Ainscough leave? Isn't he in the first year of a three year deal?
Ainscough's time will come and in the not too distant future too.
He the best young wingman in the game, not the finished article, though at his age none in the league anywhere near his ability.
Ainscough should still be here in ten years time.

I'd agree with you pal that the size of Roberts' contract is what keeps him in the first team but from the outside looking in I don't like the way that's done. The big criticism of Ainscough is his defence, but I've lost count of the number of times Roberts has been targetted in defence and come up wanting this year also. In particular, simply failing to challenge for a high ball is unforgivable with his level of experience.

Both of them have strengths and flaws in their games but I'd say they are very similar if you gave them marks out of 10 which doesn't justify either being in the 1st team constantly ahead of the other. However, with more exposure I'd say Ainscough has the most scope for improvement.

I know that the stats don't back it up but i think Ainscough offers us something that no one else on the team can which is a threat every time he touches the ball.

He’s got a far greater ability to break the line or get past his opposite man than anyone else on the field. When you put that into the context of us having very little game changers it’s a massive + point for him.

As harsh as it sounds the best scenario for next season would be for Roberts to start and for us to have a flying start to the season then for Roberts to have about three or four weeks off with an injury. It will be much easier for Ainscough then if the team has the confidence to attack and is playing well as a unit.

I agree that it's unfair when comparing the two to use either there try scoring record or try assists for the exact reason that you mention.

The things that can be compared between the two which playing on either wing has no baring on such as clean breaks and tackles bust for me Ainscough just edges, in the end all we can hope is that both of them push each other to be the best they can and that can only be a good thing for Wigan.

Let's remember, the only reason he was playing last season is because of injuries. He's a left winger, and our first choice left winger is one of, or the best in SL. When he was playing we didn't really have a FB so it was easy to move Richards there and stick Ainscough on the wing. I just can't see him getting even 10 games next season.

I don't think he'll get played on the right for a start.

I also don't think putting him on loan would be the best thing considering the coach we've just got and some of the young talent he's worked with before. I'd like to seem him getting some games/bench time, and being coached by Maguire rather than going on loan.

His time will definitely come.

In light of the old 'errors' remark from one or two, and them saying that Amos makes just as many errors, if you pro-rata SA's games SA makes more than 50% more so it's not the same. Of course it's only to be expected given his age and lack of experience.

I don't buy into the view that he'd 'logically' continue the same strike rate, playing on the opposite wing or in some of the games he didn't play in.

It's absolutely apples and oranges, and I think we should get behind all our players SA and AR included.

That's part of the problem IMO, winger is an 80 minute position these days so it's unlikely for him to be able to get gradual introduction that way, otherwise a prop, second row or hooker is going to get very very tired.

The new coaching team will favour Ainscough's chances as Wane will not accept players not trying and unfit players or poor performances and young players who he knows better than anyone will get a chance.

If any of our outside backs do not perform then Ainscough will get a chance no doubt. Roberts was shocking at times earlier on in the season and should of been dropped, he would of been had Noble not been coach IMO.

I'd like to think you are correct but I keep asking myself just how much influence will Wane have? He's only the assistant after all and I don't recall seeing much of Veiver's influence in proceedings beforehand. Personally, I hope he is heavily involved, based in no small measure on how he came across in his recent interview.

You will see the impact he has on the forwards, have you seen how he used to play? He will have the forwards running in with agression! I just think we need one more forward.

Wane will get the players fired up for games.

I have no doubt that MM will ask for his opinions on everything as he is someone still trying to learn and they will both influence each other.

Was Vievers brought in by Noble? I think the fact that Wane currently knows more about the club than McGuire might give him a bit more influence than many assistants, particularly in the first few months while McGuire finds his feet.

The key is asking yourself how much of an input Maguire had at Melbourne.

If Maguire does a lot of delegating especially with the forward work then Wane will play a massive role. I’m sure that being a new coach & recent assistant manager Maguire will be using the advice of those around him as much as he can.

Any way I’m sure that if Wane is at training he’d bollo£k someone if they weren’t putting the effort in. It’s just the type of guy he is.

I suspect he'll have a lot of input - the whole coaching structure at Melbourne is very very different to the old fashioned RL Head Coach + 1 yes man setup that has been employed for so long over here.

Defo!

One thing that Wane will never be is a yes man! I think we can all read into the fact that he's the only coach out of our current group who has secured his future as a big sign he's not like some of the yes men Noble employed.

I'd love to see a real modern RL coaching structure built over here over the period of Maguire's tenure - multiple assistants (attack & defence), sprint, wrestling, conditioning coaches etc, working with and learning from top teams in other sports, looking at athletics etc. And always recruiting from the best personal available, regardless of who they are or what sport they are currently in. Please no more RL old boys network.

If I was going to put my money anywhere in Wigan, I'd spend it there much sooner than spend it on transfer fees that the likes of Martin want to take a slice of.

That's what will help take RL forwards in this country more than anything.

I prefer to believe that the new coach will pick his players on form rather than contract size. Anyone not performing should be back in the reserves irrespective of how much they are earning!!!!

Prefer what you want but theres no way Amos will play regular reserve rugby. The only way Ainscough will get in is due to injury.

The best person for the job should play irrespective of age, experience or salary. If that's not the case then the club wouldn't be heading in the right direction, the slate should be wiped clean for both Amos and Shaun in 2010 and who ever trains the hardest and shows the most commitment should be given the number 2 squad number and the first start in SuperLeague.

And then I'll say what I said about Ainscough on page one, if Amos (or any other player for that matter) isn't prepared to play in the reserves if they deserve it then goodbye.

We can hope that is what will happen.

To Ainscough or Roberts?

I suspect I know which one you mean even though in a lot of people's opinions one is a far better all round player than the other (And yes I do know that a lot of people would rather have it the other way round).

We'll see who Maguire picks on the right wing next year shall we, I'd like a small wager with anyone if they would like on which one he picks most and I won't be betting on Ainscough.
I wonder if Maguire will then be pilloried like a certain someone else was for picking who he thinks is the better player!

and how do you suggest getting rid of a player under contract?

To anyone. If anyone doesnt buy into the new Wigan, I hope IL has the balls to have them out the door.

I see no point in the Roberts/Ainscough debate. Its been done to death. Amos imo is a better player and will start more games, but if Ainscough comes in and takes his chance, he deserves to stay in.

He got his chance last year and got over the line more often than his peers, would a sustained run have given him the TTS?

It all depends on the character of the person and the situation with other clubs

For some people rotting in the reserves would push them to accept a less than full value termination fee, for others a suitable transfer might be able to be negotiated, for a sad few however they might be prepared to just rot in the reserves and keep collecting their paycheck till their contract expires - a lot wont do that however as it limits their chances to get a new contract with a new club in the future if they haven't been playing for a year or two.