[urlhttp://www.sportinglife.com/rugby-league/news/article/480/10240152/head-coach-tony-smith-wants-to-sign-a-new-deal-with-warrington[/url

Seems to have changed his stance somewhat in how long a coach should remain in one place, the way he's talking he wants to remain here for the long haul, referencing the likes of Bennett at the Bronco's (20 years) and the more successful football clubs.

Don't think there will be too many grumbles about this following our start this year, interesting to see if Agar stays in place also...?

I'd be very happy if big Tone signed on the dotted line again....the bloke is top drawer in my opinion.

I think he assembled a good squad this, I see him being here for another 3 years possible 5 years. I think he doesn't want to go until he at least the gf with wire. I think he wants that so much to bring it to the club and the fans

I'm obviously guessing, but I doubt he would get a much better paid position elsewhere. He is working for a club which appears to value and support him in whatever direction he wishes to take the club and in the way of player and staff promotion/recruitment. And possibly most importantly he has unfinished business to conclude.

As long as the club want him, I can't see him going anywhere for a while.

This time 12 months ago Agar was getting flak from all sides and Smith had took us as far as he could, thanks for the memories and adios!

Was a difference a year makes. It would be interesting reading of those old Agar and Smith threads again.

I'll be very happy if he signs a new long term contract. We had a poor year last season that can't be denied but a final/ LLS in every other season has been thoroughly enjoyable to watch. It's been much easier to be a wire fan in the smith years.

Long Live the King

Does this mean that Richard Agar will stay as his contract expires this year also.

It's TS option to choose his support staff I believe.

I wouldn't have an issue with Agar staying on, I didn't really level any blame on him last season, that was down to poor recruitment/being unable to replace key players.

I'd expect another 2/3 year deal signed fairly soon for TS, then negotiations/decisions will start with the 2016 out of contract players, of which there are many: Plus possibly a longer term contract for Sandow?


1. Kurt Gidley - 2016
13. Ben Westwood - 2016
15. Mitchell Dodds - 2016
22. Gene Ormsby - 2016
23. Gary Wheeler - 2016
25. Joe Philbin - 2016
26. Declan Patton - 2016
28. Jack Johnson - 2016
29. Benjamin Julien - 2016
32. Jordan Cox - 2016
33. Ryan Bailey - 2016

1. Kurt Gidley - 2016 - 2yr deal
13. Ben Westwood - 2016 - 1yr deal
15. Mitchell Dodds - 2016 - 2yr deal
22. Gene Ormsby - 2016 - loan
23. Gary Wheeler - 2016 - let go
25. Joe Philbin - 2016 - 2yr deal
26. Declan Patton - 2016 - loan
28. Jack Johnson - 2016 - loan
29. Benjamin Julien - 2016 - 3yr deal
32. Jordan Cox - 2016 - 3yr deal
33. Ryan Bailey - 2016 - cannot say

Interesting that the first choice 17 are almost all signed up already.

Picking up on an earlier poster -

The club and TS must take some responsibility for last year.
I can't believe we didn't think about it !

So we either tried to get the right people to cover the loss of key staff over the last couple of years (Moz, Monas, etc) and didn't manage it - that happens and I don't expect Moran to put his hand in his pocket every time to cope with this
or
we thought the guys we had were good enough to perform and win things - that was a wrong call
(the Briers issue was very late in the day)

It's easy in hindsight, and even though some fans will say 'I said that', I suspect most of them (me included) have made some wrong call on more than one occasion about what the club should do.

TS is not infallible and has made some wrong calls, but over time he probably gets more right than most people.

His (or the clubs) recruitment up to this year hasn't been consistently good. This year it has been excellent overall.
I think TS / the coaching staff can get the bets out of talented players, but maybe is not so successful with others of less ability.

Overall more than happy with TS and with this year so far.

Interesting how many senior players are out too,
Harrison
Grix
Wheeler,crocked
Dodds,crocked
Bailey,not even played yet.

You
forgot Sandow Niners

Dodds surely can't expect more than another one year contract given his injury record, plus Cox on a three-year deal is also a big risk.

I was classing him short term Mr Brady.

In reality though, Tony Smith is on a good number at the Wire, regular income , no pressure from the owner/board, & his wife & family settled in over here too.Add to that, excellent ground & facilities & us Wire fans are conditioned to not much in the trophy cabinet so everyone should be happy.

2 years for Gidley would seem a bit long? He would be 36 by the time that came around? Maybe one year with a further option?

Dodds is a funny one, we haven't really seen him in action yet.

Can't see us keeping both Bailey & Cox, especially with Harrison coming back in to the fold.

Well I certainly can't see us keeping Bailey as you say, but Cox is a funny one (in a couple of senses). He seems to be settling down, and he certainly makes the effort on the pitch. But can he really put in the effort on the training ground and address his defence ? Think the jury is still out on him, but if there is one thing TS is very, very good at it's one to one coaching / mentoring and motivating. I suspect we will perhaps find out when he gets dropped for a couple of games and has to decide if he is going to fight to get his shirt back.

I think that Kurt has signed a 12 month extension.
Super Ben, legend...... what ever he decides is fine with me.
Mitch has to get another year given what he has gone through and not had the opportunity to show us what he can do.
Gene, another contract for me
Gary Wheeler feel for the Lad.
joe, we need to see more of him.
Dec, who knows how he is doing we've just not seen anything of him.
Jack Johnson a new contract
Benjamin Julien deffo a new contract
Jordan Cox deffo a new contract
Ryan Bailey lets see how he goes but yes a new contract

I'd give all but the following a new contract.

Benny. Sorry. You've been a great servant too our club and the last player remaining who played for the wire at wilderspool. But age has caught up with you and we should have Ben Harrison back next year.

Gary wheeler. You have too feel sorry for the guy. But I feel he will never play again. He is too injury prone for a team too take a punt on him.

The others.
Gidley is like our Bretton hodgson. He organises the team. Give him another year.
Mitch Dodds. Unlucky to be injured. Give him a new contact and see how he performs
The others are young guys. They will provide a great backbone to the future of Warrington and all are potential future legends. All deserve a new contract.

Super benny is a club legend, he shouldn't get a contract just for that BUT he should get a 1 year extension because he deserves it. He was man of match against hkr then he has had a an operation, he played the full 80 minutes against the thugs. He hasn't had a bad game so far . He can be utilised this and for 1 more year at least, even if his contract was for slightly less money I'm sure he would be happy to stay

Smith seems quite settled at the club now and definitely settled in England.

So people have changed their minds now, last year Smith had 'taken us as far as he can'??!! He is a top top coach BUT does no one think if the super league championship is not delivered this season or next then we should be possibly looking at a new man with fresh ideas? I'm just playing devil advocate here....