From when Powell was announced to be coming to us, i told anyone who'd listen it's not an exciting appointment. It was a sideways move from Price in my opinion, and not ambitious enough. Wane was the way i hoped we'd go (if he would entertain Warrington, due to it not being Wigan). That would've been a statement of intent and fueled expectancy. Were it not for Hardaker, i think there's a good chance that Powell may've led Cas to a Grand Final win - although even with that, i still feel it was a performance not too far off Leicester City winning the PL in 2015/16 - a bit of an overachieving flash in the pan.
At the time - Cas played great, exciting rugby which was great to watch and the kind we, at Wire haven't had since peak Smith days. I hoped we were getting that with Powell. I attended the fans forum at the start of last season still very skeptical about Powell's appointment, but left feeling not as skeptical - he does talk a good game. We all know how last season went, so no point dredging that up, but the start of this season showed more promise. Then it all fell apart.
We've been through "5 drives and a kick to Toby King" and after the first 8 this year we got "5 drives up the middle and then...??" every set, every game. No ideas other than hoping for an Ashton intercept. The Wigan Challenge Cup game shown that; playing the majority of the game with 12 men, and yet can't get force an overlap. Still driving it up the middle, where it doesn't make your extra man count. The writing was already on the wall before that, but now it was being written with a Sharpie. Like others on here, i echo that Powell seemed like a good man, but i think he was the wrong coach at the wrong time. Ultimately, i think his 18 months with us will be looked on as a disaster.
I feel that we're at that point now in the season where we're in a bit of limbo. If we can't get the coach we want in now, is it Chambers until the end of the season until we can appoint for start of 24? If so, do the players' regress into the "supply teacher" mindset? Or do we get someone in now who maybe isn't who would be right, but simply who's available and possibly more mediocrity for the next 12-18 months?
All I can say is that I'm glad that it's not my decision. I just want to see us playing well - i can take getting beat, if we put effort in...like Saints at home a few weeks ago.
For the record; Holbrook is my choice - comes with a reputation of being able to do it in Super League and i think (hope) players will respect that.
