Dan’s Not the Man.

[Columbo]

Interesting that on return to URC action, Dan Soper was rolled out for the press. In fact it’s been very noticeable recently that McFarland has increasingly been off the radar in comms, and Soper has been doing more and more - in the past McFarland has been squarely front and centre.

And it’s been even more noticeable that Petrie has effectively disappeared from sight as the season has progressed. All the more remarkable given his penchant for spotlight-grabbing previously… I had a quick scan through Ulsters news articles and I think I’m right in saying his name doesn’t appear in a single one of them so far this year - Bryn features in the BOI sponsorship extension, for example.. and the recent ‘business breakfast’ while there was a photo of him with a mike in hand, and while Jim Neilly, Willie Anderson, Dr Dave and many others were mentioned in the article, he wasn’t mentioned at all.. he last tweeted in July 2023.

In my experience in business over the years, when senior managers exhibit behavioural changes which result in lower visibility and profile, almost without exception they are on their way out in one way or another.

[Big-al]

I noticed that too. Post match Harlequins it was Soper who was wheeled out and he was doing the talking yesterday as well.

So much for leadership… perhaps McFarland knows he’s gone? Maybe even at the end of the season.

[jean valjean]

If we win on Sunday be interesting to see who fronts up.

[Columbo]

If we win on Sunday be interesting to see who fronts up.

Ha ha yes well that would be interesting to see all right!

[UlsterAreBrill]

Interesting that on return to URC action, Dan Soper was rolled out for the press. In fact it’s been very noticeable recently that McFarland has increasingly been off the radar in comms, and Soper has been doing more and more - in the past McFarland has been squarely front and centre.

And it’s been even more noticeable that Petrie has effectively disappeared from sight as the season has progressed. All the more remarkable given his penchant for spotlight-grabbing previously… I had a quick scan through Ulsters news articles and I think I’m right in saying his name doesn’t appear in a single one of them so far this year - Bryn features in the BOI sponsorship extension, for example.. and the recent ‘business breakfast’ while there was a photo of him with a mike in hand, and while Jim Neilly, Willie Anderson, Dr Dave and many others were mentioned in the article, he wasn’t mentioned at all.. he last tweeted in July 2023.

In my experience in business over the years, when senior managers exhibit behavioural changes which result in lower visibility and profile, almost without exception they are on their way out in one way or another.

His name is in one from the end of January.

[Big-al]

Should have left after the Quins result, now another shocking performance and lost (& won’t be the last one) which will mean Ulster lose the cash of a home league QF in all likelihood.

Keeping McFarland and his staff is costing Ukster rugby a lot more money that getting rid.

[So It Is]

Is he gone yet?

[CIMANFOREVER]

Should have left after the Quins result, now another shocking performance and lost (& won’t be the last one) which will mean Ulster lose the cash of a home league QF in all likelihood.

Keeping McFarland and his staff is costing Ukster rugby a lot more money that getting rid.

100%

[Kanbei]

Is there still not the 6 month break clause in coaches contracts? Surely if they put Soper in charge till the end of the season and get a new coach then we wouldn't actually lose money?

[Big-al]

Is there still not the 6 month break clause in coaches contracts? Surely if they put Soper in charge till the end of the season and get a new coach then we wouldn't actually lose money?

He’s signed a contract until the end of next season!!!

[Kanbei]

Is there still not the 6 month break clause in coaches contracts? Surely if they put Soper in charge till the end of the season and get a new coach then we wouldn't actually lose money?

He’s signed a contract until the end of next season!!!

I know but Erasmus and van Graan were under contract with Munster and left after a 6 month notice period. Fairly sure when we sacked Kiss we only had to pay him for another 6 months.

[jean valjean]

Is there still not the 6 month break clause in coaches contracts? Surely if they put Soper in charge till the end of the season and get a new coach then we wouldn't actually lose money?

He’s signed a contract until the end of next season!!!

I know but Erasmus and van Graan were under contract with Munster and left after a 6 month notice period. Fairly sure when we sacked Kiss we only had to pay him for another 6 months.

I thought the 6 month release clause was if the coach wanted to leave? In which case the club only had to pay out 6 months wages despite the length of contract remaining. Never heard of it the other way around otherwise it becomes basically a 6 month rolling contract. The ball in is Dan's Court, will he have the class to fall on his sword? Then again why would he?

[Columbo]

Is it time to start up a ‘has McFarland been sacked today?’ thread?

Yesterday was also a very bad day for Soper, our attack started off poorly this year and has just got worse and worse, and I can’t remember the last time an ulster back line looked so toothless. I have a bit of a bad feeling that the ‘reset’ button that Ulster will try to push is to get rid of Petrie and McFarland and just replace with Bryn and Soper, keep everyone else in situ and add some other no-hoper to the ticket that would be classic Ulster and would probably lock in another couple of years of this dross

[TheBoat]

There must be an exUlster player who we can give the job to?

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[shamalicious]

Jeremy Davidson?

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