Kettykat wrote:
Some light at the end of the tunnel for you gloomsters on the late signings front . Listening to Agar on the heritage podcast when he took the reins at our club to be basically told he’s got diddly squat to buy players with , but as he says coming late to the party help tremendously with getting quality players in on a shoestring , clubs would actually pay part of the wages to take players off their hands as they were finalising their squads and pay for the privilege, big Ali , Collis , Ayton , Tim Smith , players that were surplus to requirements at their respective clubs and we couldn’t afford at the full price . That’s the gist of the story but a fascinating listen from a very modest , humble man and his time with us amongst other things RL related .
I’ve never held with this notion that a squad needs to be complete and every penny spent before the seasons kicks off.
I suppose I’m helped by the fact that I don’t think a single season ticket is ever sold on the back of 99.9% of signings.
Only a Wally Lewis level signing would do that and I’m not sure that would help the team.
The amount of mid season signings we have had through the years who’ve taken the team up a notch is astonishing. Many have gone on to be hugely successful in the game. Amor off the top of my head.
I’ve stated before, if we can’t find all the Aussie we need keep a spot open and see what rocks up. Sort from the quality you’re basically not fighting anyone else, all there money is gone.
Ditto domestics.
Best of all are the Aydins of other team and there are plenty. Wigan and Saints must be chocka with young players who can’t get a chance. Loan or signing doesn’t matter. It’s these players who will fill gaps and add enthusiasm. There are just loads.
These players fill the gap between our own youngsters coming up and the inevitable attrition of the first team.
Not surprised Agar said this tbh.