I really don't understand that reasoning, what has his age got to do with when he received his testimonial?

As I have already stated and Kosh too, I am sure it has far more with managing his diabetes then anything else, it takes 2 to 3 years to manage it successfully and to add to that he is also a professional sportsmen adding extra pressure to managing it.

As harsh as I sound if his illness is affecting his game and therefore the team we cant be soft about it. He would no way be offered another deal on current form and I really do hope he can manage his diabetes and get back to the level of 2005 and 2006. If he can't then I feel we need to look for a new 6. Our pack has been beaten regularly this season but no one has stopped the abuse directed at Thorman and I feel Horne has been equally poor as Thorman this year.

With a good pack that we have assembled for next season and Long playing alongside him, there can be no excuses apart from shoddy tactics from the coach!!!

Just tell me what that has to do with a testimonial, when it is something recognised by the RFL after ten years service to one club, I don't see Richard Horne being any less deserving of it then Kingy was last year, or any other player who has received a testimonial in the last 30 years.

What criteria would you set for a testimonial then?

So if you'd worked for a company for X amount of years and [iwere[/i deserving of a reward would you turn it down?

Also what's to say the rules on this 10 year rule aren't going to change? There are many other things to consider such as; Tax changes, fan base lowering and his form etc etc.

No I wouldnt in honesty. But I would also want to concentrate on performing to the levels I had previosly set myself. No person can tell me that Horney performances this season have ever got near 2005 and 2006 level of performance.

I dont know if the 10 year ruling is going to change if that was the case then fair enough but I am not aware of this change. I know currently that it is tax free and knowing this current government that wont last much longer!

I am in admiration for his loyalty, passion etc for the club but just think players earn a very good salary throughout their careers when many of us me included would play free of charge for the club we love.

Dont think Testimonials are tax free anymore.

Funny thing actually that way back in the 70's my Dad said to me that no one does well in their testimonial year and since then although obviously an old wives tale, I have noticed that they don't!

Thought they were to a certain point. Not sure exactly but i thought testimonials now came under a different tax heading such as captial gains tax or generic income tax. (so would either be 8k before tax or just be added to income and payable of 40/50% tax.)

Isn't it funny that only one of those is english

Professional sport is rather different to a normal job though.

I don't seriously disagree with any of that, but we weren't talking about whether or not to offer him a new deal when his current one runs out. We were talking about getting rid of him now with a year still to run.

Really? How exactly would you live with no income?

Funny or depressing?

Scandalous i'd say

Couldn't agree more, TL has always had the skills and the 'football brain'. Has been unlucky to be billed as a superstar from the very early days when he was patently not ready. Only fault he has, for me, is that he believed his own press.

In response to locko luck you asked would I turn a bonus down and I said no in honesty.

With regards to the playing for free and paying the bills I was just saying that it would be honour to play for the club but I do understand that in reality a player wouldn't.
But with testimonials in my personal opinion is the players earn a very good salary doing a job they love and don't understand why they should get a testimonial when they are only doing a job they are paid to do. Every player should give passion and there all whether its for 1 game or 1000 games

I am no fan of Westwood as I think he is one of those players that other teams should be allowed to smack once a match for any reason due to the fact that he is a bit of a dirty barsteward, but of your list I would only agree with 3. Would have him in my team any day based on workrate and ability to upset the opposition. I wouldn't underestimate his playing ability and the fact he can play long minutes either.

There not tax free anymore.

Didnt think they were. No doubt the Government realised how much money they would recoup by taxing millionaire footballers testimonial games etc but didnt give a second thought to other sportsmen like Rugby players who will probably have to work after they retire from the game.

unless they are clever with there money and dont pi-s it up a wall

Top Super League players maybe mate but i am talking national league players aswell.
I would wager that Rich Horne will have been bright enough and properly advised so he wont have to work again. I also fully expect to be picked up in taxis by Paul King in town for many years to come.

I was thinking the same about Cooke been a taxi driving, but then again he won't have a driving licence anymore will he?

no you are part of the DELUSIONED crew

For me, he has the passing skills, almost certainly the best at the club, but his decision making on when to pass and who to pass to is just not there (IMO). He lacks that instinct to make the right decision in the minimal time you have at the high level of the game. Maybe he could get away with this at junior level??

To be honest, it suprises me that anyone disputes this. I'd actually be interested to hear people's "evidence" for TL having a "football brain" rather than, for example, a know all Rovers fan saying "Don't be silly"!!