It's no coincidence that Smith leaving FC was followed by a fire sale of players, we'd signed people on contracts we could ill afford, Smith was the start of the financial decline of the club that led to that @rsehole Lloyd.

What about Bradford? I thought his reign there started one of the most lucrative and successful periods in their history.

You did spot the decline when he left, and the players leaving?

No, not really, they went from strength to strength until someone decided it would be a good idea to bring Harris back from kick and clap.

Yes, I'm mean in the ten years after he left they only won the Super League four times, the World Club Challenge three times and the Challenge Cup twice.

Im talking finances, look at them now.

He was only at Bradford for one season. It seems a little unfair to pin any blame on him for any problems they may have now - over a decade later.

Exactly.

Fair enough, but I know the issues he left at Hull. He is a good coach though, but not as good as some seem to think.

he might not have won anything but he's better than what we currently have.

btw why blame the coach for financial troubles, surely this lies with the board, granted he might demand spending on players, but they appoint him and set out the strategy in the first place

Agreed on the first point.

Our board were weak, but Smith had a "way" about him (from what I have been told)

Bradfords money problem have nothing to do with Smith

Absolutely, it's like saying Hull's last 2 seasons are all Arthur Bunting's fault!

Smith created the buzz on the pitch at Bradford, the board led the way off it with the creation of Bullmania. Happy times

You will have to duck, There are so many Waudby / Kirkwood / Stanley apologists on here



That being said, it was that board signed it all off. A weak board doesn't make it Smiths fault.

Oh don't worry mate, I'm getting the PM's already.

Smith nearly put the club out of business, he did a good job with the team but it was not sustainable.

Indeed, although some seem to have aslightly distorted view of what happened.

At no point have I doubted anyones intentions at the time, nor their deidcation, but their professionalism and ability can easily be called into question.

FC have, until recent times (the Gateshead merger being the start), been run by well meaning hobbyists.

but isn't it the job of the board to regulated his spending?

Smiths a good coach but if he wants to be classed as a great one he has to get sydney city to a premiership.

Indeed, but the lure of being the board that brought success back to the Boulevard was stronger than the need to be sensible with the recruitment policy, hence my comment about "hobbyists", FC were, at the time, run by a group of people that were FC fans, hearts made decisions that heads would not have made, up until we got rid of Harrison for the unrest he was causing, them we started (slowly) to turn the corner.

No, he has to get a club, any club really, to WIN a premiership

as hes going to the roosters for, at least, 3 seasons and has been quoted its probably his last appointment i stand by my last comment.

he'll do what he normally does - turn round the roosters fortunes, make them a top 4 team again, but ultimately one that gets knocked out a round or 2 before the final. he will leave a year or so early and his successor will take out the grand final

destined never to win a trophy

to get the roosters to top 4 will be a massive achievement in itself, but premierships are what legends are made of.

wasn't it smith that fined players for dissent ?

Apparently told them they weren't good enough to concede soft yards.

Worked, best drilled & definitely over achieved outfit I have seen wearing the Black & White.

Also erected the 'nest' in the rafters of the best stand to view games from, definitely an innovator.

Now if HE was in charge this season how many passes would we sell ?

We would sell millions but wether we would win anything is open to debate,and yes i liked Smithy.