Jim Bergerac wrote:
I was referring to actual player 'recruitment' Chris, not squad selection. If I'm wrong, then I'm wrong.
Aside from Ropati, who is making a living based on his family name, then I'd say that Leuluai is another dreadful signing. He's not up to Championship standard, and has his floppy hair to thank for making him appear dynamic with ball in hand. If he cut it off, it'd be more evident that he'd actually struggle to get in the XIII's at Oldham and Rochdale.
Remove Tomkins and Mellor from your current squad, and you'd be in a relegation fight. I've no doubt about that. Players like G.Haggerty, Sculthorpe et al. look good on paper, but in reality they are well past their sell-by dates and largely ineffective.
TOC's role is the contact point between other clubs, players and their agents and our club. He picks up the phone when it rings. I suspect that PC in both his current role and as the outgoing coach would have sanctioned the actual signings. TOC does some of the negotiating of the contract once the green light is given and everything is signed off by PC and JG.
In terms of squad ability (including Thackray) I think that we looked a very handy side indeed.
The biggest areas of concern for me are defence, fitness and discipline. Things that a coach worth his salt should be in a position to improve.
No problems in the back line, the pack look like they could handle themselves and we have plenty of cover this year as opposed to last season.
