2009 Season thoughts : Mon Sep 21, 2009 5:13 pm  

Now it's over I think we did better than was expected but still there was the usual battering by the Saints at home and the close losses at home to about 5 teams. Hopefully in 2010 we'll be even better.....especially at home.

Next...

: Mon Sep 21, 2009 5:37 pm  

Fantastic season. 8 lads who were with us in NL1 played last night and even though we over played and dropped too much ball as a result the effort was there.

Look at the facts, TM nearly kept us up with minimal prep, got us up, consolidated and took longer term views and we have just finished above halfway, in the play offs and competing. I just dont understand the TM bashers.

The best thing is that there is every sign of more improvement. We are above Bradford, Warrington, Hull and Quins.

A brilliant season, well done. Just a shame we havent yet got the new stadium. Now would be the perfect time to move into it, but hey ho.

: Mon Sep 21, 2009 5:56 pm  

i think we had an amazing season considering we finished bottom last season, we got twice as many wins as last season,,

however i think the signing of faumuina was a shocking decision considering we didn't keep hold of lupton or catic, who i feel are both MUCH better players than he is. and a few managerial errors throughout the season cost us e.g. last night tieing up our most dangerous player at hooker (rangi chase) and the way he has handled the hole ryan boyle saga.

: Mon Sep 21, 2009 6:05 pm  

At the start of the season I though the team should have finished higher then 7th, and I stand by that.

Good points are the vast improvements of Richard Owen & Craig Huby, the signing of Rangi Chase is looking to be one of the best of recent times.

The u18s have been really impressive which can only be good for the future of the club - look for these lads to further improve next season and some breaking into the first team.

Another exciting thing to look forward to is the next stadium announcement - which I expect to arrive within the next 2 weeks.

A couple of reffing decisions at key moments (double movement v Catalan and the farce that was the Magic weekend) and the team would have been higher in the league, lets hope we get some decisions next season.

Craig Poskitt has been fantastic for the club, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he has lined up for next season, opening more revenue streams for the club. Hopefully with what many people think was a successful season, the attendances will be up next season too.

Bad points are Sherwin's continual injury problems, Ryan McGoldrick continuing to be a liability and Terry Matterson getting a new contract - the players don't respect him and do things when he tells them not to, some coach eh?

A further bad point is what seems to be an increase in the number of incidents within the stadium, which eventually led to the club getting a hefty fine - this needs to be stamped out ASAP.

For next season we need to sign a winger, at least 1 more prop and another second rower. Matterson needs to get tough with the players and a bit of luck wont go a miss - anything below 5th will be a disappointment for me next season tbh. A far better points difference is also a must.

: Mon Sep 21, 2009 6:27 pm  

Wanted 10th or higher - a massive over achievement for me.

For grumbles, our points difference and the amount of points we leak is simply unacceptable. We play amazing attacking rugby but need to toughen up massively if we're to retain a play off spot. Next year I'd expect much better seasons from Warrington and Catalans, so we need to stay ahead of the game.

: Mon Sep 21, 2009 6:31 pm  

a good season which has seen huge improvment in reslults still not sure we played any better than last year just that we scraped home in more games than the previous season.

delighted to have made the play off but it may bight us on the backside next year has it looks as though we are going to settle for more of the same signings instead of grasping the nettle and trying to bring in a few class players to complement our working class side.

: Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:40 pm  

Our league position was better than some thought at the start of the season. Getting into the play-offs was a plus even though we got knocked out in the first game. I think TM needs to learn some lessons though. It's a good job we haven't got a bigger squad (doh!) or his out of the hat team selection could throw up some even worse combinations.

: Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:54 pm  

As long as Mcgoldrick is the first name on the team sheet it seems Matterson just builds it round that.............

: Mon Sep 21, 2009 8:21 pm  

I wanted to see us competing for 8th spot in the play offs this year, we did slightly better. Would like to see us get into the top 4 next year.

Would like to see where our next Owen / Shenton / Huby / Westerman is coming from.

Need to increase the playing squad. It's no good saying we have a squad of 27/28, when only 20 of those will actually play. I make it that we have a squad of 20 now. With the arrivals of Snitch and Jackson - up to 22. With the anticipated loss of Clayton/Feather/Netherton/Boyle, we have a mere 18. I exclude Massey here, as he is another that never plays. 18 is a shambolic squad size.

I would like to see all the squad bulk up. Conditioning and fitness is a worry.

I would like to see Mitchell Sargent given a contract extension.

I would like to see stability in playing structure and players playing in their correct positions.

We have to improve the defence.

Over the last 3 years, the team that finished top of SL have conceded - 453 pts (17pts per game avge), 457 pts, (17pts per game) and 422 (16pts per game).

In our last 2 years in SL, we conceded 702pts this yr (26pts) and 869pts (32pts), the previous year. We have to make significant progress in a consistently strong defence.

And finally (and probably the most unlikely of all my wish list), is that fans at home games actually support the team when the going gets tough, rather than boo them if they concede a try. The Wheldon Road end is becoming an embarrassment to our own club, rather than the backbone of the fortress that we should make it.

: Tue Sep 22, 2009 8:39 pm  

A great result in the table, much better than most expected.

Summary

Best player...a tough call between Rangi and Owen.

Most shocking perfomance of the year...Sherwin against Wigan in play off.

Most enjoyable game....away against Warrington.

Most enjoyable atmosphere.....last 10 mins at home against Bradford.

Biggest nail biter...Halifax cup tie at home.

Most deserved win....away against Bradford.

Gut wrenching moment....Westerman injury at home to saints.

Biggest robbery by ref....too many to name...perhaps Hull in Edinburgh.

Least favourite ref of year...Ian 'What high tackle?' Smith a clear winner.


What I'd like to see next year.....6th spot...a never surrender attitude ...less sideways running and a bit more team spirit and passion by the boys. C'mon Cas!!!!!!!!!Summary