[Bullseye]

Re: In the year 2017 : Mon Jul 25, 2016 10:14 am  

The club's been in admin twice which explains why we've lost so many lads in the past. We can hang onto our young players if we build long term around them. Batley showed what can be achieved on 10% of our budget. I would suggest that if lads are being given a pathway into the first team they're more likely to stay around a bit longer and also show more pride and commitment.

It may not get us into SL. I think only a change in the rules and a big money backer will do that but it'll make watching more enjoyable.

Re: In the year 2017 : Mon Jul 25, 2016 10:21 am  

Definitely got to go with the academy lads. It may re-engage some disillusioned and very angry fans.

We need just 1 point to qualify for the tin pot shield semis. So why play the players who have consistently let us down and shown zero fight.

[Bulliac]

Re: In the year 2017 : Mon Jul 25, 2016 10:28 am  

For the pathway to work though it's self evident we have to remain full time.

Also, a number of these lads are of exceptional ability within their age group - as shown by the fact they are beating SL academies quite regularly, so even with our junior set-up in place, with us being in the Championship, I'd guess we'll be lucky to get two seasons at open age out of the best of these lads before they 'move on'.

Re: In the year 2017 : Mon Jul 25, 2016 10:41 am  

Agree Bulliac. If we dont get back to SL, IMO they will go elsewhere - and can you blame them..

Re: In the year 2017 : Mon Jul 25, 2016 12:10 pm  

We get a new owner and he says he's in it for the long haul, and we get a new coach and he is building for the future. What they both need to remember is that the club has been in free fall for the last 10 years, during which the supporters have raised £500k in 4 days to stave off Administration(subsequently bequeathed on us by a former Chairman) and had to pay the 3rd highest admission prices in RL despite the stadium being open to the elements and not being an all seater and watching 2nd tier rugby. It is time for the present incumbents to deliver (and not in a few years time).

Re: In the year 2017 : Mon Jul 25, 2016 12:21 pm  

If prices do not rise - I will be renewing.

I still have faith in MG and I think he makes mistakes - but he cannot be the only one doing so.

I was incensed when they went in the T & A stating we didnt need a scrum half - the most stupid move of the season.

However, in Rohan Smith I think we have the right man for the job and the u19's seem to be beating allcomers too..

I bottled out of going on Sunday even though I had a ticket - I just had a gut feeling they wouldnt turn up.

The season is over now - on to next season for me and lets see what Rohan can do with more time under his belt and players of his own choosing.

(Assuming he has control over our recruitment!)

Re: In the year 2017 : Mon Jul 25, 2016 12:40 pm  

The ONLY point of the Coconut Shield is for Rohan to do a bit of prep for next season. Basically, it's training sessions, with real teams to train against.

The most embarrassing thing I can think of would be to win it. OR even maybe get to the "Final" (whereTF is that held - Horsfall?) Can you imagine holding the coconut aloft and trying to pretend it is of some value, or some achievement? It is a sobering thought that we won't be favourites even for this tinpot trophy - we can't beat Halifax choose what we do, to name just one thing. So I see no reason why we shouldn't blood every youngster that might play a part next season. Because in THIS comp, it is like the reverse, nobody would give a sh.!t in those circumstances if we lost half the games.

Re: In the year 2017 : Mon Jul 25, 2016 1:09 pm  

Bullseye wrote:

The club's been in admin twice which explains why we've lost so many lads in the past. We can hang onto our young players if we build long term around them. Batley showed what can be achieved on 10% of our budget. I would suggest that if lads are being given a pathway into the first team they're more likely to stay around a bit longer and also show more pride and commitment.

It may not get us into SL. I think only a change in the rules and a big money backer will do that but it'll make watching more enjoyable.

But Batley got the pick of the best part time players, players that are better than the full time players that the likes of Bradford and Sheffield were scrapping around for.

Re: In the year 2017 : Mon Jul 25, 2016 1:12 pm  

Ferocious Aardvark wrote:

The ONLY point of the Coconut Shield is for Rohan to do a bit of prep for next season. Basically, it's training sessions, with real teams to train against.

The most embarrassing thing I can think of would be to win it. OR even maybe get to the "Final" (whereTF is that held - Horsfall?) Can you imagine holding the coconut aloft and trying to pretend it is of some value, or some achievement? It is a sobering thought that we won't be favourites even for this tinpot trophy - we can't beat Halifax choose what we do, to name just one thing. So I see no reason why we shouldn't blood every youngster that might play a part next season. Because in THIS comp, it is like the reverse, nobody would give a sh.!t in those circumstances if we lost half the games.

The most embarrassing thing for Bradford to do would be NOT to win it.

[Bullseye]

Re: In the year 2017 : Mon Jul 25, 2016 1:34 pm  

Greg Florimos Boots wrote:

But Batley got the pick of the best part time players, players that are better than the full time players that the likes of Bradford and Sheffield were scrapping around for.

You make a good point. There's perhaps something in being part fulltime and part semi pro if it can be worked out. A lot of the fulltime players in the championship are inferior to the better part timers. It makes you wonder how bad those fulltimers would be if they weren't training every day.

I guess we need to be flexible.

Greg Florimos Boots wrote:

The most embarrassing thing for Bradford to do would be NOT to win it.

I'm beyond embarrassment nowadays. We're an average Championship squad who have been proven to be worse than Fax this season. I'd rather us use this comp to get up to speed for next year. If we win the shield it's a bonus. Does the winner get any financial reward?