Is this season now or never for promotion? : Tue Dec 17, 2019 7:54 pm  

In a rare article on rugby league in the Daily Mail, Robert Elston is attempting to entice investors to put in tens of millions of pounds into the game a la what has happened in R.U. This together with discussions on the new TV contract would seem it to be imperative to get promotion this season. This would also tie in with anniversary celebrations of 2 of our most famous seasons of 1921 and 1971. But the question must be, is this squad strong enough to match Fev. or Toulouse ?

Re: Is this season now or never for promotion? : Tue Dec 17, 2019 9:29 pm  

With respect to all the squad, I was looking for some more class to be added - I know, easier said than done! However, our most recent signing - Sammut - definitely is class, and let's see who the two SL loan players are going to be, plus the possible overseas' signing. After those additions, we may be looking at an entirely different squad.

Re: Is this season now or never for promotion? : Tue Dec 17, 2019 10:24 pm  

Alan wrote:

With respect to all the squad, I was looking for some more class to be added - I know, easier said than done! However, our most recent signing - Sammut - definitely is class, and let's see who the two SL loan players are going to be, plus the possible overseas' signing. After those additions, we may be looking at an entirely different squad.

Alan for me we already have a squad more than capable of getting a top 5 spot,as you rightly say the 2 on loan SL players due to be announced in January, and the possible overseas signing could make a big difference to the squad.
I’m happy at present which is why I bought my season ticket,this coming season will be very competitive with ourselves ,London, Fev, York,Toulouse,even Widnes and Bradford will be strong, I think Dewsbury and Batley will be good sides along with Sheff,making it a very good product to watch.
I have faith in Derek and the Board, and JD to the extent of feeling a top 3 place is achievable , but I don’t think this seasons positions will be the be and end all.
I can’t wait for the season to start and hope we can carry on with crowds of 3,000 plus,cmon you Leythers, buy them season tickets.

Re: Is this season now or never for promotion? : Tue Dec 17, 2019 11:26 pm  

Charles I know you don't rate Fax next season along with many of our own supporters however we have over achieved when expected to struggle & under achieved when expected to do well.
I don't expect us to be in the Top 4 but it should be another interesting season as always best wishes for xmas to you all in the Dark Side

Re: Is this season now or never for promotion? : Wed Dec 18, 2019 1:20 am  

charlie caroli wrote:

Alan for me we already have a squad more than capable of getting a top 5 spot,as you rightly say the 2 on loan SL players due to be announced in January, and the possible overseas signing could make a big difference to the squad.
I’m happy at present which is why I bought my season ticket,this coming season will be very competitive with ourselves ,London, Fev, York,Toulouse,even Widnes and Bradford will be strong, I think Dewsbury and Batley will be good sides along with Sheff,making it a very good product to watch.
I have faith in Derek and the Board, and JD to the extent of feeling a top 3 place is achievable , but I don’t think this seasons positions will be the be and end all.
I can’t wait for the season to start and hope we can carry on with crowds of 3,000 plus,cmon you Leythers, buy them season tickets.

Charlie I have to go with Alan on this one. We are still shy of class and depth. Sammut top signing, but we still lack power.

Hopefully that can be resolved before start of season and again I’m not sure how the “hybrid” side of things will work out.

Up the Leythers..

Re: Is this season now or never for promotion? : Wed Dec 18, 2019 9:39 am  

bentleyman wrote:

Charles I know you don't rate Fax next season along with many of our own supporters however we have over achieved when expected to struggle & under achieved when expected to do well.
I don't expect us to be in the Top 4 but it should be another interesting season as always best wishes for xmas to you all in the Dark Side

Mick, I never sit on the fence as you know, because you get splinters, my prediction about Fax is down to your signings who don’t seem to be much better than you already had, along with the fact that your squad from last season is now a year older,ie Murrell,Tyrer,And Hirst,and a few players have departed, I realise you are in DR with Hudds , but they are not going to break any pots in SL next year.
It should be a great season, hopefully a vintage one,I love coming to the Shay and love the banter with your good self and Pete,and know the hard work Dave Grayson and his colleagues have put in, but it will be difficult going to Haven, Swinton won’t be easy,even Oldham won’t be like Rochdale from last season,which is why I make my predictions.Hopefully see you in the New Year, have a good Christmas.

Re: Is this season now or never for promotion? : Wed Dec 18, 2019 9:49 am  

atomic wrote:

Charlie I have to go with Alan on this one. We are still shy of class and depth. Sammut top signing, but we still lack power.

Hopefully that can be resolved before start of season and again I’m not sure how the “hybrid” side of things will work out.

Up the Leythers..

Atomic, in theory I agree with both you and Alan to a point, however we are due 2 squad additions from SL in January and Derek has stated a possible overseas signing arriving as well,so hopefully the quality and numbers of our squad will improve in the New Year.
Again as you rightly say a Hybrid squad, which is why I said it’s important to start well and gel soon,which was our downfall when we failed to get into the top 5,I’m feeling very positive now and think anything is possible , I hope the fans back Derek and JD,as you say ,Cmon the Leythers.

Re: Is this season now or never for promotion? : Wed Dec 18, 2019 7:49 pm  

charlie caroli wrote:

Atomic, in theory I agree with both you and Alan to a point, however we are due 2 squad additions from SL in January and Derek has stated a possible overseas signing arriving as well,so hopefully the quality and numbers of our squad will improve in the New Year.
Again as you rightly say a Hybrid squad, which is why I said it’s important to start well and gel soon,which was our downfall when we failed to get into the top 5,I’m feeling very positive now and think anything is possible , I hope the fans back Derek and JD,as you say ,Cmon the Leythers.

I have a positive feel also. We have our key pivot players already confirmed and working together in training, and enough numbers in those spots for squad rotation. This could be key to a good start. I still believe Riddy and Samut could be the best combination, with both (especially Riddy) being able to not have to play 80 mins week in, week out. Woods and Reynolds are for me the replacements, as/when needed, but either have the chance and ability to step up and claim a spot. Whoever has our shirt on their back on game day will get my support for sure.
As you rightly say Charlie, this is going to be one heck of a competitive season. I will be there for a couple of matches (Swinton and Fax) early in the season, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the boys play ‘in the flesh’ so to speak.
Up the Comics

Re: Is this season now or never for promotion? : Thu Dec 19, 2019 6:56 pm  

[youtube][/youtube]I think we can mostly agree that the best Leigh squad of recent years, was that of the promotion team of 2016. The team against Huddersfield that clinched promotion on that sunny September afternoon was as follows:-
1.McNally 2.Dawson 3: Worthington 4.Brown 5.Higson 6. Ridyard 7 Drinkwater 8. Hock 9 Higham 10 Weston 11 Mautia 12 Paterson 13 Hansen Subs:- Tonga, Hopkins, Dixon, Tickle, Moi Moi, Hood
Will this season’s best game day squad match the one above? Time will tell!!

Re: Is this season now or never for promotion? : Fri Dec 20, 2019 12:23 am  

Vancouver Leyther wrote:

I have a positive feel also. We have our key pivot players already confirmed and working together in training, and enough numbers in those spots for squad rotation. This could be key to a good start. I still believe Riddy and Samut could be the best combination, with both (especially Riddy) being able to not have to play 80 mins week in, week out. Woods and Reynolds are for me the replacements, as/when needed, but either have the chance and ability to step up and claim a spot. Whoever has our shirt on their back on game day will get my support for sure.
As you rightly say Charlie, this is going to be one heck of a competitive season. I will be there for a couple of matches (Swinton and Fax) early in the season, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the boys play ‘in the flesh’ so to speak.
Up the Comics

Look forward to seeing you VL..But I doubt you will Sammut and Ridy
play together.