Firstly, could we maybe have a seperate thread for petty sniping about what he has/hasn't done in his personal life and how he should/shouldn't be treated for it?
Secondly, looking at him from a playing perspective: I've never particularly rated him (how he's made national squads is beyond me), and his injury record is spotted with niggles. It's a questionable signing but does add numbers we need in the back row is only on a 1-year deal, so may work out ok.
Putting this signing together with Martin, it does look like the club are struggling with recruitment due to what's already signed up, hence the 1-year deals for uninspiring names. Looks to me like next year is the target for big moves. That said, I am still a bit disappointed and personally hope for a situation where Whiting/Turner/young backrower play sufficiently well enough for neither of them to be in the team, which is not indiciative of good signings.
I really hope there is still one more to come in.