Thought i read we were bringing in 3 on the strength of our season ticket revenue ? 2 were already done deals.So far another season loan is all that's announced.Maybe something to be announced at Post House tonight ?

That’s what we were told. I am a bit worried for the upcoming season. There are a lot of positive vibes about getting the club more in order, it’s good that we are developing and promoting players from our reserves and trying to find local talent, but the squad is clearly short of experience, size in the pack and strength in key positions. If you are bringing new players in, I would have thought you would want them for the most of the pre-season training and if there are players still available then that may question the calibre – hopefully I am wrong. But for all the positivity off the field people will judge the club on the results and performances on the field; the increase in season ticket sales might be wiped out by fewer people paying at the gate if they don’t see the results.

just what ive been thinking, maybe sion jones and the davies brother were the 3 if so.think we may have been lead up the wrong path

come on fax surprise us

I thought Connor, Curtis and Sion did well on Boxing day Considering they were all making their 1st team debuts. I'm sure they will develop well with the help of the coaching staff and 1st team players

every club has improved and we have not.weather that will be enough for a top 4 position again.time will tell. we no what nearly happenned last sea regards. a plan A and planB for making top 4 or not. just thought bit more ambition may put more bums on seats.

Think we are in for a long season once it begins in anger and will be nowhere near the top 4. Once you finish outside the 4 it becomes every more difficult and you have to assess your perception of where the club stands and how it moves forwards. And who knows what is going on in the background with the restructure. I think this season we need to be as strong as we can and hope there are recruits on the way - but surely they would be here by now.

I hope I’m wrong. There’s a lot of positivity around the club right now but I feel it won’t last...

I am all for promoting youth but we look short of experience. Has Rob Worrincy been replaced ? Who will fill the void left by Mitch. His long minutes and strong carries. Who will take on his role? The off field product has improved but without on field success what use will it be.

Harry Kidd? Who is now crocked of course.

Promoting younger players to the first team and developing local players is really good; but we are a bit thin on the ground , lot of players in the squad (on paper) but this division gets tougher year on year and for me it will only take a few injuries and we could struggle......heard we used last years money to settle debts.....hence the big push for season ticket money / dining etc and what about the whole "all the money from season ticket sales will go to directly bolster the squad" ??

All fair enough,just hope we're not budgeting for top 4 this year,as that clearly won't be happening...

True and it will put us on a downward spiral to League 1.....

A certain half back on dual reg from cas

incomeing

Welcome to Halifax Luke Gale.

Same as last year all negativity. Lets see how the the 1st games pan out. Mitch has gone great player but who else worrincey game changer on his day and plenty of entusiasm but also a could be liability. Get behind the team. Off field looks to be going great which must surely help with keeping the club on an even keel with hopefuly some funds available to add to a very good squad. RM has said again their are potential signings still.

Hear Hear Banish negative thoughts

then don,t dosnt help mr bentleyman

let you buy me a pint in wakey before fev game then will let you off

hope your well mate

Unfortunately my impeccable source re Blackmore was wrong I wont make that mistake again look fwd to having a pint with you enjoy Ipswich !!

Add in to that Boyle as well, nothing spectacular but a good solid pro with some size, and our pack looks incredibly lightweight. If we are thinking of playing Fairbank,Morris, and Tangata as front rowers then it would be a mistake for mine as all 3 are not even that big for 2nd rowers and wont give us the punch we need.

Regards the negativity I don't think its negativity just obvious observations. Anyone who thinks we have not fallen behind the likes of Fev and Toulouse on paper when it comes to recruitment is deluded. Luckily games are not played on paper but it would take a monumental effort from the players we have to beat Fev, Toulouse, and London to a position in the top 4. FWIW I think we only really need a half back, hooker and a prop to put us in good shape so about 100k should do it. In all seriousness though Im not sure we will get those players from Cas, In Maher and Douglas we have probably the only props we will get off them. Douglas looks decent enough but jury will be out on Maher and with Hardaker messing up it also affects the chances of us getting a half off Cas as Roberts will probably move to full back. Trueman has potential but how would he go behind a pack not as dominant as Cas's?

We will be there or there abouts come the end of the season but unlike last season where I thought we might sneak in to the top 4 I feel this season we will just miss out. If the club can sustain the loss of 200K and make that up and then some for the season after then Im totally fine with having this season without speculating to accumulate.

Does anyone else have the feeling that with a new board and possibly some outstanding debts being called in that the club looks upon this season as a holding operation.
It seems money is tight and with a tranche of clubs (Fev , Leigh, London, Toronto and Toulouse) who seem to have money to burn possibly the thought in the boardroom is that top four may be out of reach this year. With this in mind perhaps some money is being put aside to have a tilt at a more realistic attempt of top four prize money next year.
I am sure we will be competitive and will hopefully turn over a few of the above teams and that it will go down to the wire. Lets see some of the spirit that was shown in Toulouse last season. A great game and a great weekend. I am looking forward to an interesting season of Championship rugby.
UTF

There’s a restructure next season and SL clubs are now running SL and Wood is gone. You can bet that the prize for gaining top 4 next season will not match this coming season’s prize. Especially if Toronto hit SL. There will be an almighty clang as the door shuts

Unfortunately, I think you are bang on here. That dreaded closed shop system of franchise is not far away and was probably escalated by Mr Hetherington et al after Leeds found themselvs in the middle 8's followed by Warrington the following season. That and the fact Toronto and Toulouse appear to be destined for the top flight, one way or the other, then this maybe why other clubs are throwing 'last chance saloon' money at this years middle 8's to be at the table before the door does 'clang' shut.

Agree 100% with what you say Dave,there is a meeting this coming Wednesday 10th Jan by the SL Clubs ,my prediction to discuss a 14 team SL then back to Franchises,we at Leigh are fortunate to have Derek, my opinion is we have a stronger squad this coming season then last year in SL, and as you say it could be last chance Saloon.

Happy New Year Ian. We'll see you and the lads this season. Victorian Cafe Bar, Hawkshead Bitter 3.7% Mmm!

Happy New Year to both you and Di ,it will be great to be back at the Shay in a few weeks time,and hopefully seeing you both a few times in the coming season,I'm really looking forward to this season,it should be very entertaining,see ya soon.

New signing to be announced in the league express today according to twitter. 'Snared from a rival club'