Just read this in the MEN. Intresting.

Rugby league legend Sean Long has revealed he could follow Paul Scholes’ lead by coming out of retirement with Salford City Reds.

Long and Scholes both called time on their illustrious playing careers last year but football star Scholes made a shock return for United in Sunday’s FA Cup derby.

Long, 35, retired after two injury-hit years with Hull FC before taking up the role of assistant coach at Salford.

The former St Helens scrum-half has combined his coaching duties with playing part-time for rugby union side Preston Grasshoppers, though.

And with Stefan Ratchford’s exit leaving rookie Marc Sneyd as the only cover to first-choice half-backs Matty Smith and Daniel Holdsworth, Long has not ruled out playing for Salford.

“I’m looking forward to the new challenge in coaching,” he said. “But I’ve not thrown the playing boots away and never say never. If we have a few injuries this season, then who knows?

“If I can help Salford by pulling on the boots again I will.”

Long was on the touchline for the first time as Salford lost 36-12 to Leigh in their first pre-season friendly on Saturday. It was hardly the result or performance the Reds wanted in their first game at the new Salford City Stadium but head coach Phil Veivers is hoping to boost his squad before their Super League opener against Castleford on February 4.

His son, Josh, and hooker Stuart Howarth appeared as trialists on Saturday after being released by Wakefield.

And although Veivers would like to sign them both, quota restrictions are making it difficult for club management to squeeze them into the squad.

“I thought Stuart had a fair game and Josh didn’t do himself any injustice at the back,” he said. “I’d love them to be involved but that’s something for other people to discuss.”

Veivers was particularly disappointed with his side’s start, which saw Leigh score the opening try after charging the ball down from Salford’s first set.

He expects a vast improvement at home to Halifax on Sunday before the Reds host Wigan in their final friendly on January 24.

“We’ve spoken about it in the off-season,” he said. “We want to change things with the way we start games and maintaining our intensity throughout.

“I didn’t think we’d be that flat first time out so we’ve got some steps to climb.”

Did you see in one of the papers (poss the Mirror0 Long quoted as saying Feka has lost 15KG (is this 2 stone in old money?) Feka the latest Baynes

I'd have happily have Long starting with Holdsworth and Godwin and Smith interchanging.

Its really does not matter one little bit who the halfbacks are, you could put me at 7, behind a beaten pack it makes no difference.

True.

Quote ="Red Willow"Did you see in one of the papers (poss the Mirror0 Long quoted as saying Feka has lost 15KG (is this 2 stone in old money?) Feka the latest Baynes'" Read more: www.mirror.co.uk/sport/sport-fro ... z1j3mPhp3k David Burke in the Mirror Quote Long added: “These facilities can only help Salford’s bid to become a top eight side. “We may have lost Stefan, but Aussies Joel Moon and Shannon McPherson have arrived. I’m also excited about our backs with Sean Gleeson looking really good in training. Up front, Iafeta Paleaaesina has shed 15kgs. "We don’t have a bad side, ­although the squad isn’t the ­biggest. I can’t wait for the Super League season to start." '" 2stone 5Lbs, So count the number of legs / arms he has now , or maybe he's had gender reassignment

Quote ="Red Willow"Did you see in one of the papers (poss the Mirror0 Long quoted as saying Feka has lost 15KG (is this 2 stone in old money?) Feka the latest Baynes'" Read more: www.mirror.co.uk/sport/sport-fro ... z1j3mPhp3k David Burke in the Mirror Quote Long added: “These facilities can only help Salford’s bid to become a top eight side. “We may have lost Stefan, but Aussies Joel Moon and Shannon McPherson have arrived. I’m also excited about our backs with Sean Gleeson looking really good in training. Up front, Iafeta Paleaaesina has shed 15kgs. "We don’t have a bad side, ­although the squad isn’t the ­biggest. I can’t wait for the Super League season to start." '" 2stone 5Lbs, So count the number of legs / arms he has now , or maybe he's had gender reassignment

Quote ="middleman"Read more: www.mirror.co.uk/sport/sport-fro ... z1j3mPhp3k David Burke in the Mirror 2stone 5Lbs, So count the number of legs / arms he has now , or maybe he's had gender reassignment '" Is that 15kg compared to last season, or 15kg since he porked out in the off season?

Quote ="middleman"Read more: www.mirror.co.uk/sport/sport-fro ... z1j3mPhp3k David Burke in the Mirror 2stone 5Lbs, So count the number of legs / arms he has now , or maybe he's had gender reassignment '" Is that 15kg compared to last season, or 15kg since he porked out in the off season?

where was Feka last Saturday anyone know? And don't say Greggs in Eccles !!!

Apparently has/had man-flu thats why he didnt make an appearance. I saw him at the open day & he has lost a lot of weight, I took a photo of him but I dont know how to put it on here, he looked good actually.

man-flu = the result of hard work

good lad, only the best get it.

I must admit when I saw Long on Saturday pacing around the technical area I thought to myself he's desperate to get on that pitch. Maybe Long's on-field presence, barking at the forwards for more effort is something we are lacking?

I'm very surprised the Backslapping brigade haven't slated you for that comment, pretty much like i did for suggesting Keith Senior. I actually agree with you i'd play Long without a shadow of doubt.

There is a difference between Long adn Senior.

Senior would be an additional wage and really wouldn't add that much where as Long...

Pay as you play deal. How about a whip round at half time.

How does a pay as you play deal work under a salary cap system?

Senior is well past his best. If we had a whip round then spend it on a forward

I seem to remember Jimmy Lowes made it onto the pitch in a playing capacity when he was assistant coach.
It has been at the back of my mind Long could put in a game with him keeping his eye in with RU saturday Job, don't think Salford are in any risk of breaching a salary cap!


if Feka has lost that much weight will he now be playing under a [iCelery Cap System [/iin 2012?

Are you sure you wasnt talking about me Shirl?

The key difference is that 'thredshed' isn't a complete tool

HTH?