Personally, for me at this point, i'd be dropping.
Widdop, Philbin Currie (he was ok going forward at the weekend but part of that appalling left side defence 2nd half) king, (last week i was on the fence, this week i'm fed up with him) and holmes.
They all need a rocket up their arses.
That is the easy bit. So you now you have to replace them with 5 from outside last weeks 17. So out go... Widdop, Philbin, Currie, King and Holmes. Can you name the 5 that come in ... ?? Ashton ... still injured by the way and let's say Darryl Clark is out as well (just to give that true feeling of reality). So pick your full 17 and let's see what we think?
That is the easy bit. So you now you have to replace them with 5 from outside last weeks 17. So out go... Widdop, Philbin, Currie, King and Holmes. Can you name the 5 that come in ... ?? Ashton ... still injured by the way and let's say Darryl Clark is out as well (just to give that true feeling of reality). So pick your full 17 and let's see what we think?
That is the easy bit. So you now you have to replace them with 5 from outside last weeks 17. So out go... Widdop, Philbin, Currie, King and Holmes. Can you name the 5 that come in ... ?? Ashton ... still injured by the way and let's say Darryl Clark is out as well (just to give that true feeling of reality). So pick your full 17 and let's see what we think?
Dean for Widdop (although I thought Widdop did OK) Walker for D. Clark Hughes for Holmes Longstaff for Currie
FB - Thewlis Wing - Charnley Wing - Ashton if fit Centre - Matatutia Centre - Wrench
SO Williams SH Dean
Pack Mulhearn Walker Cooper Hughes Longstaff Magolias
Bench Burgess Davis J Clark Butler
If Ashton is not fit then Gannon to SR, Hughes to centre and Wrench to Wing. Could even bench Widdop for utility value
We may not win, but have lost 4 on the bounce anyway playing the "stars". So I think we can see it's perfectly possible.
I coached. As a coach you know who your best players are cos you see 'em everyday in all sorts of situations. There is no club I have ever seen can afford to drop 5 of their "top" players in the hope that it will give them that rocket up the booty that will get them playing well again. My view ... you work on your best players. Despite what fans may think I have seen very few players who don't really try on the pitch. I reckon Widdop, King, Currie, Holmes & Philbin do not lack for effort.
I coached. As a coach you know who your best players are cos you see 'em everyday in all sorts of situations. There is no club I have ever seen can afford to drop 5 of their "top" players in the hope that it will give them that rocket up the booty that will get them playing well again. My view ... you work on your best players. Despite what fans may think I have seen very few players who don't really try on the pitch. I reckon Widdop, King, Currie, Holmes & Philbin do not lack for effort.
There's plenty of examples of coaches dropping "top" players to remind them that nobody is bigger than the club.. Smith did it with Briers, Price did it with Austin.
It's a gamble, granted, but it's not unthinkable to drop an underperforming player for the sake of the team. Not playing and removing the pressure off that player for a week may be in their best interests.
There's plenty of examples of coaches dropping "top" players to remind them that nobody is bigger than the club.. Smith did it with Briers, Price did it with Austin.
It's a gamble, granted, but it's not unthinkable to drop an underperforming player for the sake of the team. Not playing and removing the pressure off that player for a week may be in their best interests.
Case by case
Yep ... but it is usually done from a position of strength. Not many have ever dropped five as the right honourable Catpiss was suggesting. Do not throw out the baby with the bathwater. Speccies always love players being dropped and coaches being sacked but sometimes you have to get back to reality.
Really, all he needs to drop is the player(s?) who are resisting the way he wants to play. If those 5 aren't any of the bad eggs then it's pointless dropping them. Sadly King looks like one of the players with doubts, he's been one of my favourite players for the past few seasons (pre contract renewal), he's mates with lineham and I wonder if there was any private discussion coming out there. Plus he isn't performing, hopefully that's wide of the mark and some much needed go forward will allow the Second rows and outside backs more space to work in. I'm not holding my breath though.
Dean for Widdop (although I thought Widdop did OK) Walker for D. Clark Hughes for Holmes Longstaff for Currie
FB - Thewlis Wing - Charnley Wing - Ashton if fit Centre - Matatutia Centre - Wrench
SO Williams SH Dean
Pack Mulhearn Walker Cooper Hughes Longstaff Magolias
Bench Burgess Davis J Clark Butler
If Ashton is not fit then Gannon to SR, Hughes to centre and Wrench to Wing. Could even bench Widdop for utility value
We may not win, but have lost 4 on the bounce anyway playing the "stars". So I think we can see it's perfectly possible.
I know it can be done but would you really want that team to play vs. HKR with the hope that it might provide additional motivation to others sitting in the stand. If Powell selected that side next week (even I) would doubt his sanity.
While I totally understand the sentiment behind Powell's remarks, I must admit to being surprised about him being so public about the players & their abilities/efforts.
The aim of his remarks are obvious, he wants to almost embarrass them into performing, however this plan carries its risks, because the players could easily down tools.
If they did that, then it's essential that the board back the coach - This is where giving Powell adequate time to get things right is vital. If the board were to cave and fire him, then it makes the coach's job an almost impossible one in the future.
I think ultimately, Powell has laid down his mark here. By saying what he has, he has got his excuse in early for this season being a massive anti-climax. He has basically washed his hands (rightly) of any blame and made it clear to all, whether they be the board, fans, neutral observers and, most importantly, the players, that the guilty party for squad underachievement is solely down to them, the squad.