: Mon Jun 01, 2009 6:14 pm  

Mrs Barista wrote:

Pros:
An organising 7. Finally.
Inspirational, game changing player (when he puts his mind to it)
Very good kicking game.
Will bring massive experience, both "big game" but also how Saints set-up works
Sounds keen to come and is talking of buying a house in Hull already
Another annoying niggly player (like Calderwood)- we need more of these
Sounds interested in a semi-coaching role - our young players will learn a lot from him, him and Fitz will be 2 players commanding respect in the squad
Would be a great partnership with Horne

Cons:
Age
Past off the field stuff (betting, abandoning the GB tour)


On balance, seems a reasonable signing.

That could also be a positive as far as pre season training goes

: Mon Jun 01, 2009 6:18 pm  

marc2k7hullfc wrote:

Who do you reckon saints will get to replace him ?

Orford?

Hull KR Dobson

: Mon Jun 01, 2009 6:21 pm  

Mrs Barista wrote:

Another annoying niggly player (like Calderwood)- we need more of these

At the moment no-body seems to give a toss, hopefully Long and Fitzgibon will knock a few heads together. I can't stand the fact we're shoe-ins for the 'fair play award', it just sums up our performances - weak.

I would like to see Horne given the opportunity to play along side Long, his running game could finally meet its potential.

: Mon Jun 01, 2009 6:25 pm  

Dr Hfuhruhurr wrote:

At the moment no-body seems to give a toss, hopefully Long and Fitzgibon will knock a few heads together. I can't stand the fact we're shoe-ins for the 'fair play award', it just sums up our performances - weak..

I've said it loads of times, but Shayne McMenemy was our best player of recent years in terms of aggression and just generally being a pain in the ass for the opposition. We're too nice.

: Mon Jun 01, 2009 6:26 pm  

marc2k7hullfc wrote:

Who do you reckon saints will get to replace him ?

Orford?

eastmond innit

: Mon Jun 01, 2009 6:27 pm  

Mrs Barista wrote:

Long and Fozzard are both 32. Thanks for your concern though.

To be fair there is a bit of a difference between a 32 year old scrum half and a 32 year old prop.


Still a good signing for you lot. Obviously the 2 year deal swung it.

: Mon Jun 01, 2009 6:35 pm  

A was said to me today in email, had the PAPERS not being banding the name of Orford around (and a few of the usual suspects on here), would you still be disappointed.

We have Fitzgibbon coming in who the younger forwads can learn from, Long coming in who the yonger backs can learn from, Horne will be 29/30 when Long moves on, he will be a better player for it, as will the younger academy lads.

Whilst he isn't the "marquee" signing I'd hoped for he is still a class apart from anything we have in the squad.

My biggest concern is all the signs are Agar is here next season regardless.

: Mon Jun 01, 2009 6:39 pm  

Standee wrote:

My biggest concern is all the signs are Agar is here next season regardless.

Long talked about having the chance to get involved in the coaching set-up at Hull and bringing ideas to the table on the offensive side of things, as a factor in his decision to come to Hull. Can't be a bad thing.

: Mon Jun 01, 2009 6:39 pm  

Long will be well into his 34th year when he arrives at Hull.

Before the end of his contract he will be in his 36th year. It's too old for a modern day half back at the top level.

He's at that stage where injuries hurt more, happen more frequently and take longer to recover from. Saints didn't want to take the risk and who could blame them. They'll bring in fresh talent while Hull yet again moan about bad luck with injuries when Long is on the treatment table.

Long has been a great player and maybe he deserves this financial windfall at the end of his career. Saints will agree but be glad they've found someone else to fund it.

: Mon Jun 01, 2009 6:41 pm  

His Bobness wrote:

Long will be well into his 34th year when he arrives at Hull.

Before the end of his contract he will be in his 36th year. It's too old for a modern day half back at the top level.

He's at that stage where injuries hurt more, happen more frequently and take longer to recover from. Saints didn't want to take the risk and who could blame them. They'll bring in fresh talent while Hull yet again moan about bad luck with injuries when Long is on the treatment table.

Long has been a great player and maybe he deserves this financial windfall at the end of his career. Saints will agree but be glad they've found someone else to fund it.

You not a Rovers fan by any chance are you?

I'd be happy to have one good year out of Long.