: Sun Mar 29, 2009 10:37 pm  

AdmiralHanson wrote:

I heard an interesting whisper over this weekend about a potential replacement for Eastwood ...

- Top class forward

- 'Available' (potentially)

- A Kolpak 'stiff'

- The available cap space in order to bring him in

- Dying to end his kick & clap hell at Toulon

Step forward SONNY BILL WILLIAMS ....

As I posted elsewhere on here last week, SBW has signed a 12 month extension to his Toulon contract so he's no longer available - if he ever was at a price GH would be prepared to pay.

: Mon Mar 30, 2009 2:14 am  

rhinoms wrote:

All he's said is that he and the coaches are happy with what we have got and that we won't make a signing for the sake of it.

Because Gary hasn't said we're short... we're not??

We're only short if he says so? Until then we're not?

Because he said he and the coaches are happy (after failing to bring in reinforcements) you believe him. Case and point. You believe whatever the club say while ignoring what they do.

: Mon Mar 30, 2009 3:10 am  

No matter what the club say now IF a target comes along they will discuss the merit of any such signing at the time, As has been stated before we dont need to sign just anyone

: Mon Mar 30, 2009 7:59 am  

I think there is little doubt that a signing would improve our squad strength and depth. However, this has to be balanced against the long term balance of the squad, as well as the cost of aquiring the person. Paying the bulls 400k for BUrgess would be a big layout for a player, but would be the sort of calibre of player we should be going after, rather than the Sam Moas of this world. If the club can't afford a fee, then it will probably not happen this season.

Over the course of the season we have enough to match Saints, anyone else is not an issue to me really.

: Mon Mar 30, 2009 8:34 am  

LeedsPokerGuru wrote:

Quoting stadium plans does what? We still ahve a better ground than most in super league... and better gates.

You seem to have missed the point. The Southstand has to be dealt with. That will cost significant money.

Eastwood wasn't the clubs fault but surely if they could see we needed to add to the squad they should have had alternate options and contingencies. .

How does that work then? You get a player to remain in limbo on a provisional contract that we will take up at our discretion if our 1st choice player becomes unavailable for some unforeseen reason?

If you get stuck in our position (and Hulls) with signings you have two options. Do what Hull did and compromise on a lesser quality player than happens to be available or rely on the youth set up you have invested significant resources into already.

For them to say we don't need to add, after trying to add, is hypocritical. Fans that believe them are too easily lead

The coach would want a hundred 1st team players. The Directors have to try and balance giving the coach what he wants, what he needs, compliance with the league rules and looking after the other interests of the club.

: Mon Mar 30, 2009 8:35 am  

LeedsPokerGuru wrote:

Because Gary hasn't said we're short... we're not??

We're only short if he says so? Until then we're not?

Because he said he and the coaches are happy (after failing to bring in reinforcements) you believe him. Case and point. You believe whatever the club say while ignoring what they do.

I believe if a quality player become's available at the right price for the club we'll sign him!!
I also believe that up until now GH has more than proved himself as our chief exec.
Whilst you chelp about signing's and squad depth or lack of it check the league table and check GH's squad building/retention record!!
If they say they are happy with the squad depth plus there's money available to make a signing(if it's right all round) why not trust them to get it right???

: Mon Mar 30, 2009 10:49 am  

leicester_rhino wrote:

Over the course of the season we have enough to match Saints, anyone else is not an issue to me really.

Except perhaps when it comes to head to head meetings with them under McClennan. Two wins from six could be interpreted as a worrying statistic?

Next Sunday is a big game. Going two from seven would not instil me going forward with confidence that Leeds have the measure of St Helens with the present underfunded, understrength squad.

: Mon Mar 30, 2009 10:57 am  

G1 wrote:

Letting your customers know you're hitting a rough patch is a great idea.

No, really.

Looks like a queue for a new Swiss euthenasia clinic.

: Mon Mar 30, 2009 5:58 pm  

i feel we need another prop. at this time i would be happy with someone who did the basics right, was competant, and was able to play in order to rest others. i would be happy with a richard moore(if fit) or paul wood. nothing special but able to do a job

: Mon Mar 30, 2009 7:34 pm  

Don't know if this has been said, but who's been filling in Scruton's space? He seemed to play quite a bit last season so I would have thought you would have bought another decent prop.