With things how they are right now, the most sensible, and sensibly economical, decision is to keep Last and Purtill at the helm for the rest of the season. Then reassess as the campaign closes.
The squad we have is actually very strong. We had a shaky (understatement) start to the season with a few injuries, suspensions and downright appalling performances. Once everyone is fit and cohesive, this team can do much better than the first few games of the season showed. Whilst I don't see Last or Purtill as being the long term answer, the club's hand is forced somewhat by the restricted income available to them (aside from the government provided loan via the RFL) and hiring a new coach, plus Last/Purtill or paying one/both of Last/Purtill off would be financially difficult to justify just now.
Wane would be a good candidate but I feel it's a case of right person, wrong time with him. Fitzgibbon could be the right man and, if it helps him to secure an NRL job two years down the line, it could be a good move for him, but I'd expect any permanent new coach outside of Last/Purtill would arrive in time for season 2021, rather than immediately.
Probably the sensible and frugal approach, just kicking a few ideas around, as you say we do have a very strong squad and Wane in charge of this team would be challenging for honours. Lasty & Purtill will get my full support, and hopefully will get the results we all want.
It seems an age since we beat Leeds in a very good solid performance, and an uninspiring victory in the Derby against a below strength opponent. The wheel nuts were loosened against the French, then Radergate unfolded live on Sky with a dire performance.
Given Shaul and Houghton are talking contracts it would appear Last will get the gig and Club Hull will keep rolling on...
How we replace Kelly (at his best, not his last few recent games) is our main question....
Happy for Houghton to be given a contract, we have seen in the past that he is a very good SL player, with more to his game than just defence.
Not so convinced by Shaul, he doesn’t seemed to have developed into a top FB.
Maybe a new coach can bring out the best in both players.
I know people won't agree with me, but for me Connor gets a shot a 6, we have seen glimpses of what he can do at stand-off, even at international level, under a more supportive and attacking coach I honestly think he could be a very good halfback, certainly have the skill set.
Happy for Houghton to be given a contract, we have seen in the past that he is a very good SL player, with more to his game than just defence.
Not so convinced by Shaul, he doesn’t seemed to have developed into a top FB.
Maybe a new coach can bring out the best in both players.
I know people won't agree with me, but for me Connor gets a shot a 6, we have seen glimpses of what he can do at stand-off, even at international level, under a more supportive and attacking coach I honestly think he could be a very good halfback, certainly have the skill set.
It depends what Houghton wants, if he is realistic then keep him, if not then let him go, agree 100% with you about Shaul. IF Last becomes coach (or Wane for that matter) I can't see Connor at 6, Last may surprise as he hasn't yet had chance to coach "his" team. Personally I wouldn't want Wane at the club, Fitzgibbon for me, but as has been said, the economics don't stack up at the moment.
If Houghton and Shaul are staying i hope its on much reduced contracts - their last ones will more than likely will of been high due to MOS for Houghton and Dream Team for Shaul but those days are long gone - if they get anything like the same money then the club is mad
I wonder with the income situation being as it is if the club are considering Connor Wynne and Jordan Johnstone as younger replacements for Shaul and Houghton. With Ratu and Kelly they could shed four players off this years squad probably saving quiet a bit albeit leaving it a bit thin.
I'm worried by the lack of news from the club, the only news we are getting is from the HDM and its always bad!
I wonder with the income situation being as it is if the club are considering Connor Wynne and Jordan Johnstone as younger replacements for Shaul and Houghton. With Ratu and Kelly they could shed four players off this years squad probably saving quiet a bit albeit leaving it a bit thin.
I'm worried by the lack of news from the club, the only news we are getting is from the HDM and its always bad!
They certainly dont mind bombarding your email trying to get you to buy reduced kit though do they? Its almost like all they want is our money
And i agree on Wynne and Johnstone - time for club Hull to be broken up and for the new breed to make their names
I wonder with the income situation being as it is if the club are considering Connor Wynne and Jordan Johnstone as younger replacements for Shaul and Houghton. With Ratu and Kelly they could shed four players off this years squad probably saving quiet a bit albeit leaving it a bit thin.
I'm worried by the lack of news from the club, the only news we are getting is from the HDM and its always bad!
No news is good news. The fact that Rugby League is shutdown probably accountsthe for the lack of any stories or would you rather FC make up fake news, much like the HDM
So that's 2 down, 11 to go. Hang on a minute though, Wynne was born in Hull, so that's a tricky one.
And then there's the academy and junior sides, get rid?
Maybe supporters born in Hull need to find another club as well, pointless doing things by halves.
But club Hull has been consistently poor for a while - Shaul, Houghton, Taylor, Bowden, Lane, Fash have all been poor for ages - certainly some of those were far too comfortable in the team because of Radford - would we miss any of them, perhaps Taylor, but not any of the rest based on this and last seasons performances. I hope Houghton can do a Roby and find some form again in his last years - the rest can go now for me