WELL!!! Where to start, Matt started by saying what a couple of massive evntful weeks he had had, everybody has been very helpful, big thanks for that.
1st Q, quotes in papers re players overweight & unfit?
He said a couple of the players are not as fit as should be, if not had a good pre- season, it starts to tell mid season, couple of the older players struggling, but all players attitude is very good. Someone then remarked re McRea & Matt said he was all in th past, he is gone, new era now.
Q, all players all ages training together ?
Matt is a massive believer in ALL ages being together training, the youngsters learn quicker from the experienced players.
Q, what size squad will he be looking at having next season.
25 experienced players + 5/6 of the players our of the 18s& 20s who are showing great ability in their teams. Its very important to Matt that the 1st team mix.
Q, what happened at the H.K.R. game?
Got beat by lack of leadership, some of the senior players didnt respond, we had worked on the defence all week after the poor defencive show at Hull FC, which showed when the score was still 8-0 after 58 mins, but then we capitulated very quickly, also, firm believer when 2points are on offer to take them, no one took the decision in that game. They need to turn up every game & compete, the Dragons in the NRL compete 100% every game, not about flogging them at training, just be consistent every game.
Q, Wigan had 5 captains, would you try that.
Not neccasary, need to create a culture of winning " attitudes are contagious, you want to catch it"
Q, will we change the playing moves, all other teams appear to know them now.
Hitting the back too much , going to put some chamges in.
Q, Salford signed players ie, Bailey who never played for us + 2 others didnt play for for 1st handful of games, are we just unlucky or why do we sign injured players.
You must all realise financially the club cant sign big name players, but any club takes a punt on any players they sign.
Q, why did we sign Danny Williams when we have Adam Clay coming through.
To strenghthen the wings & i picked him for the HKR game as he was exceptional in pre game training, he made me pick him above Adam just by his actions, & he showed up well for us in that game.
Q, what do you see as your strength as a coach.
Passion, hard working, honesty,that is what players sometimes dont want to hear.
Q, Adam Sidlow,dont think he is used enough.
Adam needs fine tuning
Q, what style of play are you aiming for Salford to play.
2 fast wingers, they can score, need to defend well, the defence was non existant in the second half in last game. Need to play the ball quicker & take the ball quicker aswell.
Q, a try scored at Salford v HKR was a brilliant try, went through nearly all the players & it was quick passing, thats the type of play we would like to see.
Hopefully we can
Q,do you think the changes you are making are cutting edge or is it that our last play tactics were antiquated.
Yes, they were, they have got to start backing one another up at all times,always look to the person next to you, it has to be automatic, they have to train well!!
Q, we have been labelled The Willows Retirement Home, will you change that .
The players we have got have contracts so we have them, BUT!! We will see, wont recruit anyone who wont fit in the squad.
Q, Steve Simms, will we be able to spend the full salary cap next season.
Possibly not, will have to see.
Q, will he give young lads a run out if they have impressed in training/ games.
Yes he will he has watched the 18/20s games since he arrived & has been impressed with quite a few of the young lads & has already had them in training with the 1st team sessions.
Q. Did he want to keep Ray, or was it already sorted him leaving.
Ray had already made his mind up to return home.
Q. What does he expect to acheive in the next 3 years
Hard work from all his players & see what we can acheive.
Q, steff, do you expect to build the team around him
No, Sneyd a promising player see how he develops.
Matt was very honest with all his answers, & will do his utmost to make Salford a force in the SL, he wants the remaining games at the Willows to be remembered for all the right reasons, the team on the park trying as hard as they can for the fans & themselves.
If any questions you wanted answers to didnt get asked, get to the Willows for the BBQ on Sunday where you will have the chance to ask Matt & the players anything else.
Next meeting wil be 15 th August at Chandos club 7-30pm start, will have players in attendance T.B.C. Cheers
