www.itv.com/news/granada/update/ ... etirement/?

www.itv.com/news/granada/update/ ... etirement/?

Ah crap in work, will have to watch this later. Thanks for the link.

When are Warrington going to start telling us about a quality replacement for him as we don't have anything already here ?
Ratchford is either a Centre or Fullback O'Brien isn't anywhere near good enough imo so WHO ?

I dont think any replacement (If there is one) will be announced till after the World Cup.

We have within our squad the fire power to cope and be better. Myler, Ratchford, O'Brien, Rusell, Grix, all these players are there to replace Briers, I don't think that we will play with a recognized stand off as we can cover form all angles of the pitch. Briers is not replaceable so why try, we need to change our stance and move forward.

TS has said in a few interviews that he wants to and give the young players their chance. Gaz O'Brien deserves his opportunity next year as do Glenn Riley, Danny Bridge, Brad Dwyer and James Laithwaite. I still doubt that we'll sign anyone else, yes we will miss Briersy but I suspect TS knew for some time this was happening. If he felt we needed a replacement I suspect we would all know who by now.

if we want to stand still and win nothing yes but if we want to be the next dominant force in ESL we need to improve that means bringing in a quality proven player to replace Briers unless you want to except the always next year syndrome I for one don't want that label we have loads of room in the cap and we have the backers and sponsorship to bring in the best so no more excuses buy the best and win .

but not necesarily the cap room

At least Wigan proved this year that you don't have to replace "like for like" in terms of half-back quality in order to be successful.

Bit negative Padders, it's not excatly like we were miles off last year apart from the fact that Briers was out for fair chunks of ther season in any event.

I don't think we will be in for a replacement from outside the club, promoting from within is more sustainable long term. Surely O'Brien deserves his 'shot' and with Ratchford and Grix able to fill in particularly the former if Russell goes in at 1, we won't be too shabby in the backs.

In a funny way and it's not just about the loss of Briers, I'm half looking forward to seeing our 'next' team develop, move us forward, or at least consolidate our new found status.

I'd agree with all that. I still think we have a greater need for another 'enforcer' more than anything, but for Padders' sake I'd like to see Danny Bridge in the side a bit more often. Two Bridges to whine about, he'd never be off here.

I don't think that not replacing Briers is a backward step, I think the likes of O'Brien, laithwaite, riley ect have been held back a bit because of our need to win. We need to bring these guys through for tomorrow and if that means we only challenge for all tropheys next year like we have recently then so be it.
We will still be one of the best teams out there, We have only lost one player form our starting line up in the GF and that's Briers.

Squad numbers announced tomorrow.

Is there going to be a surprise?

You obviously know there is one Mr M.

Tony Smith was remarkably chipper at the Academy launch earlier but I genuinely have no idea. Although fingers crossed for Thurston!

I just can't see anyone coming in as there is always someone willing to release the name of new signing. If I'm wrong then great but if I'm not then I still feel we will be similar to last season regarding our standing within the competition.

I think the Russell signing was the first that wire transfer that I've never even heard a whisper of before it happened.

I never thought I would see someone who is more pessimistic or miserable than me, so congratulations Padders.