turn out from the Wire fans today, 250 tops

400.

What was the 'official' match attendance today?

7900 near abouts

What was the situation west side? We're the fans mixed or just the away ones? It looked quite busy down there.

Lot of trins fans there, most of them in the shed, Normy lads i would think

They were commenting on Radio Leeds after the game about our 'intimidating atmosphere', always makes me laugh that. How many years did we go without their being any atmosphere at all?!?

Used to be like a library.

Dont read to much in to that

Shhhh!

Thought this thread was about Tim Smiths defence.

Mixed on the west side yesterday, we only have enforced segregation when the big clubs come to town

Yawn...

Tim Smith is far from our worst defender - yet another Wigan myth created against an ex player, very sad.

Though no world beater I've seen nothing to suggest his tackling isn't anything other than adequate and that will do me because we pay him to be really good at other things

Loath as I am to give in to the Gooner - Tim Smith IS our worst defender - bar Woody. We know he's not there as a tackling machine, but it is becoming a problem and is far from adequate - which may be related to his ankle injury, but is still a problem!

Hypothetically speaking, it's no good saying "look how brilliant he was creating two tries" if he gets trampled over to let two in

No TRB he isn't IMO. It's just your opinion same as it's just mine and they are both as worthy.

Peter Fox, Richard Mathers wish they could tackle like Smith

I wouldn't worry too much about Timmeh,Hes Salford bound.but dont worry your getting a player in exchange.
Allegedly.

I have never denied your opinion - but don't alway agree - as is the case here. The phrase 'Powder-puff' springs to mind!

If you're relying on your mercurial SH to be a tackling machine, there's trouble at t'mill.

think there;s a level bettween tackling like a girl and being a machine

Indeed, and that's about where Tim Smith is at.

Maybe, but he's not the worst for me but I don't want to name names because it not that simple IMHO. For me it's the forwards and backs collectively who are not finishing the tackle or simply falling off or not even being where they should be. Also far to many players are out of position far to often, Lyne and Cockayne big offenders.

This is what I think I meant by a lazy team, though I can't quite put my finger on it tbh. What I do believe is Smith tackling is no worse than last year but due to a healthy team ethic it wasn't an issue.

Modern day defense is rarely about a one on one tackle.
It is the team defense that matters.

If someone runs at Smith (or anyone else) the tacklers either side are just as important.
He is average at tackling but as said, that is not what we bought. We should be fine as he is.

That's probably about right. We maybe need to restrict the number of times Tim is exposed to the tackle - knowing as we do his ability in this area.

At the moment it seems to be getting exploited a little too much.

Bren - you're twisting my words!