Re: Where do we go from here : Wed Aug 16, 2023 1:14 pm  

Clearly we haven't played as well as we could for most of this season. But its quite possible that by the start of next season there might only be Myler, Fusitu'a, Newman, Handley, Oledzki, Martin and Smith remaining out of the first choice 17 when he arrived. That means we will have moved on the vast majority of the senior players that were here just over a year ago. Which is exactly what a lot of us suggested needed to happen.

No doubt some of the guys would have been toxic to a sporting team once they knew they were/are leaving. Even if not, they most likely are good friends with other players. Would it be a huge surprise if morale amongst the squad wasn't brilliant during this process?

I'm not saying Smith hasn't made mistakes, but assuming we bring in some real quality this season, the shake-up of the squad in a year and a half will have been enormous. I'm not sure many coaches could have kept everyone playing to their best in that situation, and I assume GH brought him in to do exactly this.

Re: Where do we go from here : Wed Aug 16, 2023 1:57 pm  

Simmo71 wrote:

Do we get a trophy for 4th best defence?

We are down to 5th now, so no.

Re: Where do we go from here : Wed Aug 16, 2023 2:20 pm  

Once were Loiners wrote:

Clearly we haven't played as well as we could for most of this season. But its quite possible that by the start of next season there might only be Myler, Fusitu'a, Newman, Handley, Oledzki, Martin and Smith remaining out of the first choice 17 when he arrived. That means we will have moved on the vast majority of the senior players that were here just over a year ago. Which is exactly what a lot of us suggested needed to happen.

No doubt some of the guys would have been toxic to a sporting team once they knew they were/are leaving. Even if not, they most likely are good friends with other players. Would it be a huge surprise if morale amongst the squad wasn't brilliant during this process?

I'm not saying Smith hasn't made mistakes, but assuming we bring in some real quality this season, the shake-up of the squad in a year and a half will have been enormous. I'm not sure many coaches could have kept everyone playing to their best in that situation, and I assume GH brought him in to do exactly this.

Exactly

Many if not most fans wanted a clearcut of dead wood and wasted Salary cap, if anyone thinks that can happen A. Quickly and B. without some upheaval and unrest they are kidding themselves.

Smiths Biggest test is when he has got rid of those players and brought new ones in, he will live and die by that a bit like Powell has at Warrington. The biggest difference between Powell and Smith is that Smith is at least looking to the future with the younger players, can't say the same with Powell and Warrington as a club either.

Re: Where do we go from here : Wed Aug 16, 2023 2:21 pm  

ArthurClues wrote:

I totally agree with your sentiments re 2017. Just think that frustration and anxiety transfer directly on to the shoulders of each incoming coach, and they can’t be held accountable for systematic failure. Will have agree to disagree on your point about the make up of the team being an irrelevance. To my mind it's always relevant. If the other team has better players, and sadly a lot of them do, you'll always be up against it.

That is my point - if the opposition are a better side all you can expect is the team to play to its potential - I don't expect them to win every week I hope they will play as well as they can. Not sure that is happening TBH

Re: Where do we go from here : Thu Aug 17, 2023 8:31 am  

LeedsLurch wrote:

Are you deliberately forgetting about McDonell and Macdonald

Double Mac one is just plain burger the other more a veggie not enough beef.

Re: Where do we go from here : Thu Aug 17, 2023 1:10 pm  

When we mathematically can't get into the playoffs then I'm hoping some of the academy players are put into the side to test their arms a bit. Give them a sample of what they're aiming for.

Re: Where do we go from here : Thu Aug 17, 2023 1:45 pm  

Good job Leeds are a grade A club or they could be struggling to stay in SL given the recent performances when the IMG reconfig happens.

Re: Where do we go from here : Thu Aug 17, 2023 1:47 pm  

FlyingScottyDonald wrote:

When we mathematically can't get into the playoffs then I'm hoping some of the academy players are put into the side to test their arms a bit. Give them a sample of what they're aiming for.

Not sure there are many academy players who have a long term future at the club in SL. Who are you suggesting? Don't forget even if this year is a write off for us it wont be for the teams we are playing so the intensity and physicality will not drop off.

Re: Where do we go from here : Thu Aug 17, 2023 4:26 pm  

christopher wrote:

Exactly

Many if not most fans wanted a clearcut of dead wood and wasted Salary cap, if anyone thinks that can happen A. Quickly and B. without some upheaval and unrest they are kidding themselves.

Smiths Biggest test is when he has got rid of those players and brought new ones in, he will live and die by that a bit like Powell has at Warrington. The biggest difference between Powell and Smith is that Smith is at least looking to the future with the younger players, can't say the same with Powell and Warrington as a club either.

Upheaval and unrest, we have had several seasons of upheaval and unrest. I rather not experience anymore of that thank you very much.

Re: Where do we go from here : Thu Aug 17, 2023 5:30 pm  

Backwoodsman wrote:

Upheaval and unrest, we have had several seasons of upheaval and unrest. I rather not experience anymore of that thank you very much.

Keep buying season tickets people it will get better next season........or maybe the one after or whatever