So Brough unfortunately has retired... does that free up a sizeable chunk of funds or did we already know and spend it on Patton?

Brough experience and game management will be a loss, we looked a much better side with him on the field. I fear we are in danger of slipping behind other sides if we aren't able to recruit some more quality.

I imagine the signing of Patton was based on us knowing this was due to happen. A real shame as we looked a much better side with Brough on the pitch.

We will never know how long the club has known but a bit cheeky timing given the early bird deadline for season tickets has just passed…

We go and get Luke Gale, problem solved

Shame as I thought he really made us tick this year.

I'd imagine the club maybe knew this was on the cards with Patton signing.

Bloody hell that’s terrible news but Danny’s long term health and well-being come first. Happy retirement!

The club must have known this was on the cards and perhaps swooped In to get Patton when things started looking doubtful on Brough returning. Jowitt’s extension makes him the backup choice now that Brough has retired.

Don’t think early bird finishes until 5/11

Any half backs still available?

players are always available depends how much you want them… sammut maybe? You might pickup a young one from sl?

Connor Robinson?

I'd heard we were talking to him. It's an area we need a bit more depth now Brough has been forced into retirement.

I always assumed Brough would work alongside Kear as assistant at some point, but perhaps we don't have a role or funds to offer that at the moment.

Quote ="Bully_Boxer"I'd heard we were talking to him. It's an area we need a bit more depth now Brough has been forced into retirement. I always assumed Brough would work alongside Kear as assistant at some point, but perhaps we don't have a role or funds to offer that at the moment.'" https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... r-21946511 I guess we are the club to put an offer in.

Quote ="Bully_Boxer"I'd heard we were talking to him. It's an area we need a bit more depth now Brough has been forced into retirement. I always assumed Brough would work alongside Kear as assistant at some point, but perhaps we don't have a role or funds to offer that at the moment.'" https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... r-21946511 I guess we are the club to put an offer in.

I suspect the club knew that Brough was going to retire when they signed Patton.

We could do with a bit more cover. Lose Patton or Lilley and we look very vulnerable.

Keyes would have slotted straight in there nicely. Definitely need another half back imo.

Glad we got to see Brough play for Bradford. He was a favourite of mine for a long time.

On the positive side, it's good that he's taken the decision now rather than limp into the season, get injured again and end up missing most of the season before announcing his eventual retirement.

At least this way we have a chance to look to sign someone else with the money set aside for him. Connor Robinson looks just about the best available right now.

Good luck to Danny. Obviously at 38 it's borrowed time but he always put everything in while here and should have had his chance with England while the best half in SL.

Give over

Apologies. The early bird deadline ends on Friday.

The news on Broughs retirement came on 31 October ie the date contacts typically expire and 5 days before the end of the early bird deadline ending.

Contracts are 30 Nov aren’t they?

Yep, that's correct

Sad to see him retire but health comes first and fair play for announcing it early. Not like some players who do it during back end of pre-season!

Surely joining us was with half an eye on coaching but as someone said earlier do we have the budget to bring him as an assistant, with a view to taking over from JK. Mr Kear can't go on forever.

Glad to have seen him in a Bulls shirt but like people have been saying his health comes first. If we can I would like to see him involved on the coaching side. I remember when he was coming back from his injury he was really geeing the team up most of the times from behind the posts !

I’m Man enough to admit I got this one wrong and muddled my dates up. Thanks for those for putting me right.

I’d hope to see brough brought into the coaching set up so hopefully we can make that happen although I bet he won’t be short on offers.

Mentioning that makes me wonder what aspirations Brough might have? He's certainly go a lot of knowledge to pass on, though not as Head coach, but maybe learning the ropes from someone like JK. Would seem to be a no-brainer, to be honest.