This season : Fri Apr 10, 2009 6:56 pm  

I'll state from the outset that this isn't a pop at Tony Smith, but I'd be interested to hear what people think he should be able to achieve this season.

The common consensus is that he is a good coach, but will need time (perhaps a lot of time) to sort out the apparent mess he's been presented with.

I'm not wringing my hands over today's showing at all, but I'd have to say I'd be disappointed if he can't get this group of players into the top half of the table by the end of the season.

Is winning 10 more matches really that far-fetched...?

: Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:01 pm  

I'm not sure where the interview was taken or who by, but his words where along the lines of; consistency comes from being able to defend. When the defence is good, the consistency is there and the results will come.

: Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:04 pm  

A long process, i won't be expecting to much in the not to distant future. Making the top 8 will be a bonus.

: Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:05 pm  

winning 10 out of the next 19-20 is quite realistic tbh after getting rid of gleeson and reardon, the two black clouds have been removed. The only other person that we need to either get rid of or, like the rest of the squad re-adjust his attitude is matt king. He swore at our fans and, this season hasn't looked like he wants to be here. Like we did with gleeson if he doesnt want to play for us get rid of him. We can probably get three good players that would actually want to play for us for the salary cap that reardon gleeson and king would leave

: Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:08 pm  

Will be hard as there are a few players who are going to be moved on and are just going through the motions, Smith will have to do his best with what he's got this season. As there's no relegation I would rather use this as a preparatory season for next year, put some bricks in place and bring in the rest from outside so we can hit next season running.

: Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:24 pm  

The fact is that we need to start getting some wins, and build up to the end of the season.

The fact is that our players can play when things tick. I haven't written this season off, our defence is looking better, we clearly have issues with the ball at the moment, but I don't think Smith is the kind of person to write the year off.

Make the top 8, hit form towards the end and who knows what will happen...

: Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:28 pm  

Dave T wrote:

The fact is that we need to start getting some wins, and build up to the end of the season.

The fact is that our players can play when things tick. I haven't written this season off, our defence is looking better, we clearly have issues with the ball at the moment, but I don't think Smith is the kind of person to write the year off.

Make the top 8, hit form towards the end and who knows what will happen...

: Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:31 pm  

As long as we keep improving game to game i'll be happy...
Get into the top 8 and take it from there...

I also think T.S. will want to make a big effort in the Challenge Cup a few S.L. teams are already out of the competition with a couple more to go in the next round...

We've got a good draw in the next round with a bit of luck who knows..

: Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:48 pm  

No reason why we can't go all the way in either competition. We should have no problem in getting in the top 8. All it takes then is a bit of form. We have come very close to beating Leeds and Stains already this season.

: Fri Apr 10, 2009 9:12 pm  

We just need to get a little run going and we will be ok as we should take points from the teams around us. It is still early days for a play off spot. I would rather we hit form come the later part of the season. As long as were still in with a chance.