After the hype and fanfare on Tuesday - which saw Stephen Kearney brought in, Andrew McFadden retained, Stacey Jones promoted and a collection of various high achievers forming a football advisory board - it seems appropriate the Mannering brought a dose of realism to the situation.
The 30-year-old, who was named Warriors player of the year for the fifth time on Tuesday night, has seen a lot of changes at Mt Smart, including five head coaches and a truckload of assistants.
Mannering is supportive of the new Kearney/Jones/McFadden arrangement but warns that the men with the clipboard can only do so much.
"It's not going to be a magic fix, like 'yep, done, we will be there'," said Mannering. "At the end of the day as players we have to perform. It doesn't matter who is coaching us, we have to get out on the field and perform as a team.
"[Compared to some other teams] we don't realise how good we do have it here, how much we get," said Mannering. "Everything is there for us, in terms of facilities, staff, the way the organisation is run. At the end of the day we have to perform."
Mannering admitted he was slightly torn about the coaching changes.
"I have a foot in both camps," said Mannering. "I'm very happy for Mooks [Kearney] that he gets a chance to be head coach. I know he will do a good job. But I'm also disappointed for Cappy [McFadden]. I felt for [him] that about losing his role but [after] speaking to Cappy he is content with his new job and wants what is best for the club."
Though the arrangement is unusual, Mannering said it was a tribute to McFadden's professionalism.
"A lot of coaches would never go from head coach role to assistant coach," said Mannering. "It would be 'no bugger you, I'm going'. [But] I'm not surprised, that is the kind of bloke he is. He cares so much about the team and it is not about him. Those two will make a great team."
Mannering also endorsed David Kidwell as the logical successor to Kearney with the national side, as Kearney steps away from the Kiwis after almost a decade in charge.
"[David] is a familiar face and has been there," said Mannering. "Mooks has created something great at international level over the years and I know if David gets the job he will carry it on. The boys respect him and he is a real voice and great coach in that environment."
- by Michael Burgess of The New Zealand Herald
