: Mon May 18, 2009 12:43 pm  

Catalancs wrote:

how will this affect newcastle? the bloke hardly plays for them, but i'm thinking in terms of merchandise and ticket sales.

Not sure it will have any impact on them to be honest - I don't think given his injury record too many Falcons fans buy tickets just to go see him play, unless they're highly optimistic!

Some exciting young players coming through at Newcastle, with an experienced 10 to steer them round the park they could be a good side next year.

Interesting that the Lions have declined to replace Tom Shanklin in the tour party - thought it might have opened the way for Delon Armitage given his versatility.

: Mon May 18, 2009 12:53 pm  

Andy Gilder wrote:

Not sure it will have any impact on them to be honest - I don't think given his injury record too many Falcons fans buy tickets just to go see him play, unless they're highly optimistic!

i know union clubs don't really rely on folk through the gate financially, but surely it will have an effect on the stature of the club.

Andy Gilder wrote:

Interesting that the Lions have declined to replace Tom Shanklin in the tour party - thought it might have opened the way for Delon Armitage given his versatility.

seems daft not taking someone, even if it's only for cover. it's going to be a tough tour and there's a good chance of injuries.

: Mon May 18, 2009 1:01 pm  

Catalancs wrote:

it's going to be a tough tour and there's a good chance of injuries.

That said, I suppose it's one of the shorter Lions tours at 9 (or is it 10?) games - certainly shorter than the last trip to South Africa. Obviously feel they can get by unless there's an absolute crisis.

Where are England this summer - is it Argentina?

: Mon May 18, 2009 1:10 pm  

Andy Gilder wrote:

That said, I suppose it's one of the shorter Lions tours at 9 (or is it 10?) games - certainly shorter than the last trip to South Africa. Obviously feel they can get by unless there's an absolute crisis.

Where are England this summer - is it Argentina?

yep and the a team are in the US

: Mon May 18, 2009 1:19 pm  

Andy Gilder wrote:

Where are England this summer - is it Argentina?

First test in that series is at Old Trafford as well.

As for how Wilkinson leaving will affect Newcastle, I can see it having an impact on the sponsorship side. He may not play that often, but if the deal to sponsor them also includes an agreement to use him in advertising, etc, then that's a very recognisable figure who is being lost.

: Mon May 18, 2009 2:24 pm  

Lord_Percy wrote:

First test in that series is at Old Trafford as well.

As for how Wilkinson leaving will affect Newcastle, I can see it having an impact on the sponsorship side. He may not play that often, but if the deal to sponsor them also includes an agreement to use him in advertising, etc, then that's a very recognisable figure who is being lost.

Well given who their major shirt sponsors are, we should have the Newcastle squad at our collective beck and call as taxpayers.

Personally I think Tom May should start by doing my front garden. I would get Danny Williams to do it, but I wouldn't trust him not to drop the pots.

: Mon May 18, 2009 8:56 pm  

Remarkable

Remarkable

: Mon May 18, 2009 8:59 pm  

Catalancs wrote: Remarkable You just beat me too it!, I was just reading about it here!...

Catalancs wrote: Remarkable You just beat me too it!, I was just reading about it here!...

: Mon May 18, 2009 8:59 pm  

Catalancs wrote: Remarkable Why??? I think the more Italy improve their backs the better as they always have formidable forwards but are wael behind the scrum

Catalancs wrote: Remarkable Why??? I think the more Italy improve their backs the better as they always have formidable forwards but are wael behind the scrum

: Mon May 18, 2009 9:04 pm  

The Joker® wrote: You just beat me too it!, I was just reading about it here!... don't moan, not all of us got on the speedway espanyolswan wrote: Why??? I think the more Italy improve their backs the better as they always have formidable forwards but are wael behind the scrum he's a 31 year old aussie. "It will be an important opportunity for the group to grow, especially our younger players." - Nick Mallett

The Joker® wrote: You just beat me too it!, I was just reading about it here!... don't moan, not all of us got on the speedway espanyolswan wrote: Why??? I think the more Italy improve their backs the better as they always have formidable forwards but are wael behind the scrum he's a 31 year old aussie. "It will be an important opportunity for the group to grow, especially our younger players." - Nick Mallett