Western Force coach John Mitchell has refuted suggestions that there is a player revolt in Perth as the team prepares for the 2009 Super 14.
Mitchell has just started preparing for the 2009 Super 14 putting the team through their paces and testing fitness levels after the players have had some time off following their European tour.
Mitchell answered the rumours by saying that he had no idea where the rumours were coming from and that he does not believe that there is any truth in the rumours doing the rounds.
“I’m not sure where it’s coming from and it doesn’t really worry me to be totally honest. I’m the head coach of this club for the next three years and I’m preparing for 2009,” Mitchell told Sportal.
“We are all refreshed and looking forward to a pre-season with a totally different approach. Guys have started testing which is an important basis for us to move forward physically.”
Mitchell added that none of his players had raised any concerns at all with him about his coaching style.
“There is always paper speculation with some of it truthful and some rubbish.
“I’ve officially received no feedback from the players in that area but as an organisation we all have to evolve and that includes myself, the players and the administration as we go forward into a new campaign,” he said.
“We always have a player review process with frank and honest communication with my captain and vice-captain, which is normal and will happen again this year.
“There’s always some player-coach conflict in any sporting club but it’s just about how you manage that from within.”
Mitchell knows all too well that only success on the field will slow the types of rumour and innuendo surrounding the Perth-based club and that’s where his focus remains.
“The Western Force is about succeeding ahead of individuals and we have a great opportunity to do that,” he said.
