Re: Shopping List 2023 : Mon Jul 18, 2022 8:31 pm  

mwindass wrote:

Will Smith doing the rounds online. Not sure there will be anything in it. He left the GC on compassionate grounds this season to return to Newcastle. Plus he's 30.

He's a half/hooker though. Another name to add to the rumours list as least .

Very good utility player, although not sure where he would fit in at Hull, unless it's for this season?

Re: Shopping List 2023 : Mon Jul 18, 2022 8:40 pm  

Dave K. wrote:

Very good utility player, although not sure where he would fit in at Hull, unless it's for this season?

He's technically a free agent, so we could sign him now.

It'd be the 3rd half we've been linked with Wakeham, Gamble now Smith. The only place I can see it working is 9.

Don't suppose either of those 3 would cost the earth

Re: Shopping List 2023 : Mon Jul 18, 2022 8:43 pm  

Will Smith is basically the same player as Joey, would be a very bizarre signing.

Re: Shopping List 2023 : Mon Jul 18, 2022 8:46 pm  

mwindass wrote:

He's technically a free agent, so we could sign him now.

It'd be the 3rd half we've been linked with Wakeham, Gamble now Smith. The only place I can see it working is 9.

Don't suppose either of those 3 would cost the earth

Not sure I've either seen him play 9, unless Connor is leaving I think we have priorities in other areas.

Re: Shopping List 2023 : Mon Jul 18, 2022 8:58 pm  

Connor is staying (so I've been told)

Doesn't make much sense to me either. To be honest can't see much being in it

Re: Shopping List 2023 : Mon Jul 18, 2022 8:59 pm  

Rocknrolla69er wrote:

I get what your saying, but i think if you look at the

elite in the sport, they find replacements as soon as players past their apexs performances start dipping off, we cannot afford to dither.

I honest don't get the narrative of why it's in Houghton hands, he's looked a tired old hooker this season and last who needs replacing, I think if it wasnt for the monumental injury list we d of seen Lovodua eventually take his place.

For me it's a no brainer we say our thank yous and don't renew his contract. Personally I see moments where it looks like his head isn't in it, the same with Shaul, Griffin and Taylor. I think they all need a fresh challenge somewhere else. And we need to move on and complete the final pieces of Hodgsons team with replacements

At an elite level Ferguson did that at Man U. Just read his autobiography. He was ruthless. Even a legend who was showing the first sign of decline or causing unrest within the camp was gone without any sentiment. (Not saying Houghton is causing problems off the pitch).

Re: Shopping List 2023 : Mon Jul 18, 2022 9:23 pm  

Marcus's Bicycle wrote:

It's a difficult one. He may have made the decision to pack it in himself already.

I listened to RH tonight and a fan mentioned Houghton's name. Cooke said remember tackle 52!! That was 6 years ago and he has had many more miles on the clock since then. Too many.

There are a one or two others who look like they are on the decline as well. Do we try to replace them?

I think a lot depends on how we finish the season. If the rot continues and we are on the end of some more humiliating defeats then more changes are needed. The coach being one of them.

We are getting a few players back so there are no excuses for any more capitulations.

Not really relevant to this discussion but Cooke came out with a couple of interesting points.

Hull did not do due diligence signing Reynolds as he basically finished 2 years before at Wests. Hodgson was part of the coaching team. Think most of us will agree with that.

Radford did not want to re sign Fonua. Radford told Cooke himself. Then got him for a bargain at Cas with us paying a large part of his salary. One year deal with little risk. Both mates colluding to re-write history?

Re: Shopping List 2023 : Mon Jul 18, 2022 9:26 pm  

Really hope our spine next year is
1.hoy
6.trueman
7.connor
9.lovodua

Re: Shopping List 2023 : Mon Jul 18, 2022 9:35 pm  

Marcus's Bicycle wrote:

Not really relevant to this discussion but Cooke came out with a couple of interesting points.

Hull did not do due diligence signing Reynolds as he basically finished 2 years before at Wests. Hodgson was part of the coaching team. Think most of us will agree with that.

Radford did not want to re sign Fonua. Radford told Cooke himself. Then got him for a bargain at Cas with us paying a large part of his salary. One year deal with little risk. Both mates colluding to re-write history?

Not like Cooke to stick up for his mate...

Re: Shopping List 2023 : Mon Jul 18, 2022 9:49 pm  

Cooke not a fan of AP either, so probably won’t have any qualms sticking up for Radders.

Was told by somebody that knows Andy Last that it was him who told Radford not to re-sign Fonua, as we didn’t need him, but Radford was worried about him playing for someone else.

Flawed recruitment/retention for a few years under Radford, that we’re still trying to put right.