"Sack me or back me."
It's the best summarization thus far of Chris Anderson's confidence with his head coaching position with the Sharks. In a press conference following another one of the Shark's devastating defeats—this time at the hands of the Canberra Raiders where they fell 40-12—Anderson issued the ultimatum to the Shark's Corporate board, either support him in his position or find someone else to take the fall. Paranoia surrounding the undermining of his post is not without a sip of brewed bathtub herbs.
While Anderson was making his beef known about his relationship with the corporate board, a low whirring sound punctuated the air of the mass mangled microphones. Throughout the conference every second was filled with this faintly resonating hum.
Listening with intent, a functional ear will make out the m's of the hum, a letter known not for solid support but rather that of reserved doubt. A doubt like one held by the board at the Sharks in relation to their astounding silence in the face of Anderson's post. Movement away from the m's exposes the hidden drowning out of lower frequencies, a representation of the hierarchy in which the players sit.
Prefaced resignation in the demeanour of the corporate board will reveal whether or not Anderson stays on as coach.
Written on Monday, 28 July 2003