So far, we have had a very fortunate run with injuries, but today things took a turn for the worse.

McNally, Pownall, and Woods all picked up what looked like pretty bad injuries. According to JD, McNally suffered a suspected fractured cheekbone; Pownall an ACL, and Woods possible elbow ligament damage. On top of that Ridyard seemed to be struggling more and more as the game progressed.

We only have seven backs in our squad, and one of those (Higginson) is out on loan to Rochdale. We will really miss the three injured players, (plus Ridyard, heaven forbid) and could well struggle to fill key positions. The D/R guys are doing brilliantly - all four of them today - but presumably we need to fill essential positions with 'our own' players.

I'd be interested to hear thoughts on this situation.

Agreed Alan, the injuries didn’t look good, though no injuries are good, we missed McNally big time today, and were very scrappy, dropped a lot of ball , thought Dews did the same.
I agree about Riddy, he didn’t look fit today, I assume that’s why Woods was kicking, today a good half back pairing wood have ripped us apart, Finn looks like he can’t bend his back, which is a shame because he’s been a decent player, but Dews didn’t offer much threat really.

I to am impressed with the DRs, I like Bentley more and more,you never know Swift might be back for us next week , but he scored 3 for Saints today,and if Richo keeps his place we might get Fages,I like Jack Welsby as well.

As for our own players, getting thin on the ground now,hopefully Marsh will be back for Pownall,and Iain Thorniley has been brilliant,I’m not sure aboutSpencer either , is he injured?With Batley next and Sheff at the LSV things don’t get easy,the 5 teams above us all won today so it’s status quo.

The injuries are worrying though.

Pity we don’t have a reserve side anymore. Mind you that was dismantled to cater for glory.
Not looking so glorious now. Many will step off the ride, if investment is not forthcoming.

How many reserve teams are there ?? When we had one recently they hardly played

A bigger, more experienced squad yes, reserve team no for me

A good turnout yesterday for an Easter Monday game, I personally enjoy the current ride more than the or bust days - if nothing else we have players busting a gut for the cause

Tom has been playing with a heavily strapped knee/leg, and only been doing 15-20 minutes in the second half, while Douglas, or one of the other forwards has a breather. It appears that he may well be carrying an injury. (as I suspect Ridyard is)

We had thornley marsh and Adamson missing today so hopefully the're back or we really are struggling for numbers

Hopefully they were 'rested' after Friday. Whichever way you look at it, we have problems in the backs though!

We don’t have many reserve teams because most have abolished them blaming them on lack of fixtures. Both I would say run in conjunction with each other.

For me a bigger squad is only short term, nothing long term. Back to square one again. No clear pathway for youth getting to the first team.

It’s a recurring record and everyone ignores it, until it’s too late.

our squad is too small, anyone can see that. but maybe sims and kevaney will finally get a game and higginson more than 'half a game' when he comes back from rochdale hornets

I believe there has been a whisper of Brierley coming on loan till the end of the season.

Well, he would add something we are short of - pace. (and goal-kicking when Ridyard doesn't play/can't kick) And we are now crying out for a half back, 'of our own'. Meanwhile, here's hoping Saints keep sending us players of the quality, we have been getting. Incidentally, I see that Luke Thompson has picked up a longish term injury. Fortunately, Douglas hasn't been playing well enough to be considered good enough to replace him!

Brierley hasn’t travelled to Canada.

I'd take him in a heart beat.
Not that im holding out much hope of it being a possibility.

A months loan would be good initially. Good champ level player and will slot in with Ridy quickly.

My mate's wife saw him near the LSV last wednesday afternoon. I still can't see him joining us but it was definitely ryan she reckons.

Ryan has obviously no future with the Woolpack,the question is would he take a pay cut..?Well he gets on with Duffy,loves playing at the LSV,knows most of our Squad,and a few ex Wolfpack players now back at the LSV.Very little travelling to train and play.
A good salesman maybe could sell him the plusses of a return,and renewing his partnership with a Riddy.Cmon Derek bring the lad home.

There’s a reason Brierley has been given the flick from every club he’s been at, he caused a huge rift at Leigh the last time he was here and with the team spirit the lads have currently is the last player you would want at the club.

Selfish, undermines authority and puts a show on for fans on social media and plays the victim just like he is now with his dad as mouthpiece.

Clear talent but all about the RB7 brand and nothing else,

Get shut of his agent and he may do.. His agent is certainly running out of options.

Like I've said before, there are two sides to a story, with an element of them both being accurate. However, we are well short of bodies at the moment - especially in the backs - and like you say, the lad has talent. I'm sure he/John Duffy could work together, for the benefit of all.

Alan it’s all about partnerships, Riddy and Ryan went great last time at Leigh.Duffy and Ryan , Coach and player at Scotland, a good partnership, and Ryan and the Blackpool Bash, perfect for me, chuck in the Tower Circus And Heaven, what more can a Clown ask for.

Agreed Ian - as usual.

In answer to your question:- a big red nose, and a pair of curled up shoes?

I might pay you a visit at the tower circus Ian.

Do you do this one?

Derek I’m so happy at Ryan’s return, I’d give it a go.

Ian, I have to agree that it's a good move by the club.