Strange though that everyone was happy with Agar's recruitment and retention in the off season, also this seasons retention.
People just change there mind to suit an argument.

You said we couldn't change it for two years, that includes 2012 which is why I mentioned those players. We can bring in 2.3 players for next season, which on top of what we brought in this season is about right. Get the right players and build on the improvements of this season and see if we can challenge next season. Horne showed before he was injured that he was back to his best and I have no doubt that if he and Long have a spell together on the pitch then we will be able to challenge. We need some luck on the injury front when it comes to our halves.

Bang on!

I don't think we're too far off in terms of personnel; 3 astute signings in key areas could make us challengers. Whether we can free up some cash to do so is a different matter.

And offload the coach!

There were plenty of people questioning the lack of half back cover and the lack of experience in the 3/4's and suggesting we were too forward orientated in the salary cap

Unfortunately halves of a good enough quality (and I mean that for back up halves as well) don't sit on the shelves of Tesco waiting to be put in the trolley. Let's hope we get Finch although I'm not sure how unless Berrigan goes ?

It's a typo and it's rovers

The issue is about who is available and for how much and the answer is very few for too much !!
we are who we have till the season ends im afraid!! andthen as part of the ongoing plan some will go and some will come..
I know it may seem all doom and gloom but there are 6 games to go yet!! and personnel will change in the off

or a result!!

So who will be leaving then as most of those out of contract have been given extensions or are rumoured to be getting one. And yes it is doom and gloom on here as yet again this team of ours shows exactly how limited they are.

Listen Smiggs, I feel just as you do today trust me! however the ones with no contract extensions are now those playing for their lives believe me!!

You can't be serious?

He did show that. Most people acknowledged it, however he'll probably finish the season being average at best and continually criticized because he wont have an organizer allowing him to play his game

He had about 2 decent games, in fact he has had only a handful of decent games in the last 2/3 years.....However I am hoping to see the best again

He was our motm two weeks running, scoring and creating tries. So yes I am serious.

or maybe some have just seen this coming and not allowed results to blinker the view that we aren't really that good?

Nobody's saying he's lost his talent but the guy hasn't been fit for the best part of 3 years, the best thing for him and the club would be for him to retire at the end of the season. I take no pleasure in saying that.

I heard that is exactly what is happening......

Don't think you can say that without knowing all the facts, If his long term health is at risk he should retire but not heard that mentioned anywhere.

If he can get back playing and I don't see any reason why not then I will be happy to have him back. It's a concern of course his recent injuries but without knowing all the facts I won't be retiring him off just yet.

Not only are some saying he's lost his talent, some are now claiming that he never had any.

Spot on Paul. I had just about written him off following the Crusaders away game, but he came back and was just hitting his best form when he got injured again. Saturday was no indicator IMO as he played a short stint at hooker for some bizarre reason. Hopefully he can get back the form he had reached early season - we really need him to.

My two concerns are that he will struggle because of Long's absence and that just maybe his overall fitness/health has declined enough to make him prone to injuries. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

I'm pretty sure that if the latter is true Rich will have the sense to retire and not put himself at risk.

Ok well that's not what I'm saying. IMO three years of not being fit for any extended period of time is proof enough that he's finished, we just can't keep carrying one of our highest paid players in the unlikely hope he suddenly gets over all his problems. If there's rumours around that he's gonna retire I really hope it's true and I admire him for doing what's best for the club aswell as himself.

One of those three years was down to a single serious injury that could have happened to any player of any age. The injuries he's suffered this year are of more concern, but his latest layoff IMO has a lot to do with being rushed back from his prior injury and played while clearly unfit.

I wrote him off early season and he proved me wrong. I won't write him off again until we see how he's recovered and plays for the rest of the season. I'm sure that if his long-term health/fitness issues are not capable of being resolved then he will retire - he's far too sensible to risk his health and too much of a clubman to cause problems for the team.

Fair enough, I really hope you're right... I just struggle to think of any professional sportsman who has managed to return to consistently near their best after a such a long period out, let alone in a game as demanding as ours.

cusack, calderwood and dennis tuffour then?