[PopTart]

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Sun Nov 13, 2022 1:44 pm  

Prince Buster wrote:

Thats a fair question and I am sure Vasty will answer. However in looking at the squad so far even without reference to the forwards the backs look pretty thin to me.
Correct me if I am wrong , but taking stock we only have two half backs and one is a totally unknown quantity at SL level.
We have four wingers so OK there
two centres
one full back
Plus one utility player, the injury prone Gaskill who can cover half, centre or FB but in my opinion not very good in any of those roles.
Unless I have overlooked some, I would say we certainly need 3 more signings at the very least in the backs

I think Gaskell was probably our best centre in the run in.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Sun Nov 13, 2022 1:53 pm  

imwakefieldtillidie wrote:

Where do you think we need to strengthen ahead of the season? Or do you think we could put out a competitive 17 from what we've already got?

Probability a HB/FB and a couple of forwards would be my guess, but that’s all it is.

However I do think we are forgetting as MC pointed out, we have actually signed five players for the season already.

Bowden, Taufua, Butler we’re all signed for this season but arrived slightly early. None had a pre-season, they all played less than ten games and Butler in particular was never going to be fit for last season,

The above players actually replace almost man for man those who left, whether you think they are better or worse is your choice. Applegarth also stated he expects at least ten games from Eseh this season.

Come the start of the season we will have 30 players and they will be the right ones. No offence but you know squat compared to the coaching team and neither do I. They know what we need, they always do, despite what the touchline coaches think.

Whether they can make them work as a viable unit, only time will tell.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Sun Nov 13, 2022 2:39 pm  

Prince Buster wrote:

Thats a fair question and I am sure Vasty will answer. However in looking at the squad so far even without reference to the forwards the backs look pretty thin to me.
Correct me if I am wrong , but taking stock we only have two half backs and one is a totally unknown quantity at SL level.
We have four wingers so OK there
two centres
one full back
Plus one utility player, the injury prone Gaskill who can cover half, centre or FB but in my opinion not very good in any of those roles.
Unless I have overlooked some, I would say we certainly need 3 more signings at the very least in the backs

How do you know for sure we haven't got the required signings you think we need, some people on here think that they are the dogs do dars when it comes to recruitment, wishful thinking's one thing but the actual reality of it is totally different when it comes to signing them, your opinion and that of some on here and that of the coach are realistically miles apart and just because some have little faith and far less patience does not mean he hasn't got the job in hand, I'm sure he'll share his choices as and when it's appropriate.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Sun Nov 13, 2022 2:45 pm  

Eastern Wildcat wrote:

Couldn't imagine him doing that to be honest

And if he did he’s out of order!

Shouldn’t be talking about Wigan players and really shouldn’t be revealing what Gale wanted

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Sun Nov 13, 2022 3:04 pm  

chissitt wrote:

How do you know for sure we haven't got the required signings you think we need, some people on here think that they are the dogs do dars when it comes to recruitment, wishful thinking's one thing but the actual reality of it is totally different when it comes to signing them, your opinion and that of some on here and that of the coach are realistically miles apart and just because some have little faith and far less patience does not mean he hasn't got the job in hand, I'm sure he'll share his choices as and when it's appropriate.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Sun Nov 13, 2022 3:23 pm  

vastman wrote:

imwakefieldtillidie wrote:

Where do you think we need to strengthen ahead of the season? Or do you think we could put out a competitive 17 from what we've already got?

Probability a HB/FB and a couple of forwards would be my guess, but that’s all it is.

However I do think we are forgetting as MC pointed out, we have actually signed five players for the season already.

Bowden, Taufua, Butler we’re all signed for this season but arrived slightly early. None had a pre-season, they all played less than ten games and Butler in particular was never going to be fit for last season,

The above players actually replace almost man for man those who left, whether you think they are better or worse is your choice. Applegarth also stated he expects at least ten games from Eseh this season.

Come the start of the season we will have 30 players and they will be the right ones. No offence but you know squat compared to the coaching team and neither do I. They know what we need, they always do, despite what the touchline coaches think.

Whether they can make them work as a viable unit, only time will tell.

Butler signing was announced on 9 May, hardly slightly early. At a guess I would say by then we weren't halfway through the season.

I do agree pretty much, regarding positions though

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Sun Nov 13, 2022 3:26 pm  

The Avenger wrote:

And if he did he’s out of order!

Shouldn’t be talking about Wigan players and really shouldn’t be revealing what Gale wanted

Agreed, also reading the alleged conversation, regarding the criticism of Kelepi, shouldn't be getting involved in that too. I don't buy that the conversation took place personally

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Sun Nov 13, 2022 4:35 pm  

Eastern Wildcat wrote:

Butler signing was announced on 9 May, hardly slightly early. At a guess I would say by then we weren't halfway through the season.

I do agree pretty much, regarding positions though

We also left salary to recruit a player through 2022 and unbelievers that was Butler so for me he was a 2022 signing.

The rest fair enough though Taufua was a direct replacement for Tupou who retired through injury.

I don’t think we are too badly off but the 3/4 signings that come in must be of good quality other than perhaps a back up/young half with potential.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Sun Nov 13, 2022 6:01 pm  

The Avenger wrote:

And if he did he’s out of order!

Shouldn’t be talking about Wigan players and really shouldn’t be revealing what Gale wanted

So in effect then you are taking the word of some Wigan fan who in all probability is just mischief making, and at the same time bringing into question the integrity of a man who has worked wonders for this club the last 10 years or so, that does surprise me after the usual sensible posts from you.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Sun Nov 13, 2022 6:30 pm  

Another rumour that sounds like a conspiracy theory. In the picture of the team giving their respects to armistice day, I’m sure I can see Luke Gale laid on the grassy knoll…..