: Fri May 29, 2009 10:06 am  

PAUL M wrote:

I don't think so, they mentioned a couple of players to come a few weeks ago.

However we are more than likely to be trying for someone else, we don't usually find out who is signing until the deal is done like with Berrigan, Fitzgibbon and Crocker.

This is true in most cases.

Deals may be almost done and dusted but until the signature is on a contract and officially announce there is always the chance for something to happen late in the day to scupper any deal.

Whilst it is nice to be linked with top class players until they are signed, sealed and delivered it is probably wise to keep a lid on things!

: Fri May 29, 2009 10:10 am  

PAUL M wrote:

I don't think so, they mentioned a couple of players to come a few weeks ago.

However we are more than likely to be trying for someone else, we don't usually find out who is signing until the deal is done like with Berrigan, Fitzgibbon and Crocker.

I think that was a smokescreen at the time too though Paul, I do not see how any professional RL player would see a move under Agar/Sharp as career progress.

Kosh wrote:

Aye. Although that might change now that parachute payments have been targeted by HMRC.

Difference between Wigan, Warrington and FC is they appear (Wigan/Warrington) to be prepared to try and find ways of making things happen, we seem relcutant to break our salary structures.

: Fri May 29, 2009 10:13 am  

Standee wrote:

I think that was a smokescreen at the time too though Paul, I do not see how any professional RL player would see a move under Agar/Sharp as career progress.



Difference between Wigan, Warrington and FC is they appear (Wigan/Warrington) to be prepared to try and find ways of making things happen, we seem relcutant to break our salary structures.

We have made an offer to one player (I know not who) that does break our salary structure!

: Fri May 29, 2009 10:14 am  

We should all, by now, be experienced enough not to get too excited with us being linked too players' through the media (especially the HDM). We've been here before, on several occasions, only to be disappointed. Only when the club announce that either or both these player's are signed will I start to look forward to next season (this one's gone for me already) with any optimism.

: Fri May 29, 2009 10:15 am  

The Dentist Wilf wrote:

We have made an offer to one player (I know not who) that does break our salary structure!

id presume thats Orford as we havent offered anything to Kite yet

: Fri May 29, 2009 10:18 am  

Smiggs wrote:

We should all, by now, be experienced enough not to get too excited with us being linked too players' through the media (especially the HDM). We've been here before, on several occasions, only to be disappointed. Only when the club announce that either or both these player's are signed will I start to look forward to next season (this one's gone for me already) with any optimism.

We normally spend weeks discussing the merits of certain players only for the actual signing to be someone who has never even been mentioned.

[Kosh]

: Fri May 29, 2009 10:21 am  

Standee wrote:

Difference between Wigan, Warrington and FC is they appear (Wigan/Warrington) to be prepared to try and find ways of making things happen, we seem relcutant to break our salary structures.

True, but possibly the most important method for these two clubs (and maybe some others) was the parachute payment system, where they could throw silly money at players without paying tax and (allegedly) without all of it appearing on the cap. We've either been too honest or too clueless to exploit that loophole which has left us at a distinct disadvantage, even were we willing to spend the money.

Regarding the reluctance to break the salary structure, it's certainly been put forward as one reason why we've missed out on some players. How true that is would be anyone's guess. I can see why you might want to hold rigidly to a structure if you have a settled squad with good morale. However, we currently have a squad in transition with what appears to be low morale.

I get the feeling that the existing pay structure may be in the process of being junked and will not necessarily stand in the way if breaking it will bring a high profile signing.

: Fri May 29, 2009 10:51 am  

If we were to sign these two players, I would be absolutely astounded. They are obviously exactly what we need and more but it seems a little too much like dejavu to me. Anyone care to recollect last sesons targets ?? Petro Civoneceva, Willie Mason, Peacock, Kimmorley, Sherwin etc..etc.. Who did we end up with......oh yes.... Peter Cusack and Skinny Bones Byrne !!!

It appears that JR and KH are well aware that morale amongst the fans is very low indeed and is affecting and will continue to affect the club's income streams, so in rolls the media bandwagon for everyone to jump onboard.

: Fri May 29, 2009 10:52 am  

Kosh wrote:

True, but possibly the most important method for these two clubs (and maybe some others) was the parachute payment system, where they could throw silly money at players without paying tax and (allegedly) without all of it appearing on the cap. We've either been too honest or too clueless to exploit that loophole which has left us at a distinct disadvantage, even were we willing to spend the money.

Regarding the reluctance to break the salary structure, it's certainly been put forward as one reason why we've missed out on some players. How true that is would be anyone's guess. I can see why you might want to hold rigidly to a structure if you have a settled squad with good morale. However, we currently have a squad in transition with what appears to be low morale.

I get the feeling that the existing pay structure may be in the process of being junked and will not necessarily stand in the way if breaking it will bring a high profile signing.

Total myth about having a loophole to pay players beyond the salary cap as Matt Gidley is only on £40,000 a year?
Mrs Gidley is the cleaning Manager at Saints on £250,000 who you can quite see is the main bread winner in there house that leaves Matt the chance to carry on playing RL for Saints?

: Fri May 29, 2009 10:53 am  

orford n kite already gunna wigan arent they
ricky stuart to be coach