For me the key as to keeping Phelps and/or Pryce is within the half-back and hooker roles.

We have McIllorum and Tommy for the hooking role
We have Finch and probably Sam for the halves plus possibly Deacon if he signs for another playing year - not yet confirmed.

But both Deacon and McIllorum have question marks over their fitness and injury records, both missed a large chunk of last season between them. So based on that they can be counted as 1 player - so effectivley we have 4 players for 6,7 and 9 (and all this is assuming that Sam is not at FB). Not a lot of cover - Mellor may be one option but he is relatively untried at SL level.

So it may be that Phelps can be retained as cover in the halves (he was playing at 6 in the u20s recently).

We also have doubts over Roberts (can he get back to full fitness) and Richards is certainly going to miss early season games - so Pryce may be an option - surely competition between say Pryce,Charnely and Marsh for wing/centre cover is no bad thing.Especially as whoever shows up well next season could be in line to replace Carmont the year after.

I expect IL,MM and SW will make a sensible decision either way.

This is true in theory, but in practice, every time we had a problem at half-back the solution was Lockers will someone else filling the LF role.

I do rate Phelps but little point in keeping him on if he is not going to get game time. He is good enough for other teams but I expect the blocker here is that he is on the overseas quota.

I'd keep the pair of them for strength in depth and competition for places especially Phelps though due to his versatility. Last year we got the odd injury in the backs plus Roberts for a large spell what happens if we get worse injuries this year ?.. The young lads got plenty of game time anyway with Phelps and Pryce in the squad and will continue to do so during next year. The best way to bring these youngsters through is the odd one or two in the team at a time, surrounded by older heads to help them. Against lower quality opposition as well were the pressure isn't as high and the odd mistake shouldn't make a huge difference.



But what does the quota matter to us if we aren't going to bring in another Aussie ?.. Phelps on a one year deal is a no brainer for me. TBH i don't think we'd miss Pryce to much if he left though.

Karl Pryce to St Helens?

Wigan havent offerd Cameron a new deal. He flew back to Australia today with no contract from a SL club. He might never return to the UK.

Excellent news if true.

4 Overseas Players out.
3 Overseas Players in.

One extra homegrown player added to squad for next season.

Would i get shot down if i say i am still in the pro Karl Pryce camp.

I feel he can still do a job for us next year.

Heard a rumour this week that Whelan has sold part of his empire. What's he up to?

Crickes....







Not sold as yet...

What half?

Sporting or retail?

I think he will be pulling out of the Latics pretty soon. Have heard rumours about him getting back into RL in someway shape or form (it might be from on here i heard it?).

Quote ="Orrell Lad"Heard a rumour this week that Whelan has sold part of his empire. What's he up to?'" A quick search on google came up with this: www.lse.co.uk/ShareChat.asp?ShareTicker=JJB en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Whelan Quote On 12th October 2010 Whelan sold the retail side of DW Sports to former JJB Chief executive Chris Ronnie, with the money supplied by Whelan's old foe Mike Ashley. Whelan will retain control of the Fitness club side of the business. On 13th October Dave Whelan commented, "with reference to the above information regarding Chris Ronnie purchasing DW Sports Retail, negotiations have taken place, however no final deal has yet been agreed. Mike Ashley is not involved in any way shape or form. If a deal is agreed it will be subsequently published".'" To summarise, it seems Whelan is to sell 'DW Sports Retail' to Chris Ronnie - can't see no official link to back this up yet though.

Quote ="Orrell Lad"Heard a rumour this week that Whelan has sold part of his empire. What's he up to?'" A quick search on google came up with this: www.lse.co.uk/ShareChat.asp?ShareTicker=JJB en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Whelan Quote On 12th October 2010 Whelan sold the retail side of DW Sports to former JJB Chief executive Chris Ronnie, with the money supplied by Whelan's old foe Mike Ashley. Whelan will retain control of the Fitness club side of the business. On 13th October Dave Whelan commented, "with reference to the above information regarding Chris Ronnie purchasing DW Sports Retail, negotiations have taken place, however no final deal has yet been agreed. Mike Ashley is not involved in any way shape or form. If a deal is agreed it will be subsequently published".'" To summarise, it seems Whelan is to sell 'DW Sports Retail' to Chris Ronnie - can't see no official link to back this up yet though.

Matt diskins twitter stating he had big decisions in the pipeline, perhaps he is on our radar for next season?. I'd be happy with that

It certainly seems he is up to something.

Twitter.
Coming up to the weekend.
Big decisions in the pipeline.


=


Chinese or Indian on Saturday night........?

To add more fuel to the Diskin rumour, on the Whinos board someone says he's heard he may be leaving.

[urlhttp://www.cockneylatic.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5262[/url

Possibly just a wind-up, but with the talk of big announcements, rumours of DW shuffling his cards...

Something is brewing...

Has a year left on his contract i think. Who knows.

Wouldnt mind Diskin at all, other than world class aussies that we have no chance of getting he's probably the best we could have to organise the team before Mickey Mac is unleashed

Diskins a good hooker his organisation skills are something we will miss next season in the no9 shirt I would be pleased if we could recruit him although imo its very very unlikely seeing as IL said we have not got much room left under the cap plus would the Whinos be willing let him go? I dont think so But you never no it might be worth a shot for IL and MM to have a word with him.

what he has been told although its a rumour i have heard the same thing and i know where the land is that has been bought by IL it could be true and of course it could be false but as they say theres no smoke without fire.

Where is the land?

[urlhttp://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/News/General/The-Grouch--14102010_15642.asp[/url

Lower part of the article. Does IL still have an interest in Sports Cafe?

I know there would need to be initial investment for the land / construction of a ground, plus we would lay out for expenses on match days / improvements..etc.
But if you look at the Whinos for instance, their turnover & profit is massive compared to ours, yet we are as big (if not bigger club).

A new ground with a hotel & conference centre / corporate facilities....etc, would bring in huge amounts. Then there's the beer sales on match days, which we don't currently get.

Then throw in that all our preseason friendlies are arranged at away grounds, we'd get them back.



All in all, I think this rumour is BS.
1) I don't think we'd get planning approval.
2) I don't think IL will shell out when we pay c£200k pa rent.

Would love to proven wrong though.