No, I dont. If Paul Johnson was Wigan's major signing for next year would you be happy? Would you think their was any value to the deal? And would you think IL had done a blinding bit of business? The answer to all of those questions, if you even think about it for a second is no.



I know you are very pro IL and I respect most things you say, but leaping to his defence, whilst admirable, about this issue is misplaced.

no one has said he would be our major signing. tricky dicky even said he would be signed 'as depth'

Hang on. How does anyone saying signing PJ would be a bad move mean they need a reality check?







I thought we did surrender in 1942?







It is not often AJ and I agree but one thing I think we do agree on is that the recruitment since IL has been in charge has not been good. AJ may argue Roberts is better than Ainscough but I am pretty sure he would rather us have recruited a prop instead of Roberts.



IL has said he is after a prop and half back but wants quality. I can name at least two quality props who would improve our side but I get the impression IL won't pay the going rate. So my concern is IL will recruit the likes of PJ and justify it by saying other players were too expensive while clubs like Wakey sign the likes of Tronc.



I hope my concern is not justified and IL will sign the likes of Myler and Tronc. If he does, great but if he signs PJ and no players like those I mention we have a problem



Dave

No, but given the apparent (and I use the word apparent because I have "sources" no better or worse than anyone else), lack of any top drawer player due in part to our slowness of the mark and our reluctance to break from the value policy, it would be a fair bet that if he and Daryl Griffin arrive, PJ as a hometown boy, will be the "main" signing of the two. Im merely forecasting worst case scenario.

Spot on.

No fee will be involved if Bailey does come to us, he will simply be released from his NRL contract, which speaks volumes about his ability in my opinion.



In a game where pace is King, being linked with the likes of Bailey and Johnson for me is a worry.

As and when IL announces that Paul Johnson is our main recruit for next year, I will criticise him.

He wont be our main recruit.



If we close the deal he will be signed to add depth to the back row and cover to the centre's given hocks departure.



If being the operative word.



He will be on a modest salary and no transfer fee and will be classed as home trained.

That would be entirely different. But other people seem to be working on the basis that he'll be our main recruit. So I'll stick with what I said - on the day IL announces that Paul Johnson is our main, or even a key, signing for 2010, then I'll heartily criticise him.

Good post... "we will fight them on the canal bridge...We will fight them at the cherry gardens..."

They'll just fight among themselves at Sam's Bar.

scholes or frog lane??

Welfield Road.

So signings watch has thrown up the following signings so far:



Saints: Soliola



Leeds: Eastwood



Hull: Fitsgibbon, Tansey, Long



Hudds: Faalongo, Gilmour



Wire: Tickle



Bulls: Hall. le strange



Wakey: Newton, Tronc





So will these players improve any of our competitors?



Should we be concerned?

We've also signed O'Meley too.

Do you want a medal?

Mate what is your problem?

According to GMR we are being linked with Martin Crompton to be part of the coaching team. That's a new one on me, any one heard anything about that?

Crommy is currently head coach at Blackpool.



Last season he head a season ticket at the JJB 5 seats away from me in the east stand with his son.

... we're so close to having one hell of a side. We have a great backline with some real strike power in the 3/4 and some real quality and potential in the halves.



But Ian, [size=150WE ARE CRYING OUT FOR SOME BIG FORWARDS![/size



Assuming this team is properly prepared and coached then we would be so nearly there if you can make the two signings we need. Two signings of big, mean, nasty forwards who can give this Wigan side the steel and go-forward it so desperately needs. Just two players and I honestly believe we can bring some trophies home. Especially if Gareth Hock also makes a return in two years.



Sir, I implore you - knowing that you want the success to return to Wigan just as much as any other fan - get the cheque book out and make it happen.

We just need a plan to offload Stuart Fielden a year early!

On much of the evidence we have seen that is a big assumption, but hopefully it will change next year.



The rest of the post i agree with, it seems we may have signed 1 but doubt we will bring in another, simply consolidate what we currently have.

Good post mate



Fully agree

First I've heard - someone of the right quality in your opinion?



On the preparation and coaching front - at the end of the day that is the responsibility of the coaching staff. Lenagan must make his decision as to who should be in charge of that department but after that it is down to the man he appoints obviously.



The point is that the one thing Lenagan can control is ensuring the side has enough quality in all the key areas so that Wigan are capable of winning things. I honestly believe we're very, very close to that if Lenagan were just to make that final push.