been charged with bringing stability

to an organisation that has lurched from one crisis to the next in recent seasons.

The appointment marks a return to professional rugby for a man who has been out of the sport in the 18 months since he was made redundant after more than four years at Sharmans Cross Road.

Maynard has devoted his time to developing his player agency business and has returned to the club where his coaching career started, Kings Norton. But having acted as an advisor to Cov chairman Andrew Green in the last few months, he could not turn down the chance to work at one of the proudest names in the English game nor reject the opportunity to wake a sleeping giant.

“I always said if the right club came along I would consider coming back and although I have had a couple of offers, this one just seemed right,” Maynard said. “The major incentive was what Coventry is and the challenge of meeting their supporters’ high expectations because they vote with their feet. In that respect it raises the bar for me.

“I have had 18 months off although I have enjoyed my time at Kings Norton I am also looking forward to this. I have coached big clubs in the past and know all about the pressure involved.”

While much of Maynard’s squad building has already been done the former Birmingham back row must assemble his backroom staff, a task that involves retaining the services of forwards coach Dave Addleton and the recruitment of a backs coach.

Addleton stepped in as interim head coach last term following the firing of Murray Henderson and resignation of his replacement Brett Davey.
The former hooker not only steadied the ship but presided over some of the club’s best performances of the season.

“Dave Addleton is the No 1 target to keep,” Maynard continued. “I have already met with him. People like Dave Addleton are Coventry.

“I always rated him highly as a player and have admired from a distance what he did last season in some difficult circumstances.

“They did well last year and the coaching of Dave Addleton was a key factor. Under him the forwards were a formidable unit and all I am going to do is enhance what the side does.

“There is a tendency with some people to come into a rugby club and rip everything out but if something’s not broken it doesn’t need fixing.

“My brief from the chairman is that he wants stability and I have got a couple of years to put together a side that can take the next step and become a top half of the table team. We have got a settled side, most of whom are contracted for two years and I watched them play quite a few times last year and was very impressed with what we had.

“The only enemy we have at the moment is consistency – by their own admission. That’s all we need and it can be worked on. Hopefully the lads will buy into that process.”

For his part Green is aware that Maynard’s appointment may not be welcomed with open arms.

Some Coventry supporters took umbrage to Maynard’s confrontational style during his tenure with Bees and a few remain sore at the cancellation of a game between the two sides because of a frozen pitch.

Green, however, preferred to focus on the fact Maynard presided in the most successful eras in club history at Bees, Worcester and Stourbridge.

“Phil has got an excellent track record and I am confident that what he brings to the club will help us to move forward,” Green said. “He now feels the time is right for him to move back into this role, and we definitely need someone to head up the department and drive it on. There has always been a strong rivalry between Bees and Coventy and I know that in the past Phil has sought to make it as competitive as possible.

“But that is part of the game and we should all give him the benefit of the doubt and welcome him to the club. It would be nice to have him working with us rather than against us.”

Meanwhile Coventry’s National One status is set to be decided by the Rugby Football Union on June 15.  The governing body are examining the process through which Green placed the club in administration and their future viability.

Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged)
Date: 04/06/2008 22:04

Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: Egg Timer (IP Logged)
Date: 05/06/2008 07:39

Good move, imho, for Cov. I hope he can have the impact we'd like him to have.....

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: simon27 (IP Logged)
Date: 05/06/2008 07:49

Good to see that the Official Cov site has this information on about our new addition to the club ............ oh no, not about our new Director of Rugby - but a new Vice President. Good to see the official club website has its finger on the pulse

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: Jel of Solihull (IP Logged)
Date: 05/06/2008 08:38

http://www.rugbynetwork.net/phorum-5.1.15/mods/smileys/images/smiley12.gif



Edited 5 time(s). Last edit at 2008:06:05:11:32:00 by Jel of Solihull.

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: tom snr (IP Logged)
Date: 05/06/2008 09:16

the press seemed to be a day early with the announcement as PM was at BPA yesterday after publication.I think you will find that there is an arrangement for the press to get the scoop first.Normal practice Simon nothing more.
Mind you it was not too much of a secret.

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: Al from Cov (IP Logged)
Date: 05/06/2008 09:18

Worlds worst kept secret that one!
Dont know if its a good thing or not, I'll wait and see I think.
Mind you at least we wont have to play if its too cold!

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: bigm/ mark harrison. (IP Logged)
Date: 05/06/2008 09:18

oh my god oh my god, to say i am shocked and disapointed is an understatement.for regular supporters of cov , home and away, this man was a figure of distain and hate.The things he has said over the years which andrew green would be unaware of and then to take on the poison chalice.even tom has been a fervent critic of this gentleman over the years and what he has said and done.for the majority of fans it will not make a difference but the expectations from others to overcome the bad blood, remarks and gestures both at home and away games,well who knows supporters can be very fickle.

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: Al from Cov (IP Logged)
Date: 05/06/2008 09:27

That was my first impression as well Mark, and also knowing that AG knew full well the history between Maynard and Cov.

But anything has got to be an improvement on what we
currently have, and if it means that AG is going to keep his hands off playing matters it's got to be a good thing.

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: tom snr (IP Logged)
Date: 05/06/2008 09:30

like you mark i was one of the biggest critics of PM but i think you have to look at the bigger picture.There is no way that AG can do the joint roles of Chairman,CEO and DOR,and so an appointment had to be made,which is what I suspect the RFU would want.I will reserve judgment to see how PM does and is able to work with Aggy,Gully etc.
Mind you i hope his contract made sure his press comments were censored before publication[:wor kid:]

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: OCCovbear (IP Logged)
Date: 05/06/2008 11:10

Quote:
bigm
this man was a figure of distain and hate.

Leaving aside the creative spelling here, I wonder at the use of the word 'hate' in the context of sport.

Whatever this person has or hasn't done to Coventry RU, I don't really see the need for the use of such words in relation to any sport or sports person. Or is it still acceptable to 'hate' in Union?

What a truly awful image that conjures.

Not that it unduly concerns me, but I would have thought it would be more sensible, and sensitive, to welcome a newcomer. Not that sensitivity has ever been too prevalent around here so far as I can see.

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: BigBird (IP Logged)
Date: 05/06/2008 12:03

I'm going to put my tuppence worth in. Not having been around for too long, I do not understand the above criticisms of Phil Maynard and as such intend to keep an open mind.

Regardless of what critcisms he has voiced in the past, and I don't know what they are, PM has obviously proven that he has what it takes to move clubs forward and if he can do the same for Coventry, that can only be a good thing.

I have to agree with OCCB - hate is an excessively severe word to be using in such a context. There are many people who might not be liked, but hated? I don't think anyone could honestly say that hate someone they know well, let alone someone they have probably never met.

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: bigm/ mark harrison. (IP Logged)
Date: 05/06/2008 12:27

ok hate might be a bit strong however, i cannot forget his statements about his team,our team and comments passed to supporters, especially flippant comments to the press in birmingham and nationally.
HOWEVER, HE DOES HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF THIS DIVISION AND WHAT IT TAKES . I HOPE HE PROVES PEOPLE WRONG AND HE MANAGES TO RESTRAIN HIMSELF. PERSONALLY I WOULD RATHER OF SEEN THE OLD NEWBURY COACH , COME TO COV WHO IS NOW AVAILABLE.

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: OCCovbear (IP Logged)
Date: 05/06/2008 13:26

Quote:
bigm
ok hate might be a bit strong

Very magnanimous

Quote:
bigm
HOWEVER, HE DOES HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF THIS DIVISION AND WHAT IT TAKES . I HOPE HE PROVES PEOPLE WRONG AND HE MANAGES TO RESTRAIN HIMSELF. PERSONALLY I WOULD RATHER OF SEEN THE OLD NEWBURY COACH , COME TO COV WHO IS NOW AVAILABLE.

No need to shout.
I hope he proves you wrong too, and that you don't 'manage to restrain' yourself in taking your ill-judged comments back, with a little humility, if he does....

Oh, and perhaps the 'old Newbury coach' ran a mile when (if) asked? Who knows?

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: magwitch (IP Logged)
Date: 05/06/2008 15:05

Good signing? He knows the division he knows players in the division and he is local, (He also knows how to wind the opposition up big time) Well Done AG

Lets hope its good news on the 15th(Sm123)

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: tom snr (IP Logged)
Date: 05/06/2008 16:40

it has been pointed out that the 15th is a sunday so i assume decision will be made before then.

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: ROLLO II (IP Logged)
Date: 05/06/2008 21:37

Best of Luck Phil from Wuss.
He should do a decent job for you, he certainly knows how to spot playing talent.

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: harleygaz (IP Logged)
Date: 05/06/2008 21:53

It does,nt matter who,s in what role at the club.
we are shopping in bargain basement land yet again and if this pm is so good how come he got told no thanks buy a bunch of part-timers.what has he won!
The only rugby i,m looking forward to is the games up the ricoh
As i have said before if we arn,t going to challenge the best teams in the league why bother.we,ve got about 3 or 4 players who are fairly decent the rest are a waste of time.
NO INVESTMENT,POOR TEAM,POOR GATES,GOODNIGHT VIENNA.

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: covmick1/Michael Carter (IP Logged)
Date: 05/06/2008 23:40

How about giving the man a chance.

He has hardly started in the position and we fans are calling and making remarks already. So keep your fingers crossed that we are still in ND 1 next season. The club as made no statement that they claim they will win the league. If you win the lotto Harleygaz you can invest in players. Now you have got me being as daft as some of the posts on here.


covmick/Michael Carter



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:06:05:23:40:54 by covmick1/Michael Carter.

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: OCCovbear (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2008 07:27

Far too level-headed and even-handed for this board Covmick.
Go have a lie down.

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: Laugh Out Loud (Dave Roach) (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2008 08:02

I totally understand the viewpoint of those of you who have not followed CRFC very long. Unfortunately Phil comes with a lot of baggage and those supporters who were around when he performed his antics understandably still hold a grudge against him.

Let’s not forget that Phil is the guilty party, he made Coventry supporters despise him, but it is now time to bury the hatchet and move forward.

I believe Phil needs to apologise for his past misdemeanours, it would be an excellent way of establishing good relationships with all Coventry supporters and a valuable PR exercise on behalf of the club….



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:06:06:08:03:06 by Laugh Out Loud.

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: magwitch (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2008 08:34

In sport you do what you have to do? winning is everything, snatch every advantage.

Yes Phill has a colourful background, including having the power for the Marquee at Sharmans Cross plugged into the broom cupboard they call an away dressing room, leaving the players to manovuere under the hanging cable which went across from the window to a plug socket, Classic? I for one think he will probably do a good job for CRFC given the chance

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: tom snr (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2008 08:41

never a dull moment here at Cov rugby!
as magwitch says give him a chance even if it does stick in my craw.It is all part of a larger picture and as mick says needs everyone to pitch in together not create even more factions.
Phil has certainly got something to prove to us supporters and perhaps that will be motivation enough.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:06:06:08:42:07 by tom snr.

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: Jel of Solihull (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2008 08:50

http://www.rugbynetwork.net/phorum-5.1.15/mods/smileys/images/SM_z7shysterical.gif

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: tom snr (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2008 08:52

I feel sorry for you Jel having to lose phil(Sm100)

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: OCCovbear (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2008 09:54

There are plenty of people around who believe that rugby league is long overdue an apology from rugby union for previous misdemeanours too. We all know that ain't going to happen though, and neither is any 'apology' going to be forthcoming from Mr Maynard (I'm willing to bet, not that one is required AFAIK).
Constantly asking for apologies, withdrawals, retractions etc via a public forum is a) futile, and b) inappropriate.

Time to move on.

You have a club to support (and I take it 'Jel' has one too, although I'm fairly sure it's one that has been in reverse gear since Mr Maynard left it, unless I miss my guess...).

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: covmick1/Michael Carter (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2008 10:10

Many times I have posted on many different forums. Respect each other's codes Union or league. I must admit I have never watched COV Bears but always look in the paper for the result. All respect for the people who organise and run that club have achieved so much even getting to a national final and winning. Then having to start all over again. The times that I have watched Rugby League on TV I must say the impression that I take away is its a much improved product with several top quality players giving to a fantastic game. Sorry to go off the main thread but the question was asked.

covmick/Michael Carter

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: OCCovbear (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2008 10:35

Was it?
Thanks for answering it, whatever it was Covmick.

I too respect - and regularly watch - both codes. However, I know which one provides the best value for money based on endeavour, ball skill levels, fitness, intensity, continuity of play etc. etc. Just ask Mark Giacheri, Mick Curtis, Kurt Johnson, Simon Brocklehurst and many other 'dual-coders' for their perspective. I think you'd find it interesting.

I know I get a lot more time for making a cup of tea when a union game is on (Sm14)

Get yourself along to OCs on a summer Saturday Covmick. What have you to lose?

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: Jel of Solihull (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2008 11:16

On a serious note - I am just about managing to contain the mirth welling up inside me - PM's departure from the Bees was I believe primarily financial rather based on his performance. (How much he contributed to this, if at all, I cannot say.) His best 'find' for the Bees was Akapusi Quera, now one of Glaws' leading players. While clearly a man that provokes strong opinions, both for & against, given Cov's current position I incline to the view that he should be allowed time to prove himself - or not - before the knives come out. His presence will certainly incline me to come along to Cov should the Bees be away & Cov at home, so there's a bonus ......

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: covmick1/Michael Carter (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2008 11:16

Call me old fashioned. But my soul !

Must keep my amateur status !!!!

covmick/Michael Carter

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: OCCovbear (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2008 12:03

Bit of a tenuous argument Covmick.

Cov = full time 'pro'

Bears = pay-to-play amateurs (The 'old fasshioned' way???).

Beats me where you are coming from with that one.....

You're just scared you'll be turned on to a better game I think!

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: OCCovbear (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2008 12:07

Quote:
Jel of Solihull
On a serious note - I am just about managing to contain the mirth welling up inside me - PM's departure from the Bees was I believe primarily financial rather based on his performance. (How much he contributed to this, if at all, I cannot say.) His best 'find' for the Bees was Akapusi Quera, now one of Glaws' leading players. While clearly a man that provokes strong opinions, both for & against, given Cov's current position I incline to the view that he should be allowed time to prove himself - or not - before the knives come out. His presence will certainly incline me to come along to Cov should the Bees be away & Cov at home, so there's a bonus ......

Good grief, another open-minded union fan. We'll soon have a quorum at this rate (Sm14)

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: tom snr (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2008 14:05

look forward to seeing you at BPA Jel I think you still owe me a drink(thats the trouble with sewn up pockets for winter)(Sm100)

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: Sky Blue (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2008 14:16

As a relatively new supporter to Cov i am not aware of what this man has done or said in the past so it would be unfair for me to comment, however in todays paper he has said that he is willing to hold a question and answer meeting with the supporters.............................. (Sm115). Hopefully he will prove to be an excellent addition to the club.

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: Getting happier by the match! (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2008 15:02

If he had held a question & answer meeting with supporters from Bees he would have got just three questions and one of those would have been "Bark Bark Bark, Bark Bark Bark Bark Bark?"!

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: Sky Blue (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2008 15:38

that's not nice is it!!!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:06:06:16:30:26 by Sky Blue.

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: Jel of Solihull (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2008 16:16

Surely it would've been 'woof, woof, woof woof woof'?

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: hipflask (IP Logged)
Date: 12/06/2008 17:10

must say its a bit like Sir ALEX.F taking over at LIVERPOOL, but like i said when AG took over COV, i'd give him the time to sort our club out, and i think he's got us going in the right direction, so as much as i dislike MR M, i will give him my full support to take us on from here, then shoot him at the end of next season if he ain't done the job

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: bazquin (IP Logged)
Date: 15/06/2008 23:35

ah yes the old union v leage argument surfaces again yawns zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

wish cov all the best

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: sharkbite (IP Logged)
Date: 24/06/2008 09:41

Well Jel, your name seems to be appearing all over the 'shop' lately, all for the purpose of 'slagging off' PM.
Either you have a personal issue with Phil or this is just infantile sour grapes.
PM did a good job at Bees, with limited resources,so much so that he guided the Club to the semi- final of the then named Powergen Cup - remember ???
Remember also that fantastic day when Bees made history by beating a team called Wasps to reach the semi-final - remember ???
Yeah, i bet you were'nt 'sledging' him then were you ?!!
I suggest mate, you go and find a life, or better still go and have it out with PM in person - if you have the guts........

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: barrier reef (IP Logged)
Date: 24/06/2008 09:49

i think the most important thing by far is the money, or there will no Phil Maynard and no club, so this arguement at the moment is pointless.

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: Jel of Solihull (IP Logged)
Date: 24/06/2008 11:15

If I have the guts? From someone that's only willing to post anonymously? (Sm22)

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: magwitch (IP Logged)
Date: 24/06/2008 13:16

Can you 2 take your squabble else where we've got more pressing matters to worry about(Sm9)

Re: Phil Maynard's task to stabilise Coventry
Posted by: Jel of Solihull (IP Logged)
Date: 24/06/2008 14:18

Magwitch, I quite understand and nearly put an apology in my post to the wider Cov message board 'user community' reflecting this. I shall let any similar postings on this board go without reply.

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