Re: Powell OUT : Mon Jul 25, 2022 1:53 pm  

morrisseyisawire wrote:

Hmmm ok GazWire. Here's one for starters, you said that part of the problem for Powell was that he inherited a squad was perhaps a little long in the tooth.

Since inheriting that squad, he has extended Ratchford's contract despite it being clear that he's a busted flush, and has signed four aging, albeit decent (on paper) props. He also persists in playing Matautia (31) over Wrench.

Irrespective of the playing abilities of the players concerned this clearly shows either Powell doesn't feel the age of the squad is an issue or, as people have reasonably opined, he seems increasingly desperate and erratic in his approach.

The 2 year Ratchford extension is baffling. Whilst I like Ratchford as a person he a) goes missing in big games b) is clearly finished as an elite level player.

Re: Powell OUT : Mon Jul 25, 2022 2:01 pm  

Gazwire wrote:

Join the club, I'm probably about as popular as a fart in a spacesuit at the mo.

Stop with the self flagellation. there are plenty of people still supporting Powell (just).

Re: Powell OUT : Mon Jul 25, 2022 2:12 pm  

not only does he go missing and is extremely limited he is also currently Captain! Watch him when we concede (it happens a lot), he not only doesn't speak he just stands there shaking his head, it's painful to watch. So this is my main worry, the people Powell has put all his faith in don't seem to be of the 'right stuff'.

If we survive and Ratchford is indeed to be our first choice six for next season - don't expect much improvement in our performances.

Re: Powell OUT : Mon Jul 25, 2022 2:14 pm  

Wires71 wrote:

The 2 year Ratchford extension is baffling. Whilst I like Ratchford as a person he a) goes missing in big games b) is clearly finished as an elite level player.

He was once an elite level player??

Re: Powell OUT : Mon Jul 25, 2022 3:28 pm  

Wires71 wrote:

I guess my point was that he seems unable to correct the performance issue he cites so regularly. I am wondering why this will be resolved for next season and I am a Powell supporter.

I reckon this lack of confidence / unable to handle pressure is the main problem. It is not easy to solve and I wouldn't think he or anyone really knows the answer. I would personally (and guess he is) working on defence. Our defence is awful and this time last year it was a real strength.

Re: Powell OUT : Mon Jul 25, 2022 3:38 pm  

Barbed Wire wrote:

There’s a difference between a “we know what kind of team we have” and hanging out kids 6 weeks after they last featured.

You’re right, you can’t get the post match interview right. But you can get it wrong.

I reckon this "hanging out kids" complaint has gone on too much. He does have to say something & I am sure he would prefer not to say much but sometimes you get asked very pointed questions. Banging on about a comment or two made several weeks back helps no-one.
He picks lots of youngsters and if we were honest one or two don't always help our cause ... particularly in defence.

Re: Powell OUT : Mon Jul 25, 2022 4:37 pm  

I guess what worries a lot of us whether we are “in, out or shake it all about” is that woeful as we were in the play off game v KR last season our performances this season are way below what even the most pessimistic of us could have expected. Inevitably when a significant number of players have gone in the off season, and subsequently, people will look to the Coach for signs that he is at least steadying the ship.
I’m not demanding that Powell go BUT, I would like to see some sign that he is influencing the team in a positive way. I’m a very nervous supporter at the moment, and not in a good way.

Re: Powell OUT : Mon Jul 25, 2022 4:39 pm  

Is it a blessing in disguise 5 of our last 7 are away from home? The last 2 capitulations have been greeted with anger and contempt by the crowd (for the record i think if you'll take the applause when you're flying, you need to be prepared to take the flack when you're not, especially post game)

Having 5 matches away from home could alleviate the stress the team feels when the chips are down.

How sad is it that I'm actually thinking my team will perform better when our fans aren't there, and from past comments, Powell thinks so too.

Re: Powell OUT : Mon Jul 25, 2022 4:39 pm  

Smiffy27 wrote:

I reckon this "hanging out kids" complaint has gone on too much. He does have to say something & I am sure he would prefer not to say much but sometimes you get asked very pointed questions. Banging on about a comment or two made several weeks back helps no-one.
He picks lots of youngsters and if we were honest one or two don't always help our cause ... particularly in defence.

Publicly chastising a junior player for kicking poorly in a game that we lost convincingly on two occasions is outright stupid. I like that he plays the kids, I’ve been asking for that consistently throughout the year, and the fans broadly speaking are more sympathetic to an error under pressure from a promising junior than an player played 5 times the wage for delivering the same performance level. He’s not publicly bemoaned Williams, Widdop, Ratchford or Matautia who have all featured in the halves, just the kid. Twice.

It’s poor form, any way you look at it.

Re: Powell OUT : Mon Jul 25, 2022 4:52 pm  

Philth wrote:

Is it a blessing in disguise 5 of our last 7 are away from home? The last 2 capitulations have been greeted with anger and contempt by the crowd (for the record i think if you'll take the applause when you're flying, you need to be prepared to take the flack when you're not, especially post game)

Having 5 matches away from home could alleviate the stress the team feels when the chips are down.

How sad is it that I'm actually thinking my team will perform better when our fans aren't there, and from past comments, Powell thinks so too.

I genuinely believe our fans have been very patient this season despite some utter dross served up. We most of us expected nothing this season except a bit of fire and some decent attack, both have been sadly lacking.

I actually think Powell’s deluded attempt to move mountains/personnel in order to get into the play offs THIS season has tipped things way off balance.