No. I did not consider this as a player playing when not fit or a club forcing their main man to play when not fit, in a relatively "meaningless" game, would but utter folly from both sides.

Also, as has been suggested on here, I believe we were much better in the second half when he was off the pitch? Perhaps we could have taken the chance if he was not 100%?

However, what I need to clarify is that I have no doubts about Gaskells' ability whatsoever. It is simply that, given our situation, I feel that he is a luxury that we cannot afford at the moment.

Consider the situation similar to that of Manchester City in football. Vincent Kompany is their talisman. They are far better with him in the side than out, but he is out so often that you wonder whether he is worth persisting with.

You KNOW you can't do these sort of "arguments", mate, so do yourself as favour and lay down that spade!

The 85% figure is this current season, you know, real-time and all that ,and the one in which he hasn't been major crocked on a goalpost or had his face dismantled by a Neanderthal.

You resort to the pathetic "55 of 77" when you obviously know that the total includes the spell recovering from the broken jaw etc. yet you unashamedly use it.





Well, er, ... there is, I suppose, always [ithat[/i to consider.




Don't apologize, all views welcome, however inane.

So then, in order to discuss how many games Gaskell has missed you choose to ignore his complete career at Bradford and only refer to the present season?

Seriously FA? That is bizarre even for you.

I have no intention of "arguing" what I expressed as an opinion. Especially when the person looking for an argument is making up his own rules.

Don't be so silly.

Haven't we already had a thread locked due to bickering like this?

This is, or was, a worthwhile thread lets' keep that way eh?

I ain't bickering. I stated an opinion and FA got on the attack with some "curious" figures. I have already stated that I have no intention arguing over this.

For the love of God give us a scrum half before we tear ourselves apart!

Or something.

Back on the subject...

If the Holmes rumours did have some substance, I wonder if the injury to Ben Roberts will now scupper that particular opportunity.

On the flip side, Sandow is back in the Wire squad this week so.....maybe go after Patten instead?

Isn't Patten injured at the moment?

He was ruled out for 6 to 8 weeks mid April after a knee op.

Well going by the articles in today's T&A it would seem that Ross has back tracked on certain players being nailed on as leaving and they've now just got offers on the table. As I've said previously, I would hope that Smith's reputation would convince the core of our current team to sign on for at least an additional 12 months to see what could be

Pleased to see Ross backtracking a bit. Of the quartet rumoured to be considering a move it's Gaskell and Clark I'd most like to keep.

I would dearly love us to be in a position this year where Gaskell had been playing last season and this season alongside a creative scrum-half organiser. Such a relationship would still be a season or so away from a peak but they would have had a pretty good understanding by now.

As it is, though, some people seem to want Gaskell to step through the opposition at will and repeatedly run under the posts, while doing the organising and the kicking and providing the leadership. We don't see too much of the best of Gaskell simply because we haven't had a scrum-half for years and it isn't possible for one man to do everything, and because being the organiser and leading the team around the park is not the strongest part of Gaskell's game.

To a large extent, we have wasted the luxury of having Gaskell, and continue to do so.

And I realise it is wishful thinking, but many on here were irrational slaggers-off of Luke Gale, and pleased to see the back of him. How do those people think Gaskell and Gale would be playing now, if that particular combination had continued?

He's some way to go I think. He's got Hampshire, McShane, even Millington in front of him.

A whole County? Jeez-o he is well down the pecking order then. Surely he will have to move on?

I'm thinking Gaskell is waiting to see if the club actually bring in a 7 to take some of the pressure off him.

As for Clark, I hope he stays as I think it might damage his development to jump to SL as he is still in need of seasoning

I would think having Jamie Peacock as your Directory of Rugby would compensate for that.

I noticed in paper today that Leon was apparently dropped for yesterdays Hull game. Could this be our chance to get him for the rest of the season? I would like to think so. He would probably want to stay at Hull with them doing so well at the moment but then again is he's not getting in the team, who knows!!!

Bradford made an enquiry about a Fax half back just over a week ago. They were told the player is still very much in our plans.

Richard Moore?????

Travis Burns meant to be off to Leigh on loan according to Gareth Walker.

Maybe that's why they had nobody available to attend the disciplinary hearing

Probably cover for both Ridyard (rumoured groin injury) and Higham (potential 4/5 game ban), so makes sense.
Not fussed about missing out on Burns, I think he's overrated.

Ben Johnston. Talked to someone who knows him very well at the Summer Bash.

Covering for Luke Walsh for a few weeks I read yesterday?