Sep
Matthews read to shake things up
Courtesy Toronto Star:
Tomorrow night’s game at the Rogers Centre had some major implications for the Toronto Argonauts even when Rich Stubler was still their head coach.
But since Stubler joined the unemployment line Monday night, it has taken on even greater importance.
For the players, the game between the 4-6 Argos and 2-8 Winnipeg Blue Bombers means more than securing a playoff spot in the CFL Least or showing off some old-style jerseys on Retro Night. It’s also a job interview, with those failing to impress the new boss facing the proposition of joining their former head coach as ex-Argos.
“I think there’s a new energy because we as a group see that changes are being made and everyone is looking within themselves,” said safety Kenny Wheaton, who is a doubtful starter with a shoulder injury. “They know that if they didn’t have that pep, they’d better get it because if not they’re going to be gone.”
New head coach Don Matthews has said as much in his third incarnation as Argo on-field boss.
“I told the players, I’m the new guy in town, you guys have no money in the bank with me,” Matthews said yesterday.
“You’re going to write a cheque on Friday night and I’m going to look to see if I want to cash it Saturday morning (after reviewing the game) on the film.”
Matthews said that reputations, experience and star status are meaningless in his quest to get this team back on the rails.
“I’m prepared to make any move necessary to make our football team better,” he said. “In all honesty, I have not seen the Argos play. I have not even seen a film of them this year, so what I see will start the ball rolling Saturday and then Sunday and then discussions after that.
