Suns skipper says Solomon’s the man
SUNS co-captain Steven May has given Dean Solomon a glowing endorsement and labelled the Gold Coast assistant worthy of the vacant senior coaching position at Gold Coast.
May said Solomon had the passion to lift the club out of another disappointing period and take the club forward into the future with the backing of the entire playing group.
“If (Solomon) was to get it the playing group would be stoked,” May said.
“He is a very passionate man, he loves this football club and he is invested in it.”
Gold Coast have drawn criticism for going through two coaches, Guy McKenna and most recently Rodney Eade, while many, including Solomon, have survived despite being at the club since its inception into the AFL.
But May said it only helped Solomon – that he understands exactly what the club is battling against and what it needs to succeed while also labelling him ready to take on his first senior coaching role.
“He has been here the
whole time and he knows it’s time that we have to start winning,” May said.
“We have had enough development and enough learning curves.
“It’s time to start competing in this competition.
“His aspirations and expectations are high and I’m sure if he was to get the job the players will have the same thoughts.
“If ‘Soli’ was to get the job there would be no complaints. I fully think that he would be a very good coach.”
Solomon was named as the Suns caretaker coach for the final three games of the year following Eade’s sacking last week, enduring a 58point loss to the Lions in his first match.
Suns chairman Tony Cochrane said no judgment would be passed on Solomon’s head coaching potential during the club’s final period of the season, freeing him up to blood more young players at the top level without pressure.
Solomon, formerly the Suns midfield coach, has voiced his desire to one day take on the top job but reiterated his full focus was on helping the club through its final games.
“I’m just continuing to really develop myself the best way I possibly can,” he said.
“I have been lucky enough to be in the level four course which is really solid and has taught me a lot of things.
“Ultimately what happens is it’s someone else’s decision whether you’re ready or not.”