Derek did say he brought Cunningham in because he thought juksey needed someone to mentor him,I'm sorry but what coaching apart from saints and he failed there has Cunningham done ...I'm sorry but purtill has far more coaching experience than him and if ur going to commit to signing so many new players in one go u make sure uv got an experienced halfback to lead them on the park and not 2 that are that inexperienced as Hutchinson and reynolds

I would be very surprised if there was anyone waiting in the wings, to chuck in as much money as he has. Prior to his takeover, we had a consortium of local businessmen, each supposedly putting in money. The snag with a group of 'equal' stakeholders' is the difficulty of arriving at any decisions, whereas the snag of one owner is obviously what happens when he/she steps down/walks away.

We got virtually instant 'success' with the one man brand of ownership, but I wonder where gradual growth, (not necessarily guaranteed, I know) under a consortium would have found us now?

There is a few willing to step up but don’t think they in degsy league when it comes to the bank balance so will prob have go back to semi pro

the big issue is rugby doesn't pay for rugby. There simply isn't enough of us paying through the gate to sustain the game so clubs need to bridge those gaps with other income streams.
The model of having "an owner" is great when that owner has the resources and motivation to keep the club bouyant. As you rightly illustrate, when that owner is no.longer motivate or income streams dry up.... see sheffield for a possible consequence....
Im not putting forrad campbell as the model chairman.... he himself knows he isn't. But ten years of building/improving has left a legacy at least if he was unable to continue.
No easy answers

I had to laugh at one of DB's comments on Backchat..."Leeds v Catalans gets called off and Featherstone turn up with 4 quality Leeds players against us and their middle dominates ours."

Fev had 2 Leeds players, one of whom was a prop who played 70 minutes at centre following Thackeray's injury...think he must have been the only person who has watched that game that didn't realise the result was down to the half back he let go.

I think you're right there PH. I guess you can see how frustrating it is for us Leythers? Still, if we end up with a new owner, and new coach, who knows, that stand off may just be willing to 'come home'?

Yep...I know contracts don't always mean a lot, but I am very glad Riddy signed a 2-year one with us...I don't see Mark Campbell making the same mistake. Actually more worried about Duffy, who only has a one-year deal with us...has crossed my mind that Purtill mayjust be a stopgap for this season until others might become available. Though if you do indeed have a new owner by the end of the season, it remains to be seen what sort of bidding power you have for a new coach.

You are right there Monty, if Derek did pack it I , I know of 3 blokes ready to step in , obviously they wouldn't be prepared to invest as much money as Derek, but having said this I think a lot of Derek's cash has not been invested wisely anyway.
My worry would be if Derek walked would the Club be expected to repay the cash he has invested?I have heard we may be.

He did say on the loan that it would be a gift to the club so it wouldn't be in dept if he stepped down if we don't make top 4

He stated,he would write the loan off and for tax reasons would return it to the Club as a donation. IF someone else was to come in.

Cant be much fairer than that . Lets hope we get top 4

He can't keep off the Media, can he? Is it actually helping?

I actually view it as him throwing the gaunlet down to the players. Others may have different views.

A few of them on 120k lol .. he's a right to throw it down i think

It is difficult to estimate how many points will be necessary to reach the top four. Last season it was HKR plus three from four. This season it could be any four from six with more points shared out among them.

Let’s keep targeting the next game.

Are Leigh in that 6? TO, Toronto, London, Fev, Fax + ?

You have to go to London, France, Canada and Fev. Toronto in the Bash, 5 games in a row away from home. Thats a big hill to climb.

I would say mountain tbh.

Derek very true, a one very BIG mountain,we are struggling at the moment, we need a good run of victories maybe around 5 or 6 to create the feel good and winning mentality, hopefully get Reynolds, and Morty ba k , it's tough but not impossible.

No way can I see Fax being in there - which doesn't say a lot for our chances, based on our recent performance at the Shay!

They built a SL team with SL and NRL players,did you expect them all to be on minimum wage?

What will be, will be. We've been in much worse situations than this one. Last season in Super League was it an amazing place to be, no it wasn't. 5 drives, then a kick....Zzzzzz
The only plus factor was, we had away fans at the LSV.

No but id expect them to perform better than shaw cup players & the way they are performing yes minimum wage is all they are worth

Agree about the sl style. I honestly and genuinely think this is a fabulous competition with some great rugby. A comp that is capable of throwing out drama.... who in all honestly saw the soap opera that is leigh rlfc unfolding in january?
The one downside of the championship as you rightly point out is that we know so many of each teams fans by name ... there are so few of us!
Reight.... see what the heavy woollen has is store for both our teams this aft....
See thi later

Right about the Fans names Robin, give Dave (Fevgrinder),Gingy, John, and Sydnee,my regards, see you all in Blackpool.

I shall be in france Ian.... i usually am spring bank week.... plus i sodding hate blackpool and fev have such a wonderful record there