Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Sep 17, 2023 9:38 am  

Seth wrote:

You never go anyway so I wouldnt worry. Not sure I've ever heard of that happening in football? While ever the crowds and subsequent revenue from attendees remains the same and season ticket holders return with faith and hope each year I genuinely don't think there's a sense of real urgency to do whatever is needed.
JJBs comments were particularly erratic over the last couple of weeks, from performance across the club is bigger than just the playing side 'changing lives through sport', to the total 360 this week of I'm not going to paper over cracks, it's not good enough for the fans, questioning the players desire and telling Newman to wind his neck in. The clubs in disarray, on the pitch and the dressing room at least. There would be real cause for action if people voted with their feet too.

I'll be going, albeit with a very queasy feeling about it. GH has already come out and acknowledged the failings as well as marquee signings and very different playing squad. I don't think a "no show" would move the dial in that regard.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Sep 17, 2023 9:42 am  

Barrie’s Glass Eye wrote:

I’d say a fair comparison for Smith is he’s in the same position Powell was at Wire at this point last year. Short leash for the start of next year and barring consistent improvement he should/will be gone.

I think a poor start to next season will see RS gone.

The bugger problem is GH’s decision making over many years now: he is the strategic hand on the tiller at Leeds and at some point some accountability has to be taken.

His recent article looked basically like preparation to throw RS under the bus to me whilst trying to dodge any responsibility for himself.

We are going to have to be patient and see how the new signings work out as well as how the younger lads develop. If Miller and Frawley tank that alone might see us looking for a new coach early 2024.

We are still waiting for at least 2 maybe 4 new signings which could all be first team starters; still lots of change to come.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Sep 17, 2023 9:49 am  

It will be a poor start to next season of that ive no doubt, we're realistically looking at really only Myler (and he will apparently only be a squad player) Bentley, Sangare, Frawley, Miller, Goudemand (who couldnt get in their side last night) to add so far to that, further additions are really going to have to go some to arrest the current malaise.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Sep 17, 2023 9:59 am  

Seth wrote:

It will be a poor start to next season of that ive no doubt, we're realistically looking at really only Myler (and he will apparently only be a squad player) Bentley, Sangare, Frawley, Miller, Goudemand (who couldnt get in their side last night) to add so far to that, further additions are really going to have to go some to arrest the current malaise.

Come on mate it’s not that bad.

We know we have at least another 7 and 4 incoming; probably one or two more in addition. These signings will make some difference too.

Also the younger players can only improve with another full pre-season and we do have some talent there.

To the squad last night we will have:
Miller
New centre
(Simpson)
Frawley
New SH
Sangare
Goudemand /Bentley
Possibly new hooker and likely another prop

The side will probably be 50% or more different.

We should also have Handley back on the wing and Martin back at second row.

We need to get these signings right of course and there is still a chance we will start 2024 with a net worse squad than we began 2023 with so I’m realistic but… honestly wouldn’t read too much into the last two weeks.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Sep 17, 2023 10:08 am  

Though i may think you're little misguided and bonkers, i admire your optimism. The last 2 weeks are just the icing on top of a very moldy cake. The players filling those gaps do not make me feel things are going to be better especially with RS leading them, beyond the players culpability and disruption, there have been so many coach failings that are very clear.

With GHs recent comments and the performances on top of the space available for change, there is no room left for more failure.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Sep 17, 2023 10:09 am  

KaeruJim wrote:

Come on mate it’s not that bad.

We know we have at least another 7 and 4 incoming; probably one or two more in addition. These signings will make some difference too.

Also the younger players can only improve with another full pre-season and we do have some talent there.

To the squad last night we will have:
Miller
New centre
(Simpson)
Frawley
New SH
Sangare
Goudemand /Bentley
Possibly new hooker and likely another prop

The side will probably be 50% or more different.

We should also have Handley back on the wing and Martin back at second row.

We need to get these signings right of course and there is still a chance we will start 2024 with a net worse squad than we began 2023 with so I’m realistic but… honestly wouldn’t read too much into the last two weeks.

Completely agree, but not sure this is the narrative that fits current SS agenda!

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Sep 17, 2023 10:10 am  

KaeruJim wrote:

Come on mate it’s not that bad.

We know we have at least another 7 and 4 incoming; probably one or two more in addition. These signings will make some difference too.

Also the younger players can only improve with another full pre-season and we do have some talent there.

To the squad last night we will have:
Miller
New centre
(Simpson)
Frawley
New SH
Sangare
Goudemand /Bentley
Possibly new hooker and likely another prop

The side will probably be 50% or more different.

We should also have Handley back on the wing and Martin back at second row.

We need to get these signings right of course and there is still a chance we will start 2024 with a net worse squad than we began 2023 with so I’m realistic but… honestly wouldn’t read too much into the last two weeks.

This is where I currently am thoughts wise, if Smith can’t get a more consistent tune out of them he’ll be gone.

Someone mentioned the Donaldson resigning as an issue, in the few games this season where we’ve looked like turning the corner, he’s not been in the squad because the much more vaunted options have been fit/not banned/available. He’s a depth player and it’s a combination of iffy planning and bad luck that’s meant he’s played as much as he has.

The players I’m really feeling for at the minute are Martin and Gannon, being thrust here there and everywhere positionally but ultimately trying while on a hiding to nothing.

We have to avoid square pegs round holes, from both a squad and a coaching choice point of view to improve I think.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Sep 17, 2023 10:15 am  

Shabino wrote:

Completely agree, but not sure this is the narrative that fits current SS agenda!

Agenda, what are you talking about. People are rightly responding to another very poor season and some record breaking defeats, with players through the season wanting to leave. The agenda writes itself.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Sep 17, 2023 10:16 am  

Seth wrote:

Though i may think you're little misguided and bonkers, i admire your optimism. The last 2 weeks are just the icing on top of a very moldy cake. The players filling those gaps do not make me feel things are going to be better especially with RS leading them, beyond the players culpability and disruption, there have been so many coach failings that are very clear.

With GHs recent comments and the performances on top of the space available for change, there is no room left for more failure.

You wouldn’t be the first or last to say I’m misguided and bonkers Sethster…

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Sep 17, 2023 10:19 am  

Barrie’s Glass Eye wrote:

This is where I currently am thoughts wise, if Smith can’t get a more consistent tune out of them he’ll be gone.

Someone mentioned the Donaldson resigning as an issue, in the few games this season where we’ve looked like turning the corner, he’s not been in the squad because the much more vaunted options have been fit/not banned/available. He’s a depth player and it’s a combination of iffy planning and bad luck that’s meant he’s played as much as he has.

The players I’m really feeling for at the minute are Martin and Gannon, being thrust here there and everywhere positionally but ultimately trying while on a hiding to nothing.

We have to avoid square pegs round holes, from both a squad and a coaching choice point of view to improve I think.

I’m in agreement and I think RS is too; but he’d rather put a physically bigger/more experienced player to plug a hole than an Academy lad into a side under so much pressure. Personally I’m a fan of players settling into one position; as has been said before, part of our problem is over here the players are just generally not as good as NRL and they are not as adaptable.