Wensleydale Viking wrote:
Is it coincidence that the Wire have stepped up 3 gears since Smith took over... We have gone backwards this year and whilst I was sitting on the fence about Cullen I am now firmly on the side which says not good enough. Why did they get shut of Smith, rumours it was a relationship issue with Cullen.
How long has Cullen got left on his contract...
Look at the job Noble has done at Crusaders with a late start and a poor team to begin with.. That is what a good coach can do, and without much money or superstars.
Thoughts please.
In Michael Witt and Jarrod Sammutt, Noble has bought one of the best half back pairings in SL. He's signed a load of Aussies, for a truckload of money, and sent alot of young Welsh lads to play for South Wales Scorpions. With the resources he's had compared to other SL clubs, Nobby should have been expected to get the Crusaders into the play offs.
I'm not saying Cullen has done a great job at Widnes this season, but to compare his and Widnes' resources with Nobles and the Crusaders is unfair.
Cullen has also played plenty of youngsters this year. Some haven't been upto it, but what has he had to lose in trying them out? And the likes of Danny craven have gained invaluable experience that will benefit Widnes during the next few years (if you keep him). Compare this attitude with Noble, who was ready to send Sam Tomkins out on loan because he had a better player in . . . Tim Smith!! It was only because Smith got injured that Sam got his chance in the 1st team.
