Hicks could never have been 'retired by the club', originally he had said he was going to retire, then we talked him out of it and offered him a one year contract. If Hicks didn't want to retire then he had a contract to play here, the only way to 'retire' a player like that is to release them on injury grounds like we did Wilshere a few years back (a mistake with hindsight?)

Actually while you're on this thread, what was the story with David Fairleigh at the end of 2001? I remember them making it as the 'big announcement' in a game at KR (when we got 70 odd put on us, if that helps narrow it down) that Fairleigh was signing a new deal for 2002. Then Steve Anderson took over Warrington and was in talks with Darren Britt as his top target signing, but then Fairleigh retired and Millward moved in to get Britt! I'm not saying there was skulduggery involved, just wondered what the story was in Saints? I remember Anderson was a bit peeved about the Britt business because he reckoned if he had been given a bit more budget then he would have had Britt in the bag before Saints were in for him....but the board were very strict on Anderson's budget, then the week after he left, they released £100k to sign Appo, Westwood and Nat Wood

With Fairleigh I seem to remember they announced he was staying, then he dislocated his shoulder in the playoffs against Hull away at the Boulevard. After seeing the Doc he was told to pack in playing so went back to Aus.

I've no doubt Fairleigh got just as much as Hicks. But it was possibly down the insurance route rather than the 'legal loophole' that the press seem to think might have been used by Warrington.

you sure it's the press and not just other fans who have something to moan sbout wire. same that if wigab dine it or saints we would be saying the same as them that it's dodgy and should be looked at.

Except I believe that comment was made in connection to him ever joining Liverpool, rather than leaving Everton.