A mixed bag, really. On the one hand it is true to say he steadied the ship soon after our season looked like imploding completely. He pretty much sorted our defence and the pack functioned more than effectively. We ground out results against all of the big teams - including Wigan (albeit in the last match). Insofar as our attacking game is concerned he went back to plan A. It was solid, effective ... percentage football - which did the job without tearing up any trees. I don't hold the charge of conservative football against him as we aren't blessed with enormous amounts of skill or speed in the backs. But it would have been nice to see us open up a touch more.
I have two major problems with Rush. First was his complete mishandling of the playmaking roles. It now seems patently obvious that Lomax's success at scrum half the season prior was intrinsically linked to Gaskell and the tactical options he brings to the table. Without a playmaking stand-off Lomax consistently looked like a fish out of water. Indeed, there were times when I seriously thought Rush was
harming Lomax's game, which is a serious charge to level at any coach. This brings me neatly to my second problem with Rush - his personal qualities which, with the best of intentions I'm sure, appear to have disenfranchised many of our younger players - another serious charge, given that Rush is supposed to be an "expert" at working with kids. I think his handling of Lomax, Gaskell, Foster and Dixon has been poor and their form has flatlined completely under his charge. To me it looks like he's become far too close to the older, established players - many of whom have failed to perform (see Wilkin, Gardner etc.) and you could be forgiven for believing a "clique" of first team certainties has developed. In all my years watching Saints we have gone through many hard times - but one problem we've managed for the most part to dodge - a problem which has led to all manner of troubles at other clubs - is cliques. As long as I can remember St. Helens has been united club with great team spirit and camaraderie. For the first time in a long time I can't say the same this year.
