Re: * * * Rumours & Signings XVI * * * : Wed Dec 30, 2009 5:48 pm  

Billinge_Lump wrote:

Briscoe showed how average he was in the Four Nations, where he looked as slow as Wellens ever did but more ponderous.

If he wasn't from Wigan none of you would even mention him.

the truth has no place on here concerning Briscoe.

We have a fantastic looking prospect in the reserves in Vievers I don't understand all the fuss made about a decent-at-best FB just because he's from Wigan. This policy of Wigan and Wigan only will get us nowhere unless the Wiganers are of the right quality.

Re: * * * Rumours & Signings XVI * * * : Wed Dec 30, 2009 6:52 pm  

Odemwingie wrote:

Widdop would be a risk as he would be pricey for a player of his age, we would have to be certain he would make the cut at FB.
IMO he could be more worth while than Briscoe though as he would not cost as much on the cap.

There will not be many people better placed to assess him than our current coach has worked so closley with him.

Re: * * * Rumours & Signings XVI * * * : Wed Dec 30, 2009 6:58 pm  

jonh wrote:

There will not be many people better placed to assess him than our current coach has worked so closley with him.

The sunny climes of New South Wales or Wigan........?

Re: * * * Rumours & Signings XVI * * * : Wed Dec 30, 2009 8:05 pm  

Dei Morti Viventi wrote:

:SHHH: the truth has no place on here concerning Briscoe.

We have a fantastic looking prospect in the reserves in Vievers I don't understand all the fuss made about a decent-at-best FB just because he's from Wigan. This policy of Wigan and Wigan only will get us nowhere unless the Wiganers are of the right quality.

Vievers is a Wellens clone, a lot of heart but no pace. Marsh imo is a better fullback prospect.

Re: * * * Rumours & Signings XVI * * * : Thu Dec 31, 2009 9:45 am  

I'd worry about how Briscoe will shape up as the years roll by tbh. He's not blessed with too much pace as it is and he's bound to lose a yard as he gets up towards 30. He'd be 27/28 if he came to Wigan for 2011 and we'd probably get a good couple of years out of him but i'd like to see us have a player in the position who'll nail it down long term.

I thought Phelps did enough last season to suggest he's got the potential to do that. He has things to learn in the position but he's got the basics of a very good fullback.

Re: * * * Rumours & Signings XVI * * * : Thu Dec 31, 2009 11:12 am  

Re: Phelps, whilst likeable and solid I think that long term Wigan's overseas signings should be of a higher calibre.

What I mean by that is 3-4 Top Class Overseas players with rest made up of First Class English players (Wigan produced and elsewhere).

That was the winning formula for years.

Re: * * * Rumours & Signings XVI * * * : Thu Dec 31, 2009 11:49 am  

NickyKiss wrote:

I'd worry about how Briscoe will shape up as the years roll by tbh. He's not blessed with too much pace as it is and he's bound to lose a yard as he gets up towards 30. He'd be 27/28 if he came to Wigan for 2011 and we'd probably get a good couple of years out of him but i'd like to see us have a player in the position who'll nail it down long term.

I thought Phelps did enough last season to suggest he's got the potential to do that. He has things to learn in the position but he's got the basics of a very good fullback.

Sadly, I feel it may be beyond Phelps' ability to cement himself into place in the one season he now has with us.

If Ian Lenagan's vision comes to fruition of only having two or three overseas recruits but all of the highest standard, then I don't think that will include Cameron Phelps - unless he improves beyond recognition. At present he's a decent and willing journeyman. Try as I may, I don't see a star-in-the-making there.

Even without IL's plan, the overseas quota will steadily tighten in the next fews years, and the likes of Phelps, Bailey et al will be squeezed out.

Re: * * * Rumours & Signings XVI * * * : Thu Dec 31, 2009 12:41 pm  

Cruncher wrote:

Even without IL's plan, the overseas quota will steadily tighten in the next fews years, and the likes of Phelps, Bailey et al will be squeezed out.

Rightfully so in my opinion. We as supporters have been waiting a long time for the overseas quota to bite, and over the next couple of years we should really benefit from that.

While other clubs may be forced into playing youngsters and British players who simply aren't ready or good enough, we should be able to capitalize on this opportunity with are better youngsters.

Re: * * * Rumours & Signings XVI * * * : Thu Dec 31, 2009 6:44 pm  

jonh wrote:

Regards Briscoe, i rate him and he is a quality Wigan player and lad but I am of the opinion you should not go back, especially at the stage he is in his career.

Phelps needs a huge season to justify a deal beyond 2010 in my opinion.

I agree on both counts jonh.
With Briscoe, we all know why he had to leave Wigan, but he never got ahead of Wellens, did he? I think HKR may be one club too many and he will be better off being a big fish in a small pond until he retires and gets his nose fixed.
With Phelps, this is a big year for him. He improved greatly at the back end of last year, and if he can kick on in 2010, I'd be happy to keep him for 2011.

Re: * * * Rumours & Signings XVI * * * : Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:55 pm  

Personally while i agree Phelps must improve to cement a quota spot, i have to say after a shakey start i saw enough real quality in him to think he could be a long term Wigan player, he does need to hit the straps in 2010 but he very well could be our Mic Withers (Bradford version).