Re: Brian Smith on his way back to SL? : Sun May 31, 2015 6:35 pm  

I doubt they are in a position to make many changes and with the league being tight above Wakey there aren't likely to be that many loans offered, and any offered aren't likely to be available in middle eights. Maybe they could arrange some swap deals with players they want to move on. The other problem is can they keep those interested that are out of contract at end of season whilst not knowing which league they will be in. They could do with someone going into administration and signing up their players.

Re: Brian Smith on his way back to SL? : Sun May 31, 2015 7:06 pm  

He'll need to be a magician to turn that lot around

I've got to say I'm going to be pretty peeved if we end with Gareth O'Brien playing against us in the Middle 8's after we let Warrington pull the plug on his deal to come to us

Re: Brian Smith on his way back to SL? : Mon Jun 01, 2015 1:34 am  

Smithy is innovative and technical Coach, a very good ideas man, but his problem (which never showed at his short stay at the Bulls) is that he likes to tinker and make Players play out of position but keep them there when it's not working and his Man Management style is abrasive, which will be good for Wakey at present, but not for a settled Squad. They need to get a good Assistant Coach in like Glenn Morrison to act as a buffer and he would also learn plenty.
Interesting times for Wakey and I doubt Smithy is doing it for the money but probably a big stay up bonus as part of his motivation.

Re: Brian Smith on his way back to SL? : Mon Jun 01, 2015 6:36 am  

If I recall correctly Fox left the club during the curtailed winter season of 1995. Smith took the job but sent Matty Elliot to sort out conditioning and recruitment for the start of the first SL season. In effect he wrote off the 1995 season and pretty much turned over the entire squad with a few notable exceptions. He got the three lads from Sts after the Newlove transfer and brought Donougher and probably the most under rated Aussie import in SL history, Bradley. Obviously he is a serious coach but Wakey is a very different job under very different conditions to 20 years ago.

Re: Brian Smith on his way back to SL? : Mon Jun 01, 2015 8:59 am  

M@islebugs wrote:

If I recall correctly Fox left the club during the curtailed winter season of 1995. Smith took the job but sent Matty Elliot to sort out conditioning and recruitment for the start of the first SL season. In effect he wrote off the 1995 season and pretty much turned over the entire squad with a few notable exceptions. He got the three lads from Sts after the Newlove transfer and brought Donougher and probably the most under rated Aussie import in SL history, Bradley. Obviously he is a serious coach but Wakey is a very different job under very different conditions to 20 years ago.

Absolutely correct. The big difference is, then he had time to make his changes; i.e the curtailed winter season. If I recall only Karl and I think John Hamer from the old team survived and club was revolutionised. This time round he does not have the luxury of time. The other problem of course is now he has to work within the salary cap restrictions with salary money committed this season, so how much wriggle room has he got. All that said, Trinitys chances of survival just got that bit better. If I was a Trinity fan, I would be feeling a bit more optimistic this morning..

Re: Brian Smith on his way back to SL? : Mon Jun 01, 2015 12:21 pm  

BeechwoodBull wrote:

Absolutely correct. The big difference is, then he had time to make his changes; i.e the curtailed winter season. If I recall only Karl and I think John Hamer from the old team survived and club was revolutionised. This time round he does not have the luxury of time. The other problem of course is now he has to work within the salary cap restrictions with salary money committed this season, so how much wriggle room has he got. All that said, Trinitys chances of survival just got that bit better. If I was a Trinity fan, I would be feeling a bit more optimistic this morning..

And someone called Brian McDermott?

I totally agree that from a Wakefiled point of view you would be happier today than yesterday. Their chances have improved.

Re: Brian Smith on his way back to SL? : Mon Jun 01, 2015 12:23 pm  

Neil Summers too.

[Bullseye]

Re: Brian Smith on his way back to SL? : Mon Jun 01, 2015 12:35 pm  

..and Paul Medley.

Re: Brian Smith on his way back to SL? : Mon Jun 01, 2015 3:20 pm  

Robbie Paul

Re: Brian Smith on his way back to SL? : Mon Jun 01, 2015 3:46 pm  

On Sky they were singing his praises about how he revolutionised the club.
I also recall Elliot coming over first and setting everything up regarding the team - of which he officially took over from Smith . We also had a gentleman called Mr Deakin who actually transformed the club off the field which allowed the coach to make a few signings later on.

We will see "bounce" as they say when he takes over but to keep it going will take more than a change of face. We will see just how good Brian is once the season is over and is judged on half a season not just the first few games. If he wins a couple Stevo and Eddie will be shouting how good he is. Lets wait till September.