It would seem that way.

He has also been requested by Mal to provide a 5 year plan.

As he has no idea how to do this himself, I understand he has already sought the advice of an AFL coach and close friend to help him put it together.

After this years performances, I would rather him learn off that same coach how he coaches his players to ensure the players are hard at it and give their all, and how they go about identifying, recruiting and keeping good SA talent.

Fiji sounds slightly bitter??
How does Fiji know that Phil has no idea how to prepare a five year plan?? Everyone seems to be on the 'Sack Smyth' bandwagon yet no one (maybe Fiji) knows what problems Mal (and staff) encountered when taking over the team at the start of the season when there was a great deal of turmoil involving the Government and BASA. Lets wait and see what happens!!!

Well this sounds slightly more proactive. Hopefully when the plane arrives, Smyth gets up out of his Qantas seat, unlike all NBL season, and does something positive over there! Maybe some recruiting wouldnt go astray.

Maybe the flight will help him to get out of his seat once in a while. You got to do your exerecises on those long flights

Anon12 - I'm not bitter at all, and suggest you re read my post.

You will not find threads of mine calling for his sacking.

I am not qualified to make that assessment.

I was just making an observation as a season ticket holder for over 10 years, what I and I think most supporters would like to see from our coach (whoever that is)and players is:-

1. A committed team on the floor,
2. Displays of passion and pride in the shirt they wear,and
3. Some confidence that we will not continue to loose our best talent to our competitor clubs.

All of which I think were sadly missing this year, and the last point for several years.

Loosing is not what frustrates "real" supporters, but attitude and effort (or lackthereof) IS!!

Re - the 5 year plan. Well if he knew how to do one, why does he need help to prepare it?

I'm sure if he's flying Qantas Phil will get out of his seat at least to go to the toilets, I heard the staff on those flights go all out to make the passengers happy! Welcome to the Mile High Club Mr Smyth.....

Sounds like a good move and Phil accepting some of the responsibility for the year the team has had. Good on him and Steve, I'm sure they'll have a bit of a holiday over there too but hopefully he comes back a better coach.

Still one of the best 3 coaches in the league, a good idea to refresh and learn..and maybe pick up just the right import.

Although i still want to see Ninnis back as an assistant with a future.

Noticed there was a poll on AdelaideNow as to whether Phil should be sacked.

Interestingly, unlike the apparent majority of opinion from posters here, this morning when I checked the poll was about 58% to 42% in favour of keeping Smyth (about 300 votes received).

I note that the poll appears not to be working properly when I checked a few minutes ago.

nothing works well if it's the Sixers or NBL...

I think this is a real positive mood by Smyth, it shows that he has taken alot on himself for the losses this year, though he may not announce that. Ofcourse who would announce to anyone that they were to blame...kind of a career killer and a dumb move.
Anyway, by both of them puting upthe expense to try and improve themselves shows that Smyth does still want to win, does feel for the team, and despite what people think he feels, this shows he does care about the future of the 36ers

Maybe Phil and Steve should go watch Ryan Kersten play at New Mexico while over there.

Not much point seeking assistance from a certain AFL coach, he didn't exactly have a ripper season last season.

You need to learn how to spell the country you live in #119211!