Re: WESTERMAN SIGNING CONFIRMED : Thu Oct 28, 2010 8:38 am  

Mrs Barista wrote:

Completely agree with that. Didn't understand the rumours linking us with Westerman at all at first due to Agar's insistence on a prop at 13, but surely this must mean Fitz to prop now and a "proper" 13, and if this is the case it's a good investment, again, in young British talent. My hope is that the club join him at the hip to Fitz all season, as there is literally no one better to mentor him both on and off the field - and from Westerman's perspective this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from a legend. Well done FC on going all out to get him.

Great point about Fitz, hopefully this year Joe has with Fitz will be the making of him both on and off the pitch assuming his attitude is right. He certainly could not do much better in terms of who he has to learn from.

Re: WESTERMAN SIGNING CONFIRMED : Thu Oct 28, 2010 8:40 am  

Big Dave T wrote:

Depends if he wants to be a bit part player or if he has the ambition to nail down a 13 shirt somewhere. Disappointed he's not been given the opportunity here.

Think outside of the box a bit BDT! Many think Westerman is better as a wide running second row so Whiting may still get the chance at 13.

Imagine a back row of Tickle, Westerman and Whiting - a very attacking feel to it!

Re: WESTERMAN SIGNING CONFIRMED : Thu Oct 28, 2010 8:41 am  

Mrs Barista wrote:

Washy, maybe. As Paul says, though, Washy could rotate at hooker with Houghton this year and Whiting's contracted until 2013 IIRC and can cover anywhere bar prop but mainly cover for the backs, particularly FB and centre. Although that then leaves Turner, scrapping with Whiting for a back-up centre spot, and I think Turner needs gametime to develop.

Thats my point really. Whiting at this stage in his career probably needs to be thinking about more than simply scrapping for a back up spot that isn't even his preferred position.

Re: WESTERMAN SIGNING CONFIRMED : Thu Oct 28, 2010 8:42 am  

knocker norton wrote:

Think outside of the box a bit BDT! Many think Westerman is better as a wide running second row so Whiting may still get the chance at 13.

Imagine a back row of Tickle, Westerman and Whiting - a very attacking feel to it!

I'm rarely 'in the box' mate!!

I like the look of Tickle, Westerman and Whiting as a back 3 with Manu off the bench. Wont happen though.

Re: WESTERMAN SIGNING CONFIRMED : Thu Oct 28, 2010 8:43 am  

The Dentist Wilf wrote:

Yeh I thought that straight away! Sack who let him go.....Oh we probably already have done!

For me its a good signing but more important is the fact that the club has shown some enterprise and willingness to spend money as we have seen Warrington do in the last few years, I did'nt honestly think they had it in them, so I'm surprised and perhaps, just a bit, it shows the board having the same ambition as we as fans have, its good stuff indeed, but with the wage he will be on I expect that if we get Rovelli or someone similar that will be it! Still one of the top young British players a play maker, old fashioned loose forward and on the fringe of the England team. Off the field we will have to start with him as we mean to go on though.

But Wilf
This is the third fee we've paid in the last coupld of years - Tansey, Turner and now Westerman (if memory serves me). How many other clubs (barring Warrington) are currently paying money out for players. I think the board have definitely shown ambition over the past few years and, the Agar debate aside, it's difficult to argue with their investment - particularly in youth: both in their development and purchasing from other clubs.

Re: WESTERMAN SIGNING CONFIRMED : Thu Oct 28, 2010 8:44 am  

downtheante wrote:

But Wilf
This is the third fee we've paid in the last coupld of years - Tansey, Turner and now Westerman (if memory serves me). How many other clubs (barring Warrington) are currently paying money out for players. I think the board have definitely shown ambition over the past few years and, the Agar debate aside, it's difficult to argue with their investment - particularly in youth: both in their development and purchasing from other clubs.

Spot on. It's just when they are handed over to Agar's coaching things start to go wrong!!

Re: WESTERMAN SIGNING CONFIRMED : Thu Oct 28, 2010 8:48 am  

Is this a sign of things to come, the board finally showing ambition? I really hope so

I hope they follow this up with another 1 or 2 quality signings, we have heard about the profits for a few years now so I guess it is time to invest some back into the team.

[Roland_R]

Re: WESTERMAN SIGNING CONFIRMED : Thu Oct 28, 2010 8:49 am  

Hoping Rangi Chase will follow anyone?! Lol

Fantastic signing!

Re: WESTERMAN SIGNING CONFIRMED : Thu Oct 28, 2010 8:53 am  

Mrs Barista wrote:

Completely agree with that. Didn't understand the rumours linking us with Westerman at all at first due to Agar's insistence on a prop at 13, but surely this must mean Fitz to prop now and a "proper" 13, and if this is the case it's a good investment, again, in young British talent. My hope is that the club join him at the hip to Fitz all season, as there is literally no one better to mentor him both on and off the field - and from Westerman's perspective this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from a legend. Well done FC on going all out to get him.

Better hope Agar doesn't play him at 6 then...

Re: WESTERMAN SIGNING CONFIRMED : Thu Oct 28, 2010 8:54 am  

Great news,
I think the club has already sorted the half situation out just have to complete the deal and thats why they have moved onto their next target and signed Joe.