[quote="HU8HFC":3pwaqfb1]It is nice to see some people have confidence in the squad and that a 6th place finish is achievable, but for me we would be banking on a few sides better than us to have a bad year which does feel pretty unlikely. 2025 Season - Be competitive again, get fans back onside and give us something to build on. 8-9th place will be seen as progress. 2026 Season - Challenging for top 6 will be seen as an expectation rather than ambition. 5-6th place finish would be the target. 2027 Season - Consolidating ourselves as a top 6 club whilst pushing for a top 4 finish. 6th place would be the minimum, 4th place or above would be the aim. [/quote:3pwaqfb1] I don't think it is impossible for us to be 6th come September but, as you say, we will require quite a lot to fall our way for it to come to pass. We will need to stay relatively injury free with the team, and individual players, performing to somewhere around their optimum level for the bulk of the season. Even then, we will most likely be relying on a batch of other sides (Leigh, Leeds, Salford probably) to significantly underperform in order to open up that sixth play-off spot. That's a fair amount of coincidence/luck going our way for us to pinch a play-off spot. Think it may be twelve months too early to start thinking along those lines. Seem to recall I put forward a similar argument before the start of last year as to how we could sneak sixth, and look how that turned out Agree with you, think the mid-term plan is to put some solid foundation stones in place over this year, and probably next, before making ourselves play-off contenders again in 2027. To go from eleventh (with just three wins) to a play-off spot in twelve months feels like taking two leaps in one go. As I said, it may happen, but think we're asking for a fair bit to fall our way for it to be. I'm not setting the bar too high for 2025, we really have been burned very badly these past four years. All I am looking for this season is signs that we are once more moving in an upwards direction, even if it is only small steps to begin with.

Hull will probably bring in a couple more players as the season goes on. Players become available after 6-10 games. Hull are in that position Rovers where in for years where players won't come to clubs with low expectations and no matter what money is thrown about only one or two players of class will jump for money alone. Lam is still on Hulls radar according to your main sponsor and he is to decide over the next few months if his future is in SL or NRL. 5-7 years with a fair wind and Hull may challenge the 6 but with the squad assembled for 2025 it would be a tall order.

Wigan Warrington Catalan's Saints Dobbins Leeds Leigh FC Huddersfield Wakefield Cas

[quote="Jake the Peg":2vi6nk6u]I think best we can realistically hope for is top of the bottom 4 clubs, however big question marks over leeds and salford for me, either of who could go OK but also tank. The other big unknown is injuries. If everyone has their first choice 17 available every week then I'd say wigan to finish top, with rovers and catalans fighting for 2nd place, wire, saints and leigh 4th to 6th, leeds and salford 7th and 8th with us, cas, hudds and wakey 9th to 12th, however most teams have thin squads so injuries will play a massive part in where you finish. Anyone confident of us finishing 8th or higher is deluding themselves IMO. We have a new coach, plenty of mid 30's players and some with poor injury records. If we finished 8th and were consistent all season I'd say this squad has probably over delivered[/quote:2vi6nk6u] leeds have problems deep rooted within their upstairs, i dont see them doing anything special this year, salford is all dependent on fire sales

The more stories I hear about what a shambles the club was in last year the more I think, actually, it might not take a miracle to get us competing in 2025 after all. Not that I'm expecting us to be battling with Wigan and Warrington, but I do believe that in elite sport the margins between success and failure are very small, and if things were really as bad as stated then a few relatively easy fixes should make a lot of difference. Wigan Warrington St Helens Hull KR Catalans Leigh Hull FC Leeds Huddersfield Salford Wakefield Castleford A bit optimistic perhaps, but hey, if you can't be a little bit optimistic going into a new season then whats the point.

5th for but let’s see after 9-11 games Like a barometer type esque

C Cup - the draw and when we play ? Please could someone remind me when the draw is and when is our Round played ? Cheers

[quote="Tarquin Fuego":25orb5cy]C Cup - the draw and when we play ? Please could someone remind me when the draw is and when is our Round played ? Cheers[/quote:25orb5cy] Super League clubs enter at Round 3 with games taking place 8th/9th February (the week before the league season starts). All SL clubs will be drawn away at one of the twenty Second Round winners.The draw will be taking place probably on 27th January.

I’m happy to be in the “ deluded “ club Rather than the “ depressive “ club, Immature posters ! dear oh dear. Salford will struggle to get near the top 6 with their playing roster depleted. We have around 7 of the Leigh & Salford players that finished top 6. Catalans saints Leeds all have big question marks. All had poor to average seasons. One thing I agreed with Cooke report is that I expect there will be changes to the squad during the season if we aren’t competitive. New owners won’t settle for 8th Nor will the players we’ve brought in. Said it before the standard of Sl has dropped in recent years. Leigh came up from championship and finish top 6 and win the cup. As crap as we were last season we beat Wigan. I know it’s the same regular posters on here but most fc fans I’ve spoke too agree that we will go well next season. I’m sure 7500 +fans agree.

We have these threads every year. Where's our resident coffee expert? I'm sure she can dig up a few from the last 2 or 3 years where people have been wildly optimistic with no basis for it and we've been utter rubbish

I work on the theory that if I'm optimistic before every season I'm bound to be right one day . Plus I'm a FC supporter and it's in my DNA to think we will do well

[quote="Jake the Peg":cc57rf40]We have these threads every year. Where's our resident coffee expert? I'm sure she can dig up a few from the last 2 or 3 years where people have been wildly optimistic with no basis for it and we've been utter rubbish[/quote:cc57rf40] I think the last few seasons have taught us all to be cautious or at least it should of, do feel alot more confident this year than last, as feel our facilities, off field staff and playing staff are streets ahead of last season. I said last year, we could do ok if the gambles pay off, unfortunately not one of them did and it was a diaster. We still have gambles amd need some of those to pay off, but no where near the level of 2024. I do wonder if Smith gets another chance to coach, I think it would be a huge risk.

Don’t think battling for 6th is particularly wildly optimistic,maybe hopeful,time will tell.We could all see what was happening the last 2 or 3 years,but things have changed?

[quote="Jake the Peg":34zzi132]We have these threads every year. Where's our resident coffee expert? I'm sure she can dig up a few from the last 2 or 3 years where people have been wildly optimistic with no basis for it and we've been utter rubbish[/quote:34zzi132] Stop living in the past peg. We’ve not had wealthy club owners before We could search for a positive post from you but it would be like looking for kr’s trophy cabinet

[quote="boardwalkempire7":3lsr450m]Stop living in the past peg. We’ve not had wealthy club owners before We could search for a positive post from you but it would be like looking for kr’s trophy cabinet[/quote:3lsr450m] FWIW money into a club is the tip of the iceberg. There is only circa £2 million to spend on cap and the less desirable clubs ie bottom half have to spend heavy to get their man. Jamie Peacock told me that his time at Leeds no player will be paid in excess of £100k and as they were winning this wasn't an issue to him signing. Jordan Abdull is on significantly more than that now as he was at Rovers. The younger players don't count on cap and your 2 marquee players cost £150k. Where money helps is the excess fees over marquee players. Asiata on £240k means only £150k counts on cap so the money men help with the difference. Attracting players is the hard bit. Rovers attempt to sign Dupree highlights money doesn't talk. He agreed a deal for 4 years at £145k and signed for Wigan for 3 years at £130k due to prospects. Hulls attempt to sign Lee Briers was outrages yet he choses a different club on less money. All figures quoted are known.

[quote="boardwalkempire7":2gmiihtz]Stop living in the past peg. We’ve not had wealthy club owners before We could search for a positive post from you but it would be like looking for kr’s trophy cabinet[/quote:2gmiihtz] One man's pessimist is another man's realist. What difference will wealthy owners make with the current squad? Are we going to bribe the refs or something?

[quote="The Cooke Report":3p8sbilr]FWIW money into a club is the tip of the iceberg. There is only circa £2 million to spend on cap and the less desirable clubs ie bottom half have to spend heavy to get their man. Jamie Peacock told me that his time at Leeds no player will be paid in excess of £100k and as they were winning this wasn't an issue to him signing. Jordan Abdull is on significantly more than that now as he was at Rovers. The younger players don't count on cap and your 2 marquee players cost £150k. Where money helps is the excess fees over marquee players. Asiata on £240k means only £150k counts on cap so the money men help with the difference. Attracting players is the hard bit. Rovers attempt to sign Dupree highlights money doesn't talk. He agreed a deal for 4 years at £145k and signed for Wigan for 3 years at £130k due to prospects. Hulls attempt to sign Lee Briers was outrages yet he choses a different club on less money[b:3p8sbilr][u:3p8sbilr]. All figures quoted are known.[/u:3p8sbilr][/b:3p8sbilr][/quote:3p8sbilr] Course they are, the voices in your head don't count though. Cristiano Ronaldo told me last week what he's on in Saudi and I'm meeting Lewis Hamilton later so he can talk through his new Ferrari deal with me

[quote="Yippee try yay":1z2rjwan]Course they are, the voices in your head don't count though. Cristiano Ronaldo told me last week what he's on in Saudi and I'm meeting Lewis Hamilton later so he can talk through his new Ferrari deal with me [/quote:1z2rjwan] well done I am pleased for you, try responding without insults or poor attempt at humour as its not endearing.

[quote="The Cooke Report":3abvp1o8]FWIW money into a club is the tip of the iceberg. There is only circa £2 million to spend on cap and the less desirable clubs ie bottom half have to spend heavy to get their man. Jamie Peacock told me that his time at Leeds no player will be paid in excess of £100k and as they were winning this wasn't an issue to him signing. Jordan Abdull is on significantly more than that now as he was at Rovers. The younger players don't count on cap and your 2 marquee players cost £150k. Where money helps is the excess fees over marquee players. Asiata on £240k means only £150k counts on cap so the money men help with the difference. Attracting players is the hard bit. Rovers attempt to sign Dupree highlights money doesn't talk. He agreed a deal for 4 years at £145k and signed for Wigan for 3 years at £130k due to prospects. Hulls attempt to sign Lee Briers was outrages yet he choses a different club on less money. All figures quoted are known.[/quote:3abvp1o8] Think your post has a lot of holes in actual facts And you know the Abdull is on significantly more how? I assume you must have been in on the deal or Abdull himself has called you to tell you? As for Dupree what we do know of the actual facts, both Rovers and Wigan offered Salford money for him with Wigan offering more, both offers were refused. He then agreed a contract extension at Salford, an undisclosed fee was then subsequently agreed with Wigan and he signed a 4 year deal, not 3 as you state, so whatever Dupree may or may not have agreed before Salford even sold him to any club matters not one jot. There's no question that Hull were and still are behind the top clubs to an extent in terms of being an attractive proposition in the here and now. Had Pearson still been the owner that scenario likely wouldn't have improved, however the new ownership and the significant financial backing Hull FC now have, will have changed the landscape significantly moving forward for the club.

[quote="Chris71":23qlxblu]Think your post has a lot of holes in actual facts And you know the Abdull is on significantly more how? I assume you must have been in on the deal or Abdull himself has called you to tell you? As for Dupree what we do know of the actual facts, both Rovers and Wigan offered Salford money for him with Wigan offering more, both offers were refused. He then agreed a contract extension at Salford, an undisclosed fee was then subsequently agreed with Wigan and he signed a 4 year deal, not 3 as you state, so whatever Dupree may or may not have agreed before Salford even sold him to any club matters not one jot. There's no question that Hull were and still are behind the top clubs to an extent in terms of being an attractive proposition in the here and now. Had Pearson still been the owner that scenario likely wouldn't have improved, however the new ownership and the significant financial backing Hull FC now have, will have changed the landscape significantly moving forward for the club.[/quote:23qlxblu] Once we're competitive, no one is choosing poorhouse lane over the MKM

[quote="The Cooke Report":12iy4vq1]well done I am pleased for you, try responding without insults or poor attempt at humour as its not endearing.[/quote:12iy4vq1] Maybe practice what you preach, all you do is post on here with poisonous little comments aimed to belittle everything Hull fc with boring little digs. In a few years when we're back near the top you'll scuttle off back to your secret board (fingers crossed).

[quote="Jake the Peg":29wajr62]Once we're competitive, no one is choosing poorhouse lane over the MKM[/quote:29wajr62] Nah don't you know they've got a new 3G pitch. Heard Clearey, Hynes, Haas, To'o and Tino are all desperate to come over for a look.

[quote="Dave K.":raus050e][quote:raus050e]I think the last few seasons have taught us all to be cautious[/quote:raus050e] or at least it should of, do feel alot more confident this year than last, as feel our facilities, off field staff and playing staff are streets ahead of last season. I said last year, we could do ok if the gambles pay off, unfortunately not one of them did and it was a diaster. We still have gambles amd need some of those to pay off, but no where near the level of 2024. I do wonder if Smith gets another chance to coach, I think it would be a huge risk.[/quote:raus050e] Earlier in this thread (in my standings prediction) I put us tenth, and that was a self-reflective act on my part due to the overwhelming disappointments of recent years. I would like to be more positive about 2025, but having been so badly burned these past four years I need to see some proof we've stopped the rot and turned a corner first before I start getting carried away!! We've been here too many times in the recent past for me to be too wildly optimistic, I've been watching us for far too long to ever be carried away on mere promises! There are still a lot of question-marks and variables around us (as there are for a number of clubs). I'm simply going to take it week by week, game by game and see how it unfolds for us. Hopefully I will be pleasantly surprised as the year progresses. As for T. Smith? You do wonder who, in SL, would take a gamble on him after his stint with us. It would have to be someone who believes he still has something left in the tank to prove himself again, but really not sure who that club would be. Huddersfield maybe? if it goes badly wrong for them and Robinson is dismissed half-way through the year. That's the only type of scenario I see Smith returning, or at a Championship outfit, and I'm not sure that would interest him at this stage in his life. He undoubtedly blew a hole through his reputation during his spell with us!!

It would be interesting to know how the 2 local "power boards" stack up in terms of their wealth. Ours comes out at about £1/2bn. I think Dave Kilburn was worth about £100m. How much are hudge, sewell and mcnicol worth between them? I'm not sure if kilburn has ever put any money into rovers though?

Top 5 for me are Wigan Wire Saints Leigh Kr The rest are open to question for mid table.. FC Leeds Catalan. Personally think Giants, Salford, Cas & Wakey bottom 4. So a few posters on here are saying we will be behind Leeds and Cats, It may happen but realistically I don’t think there’s much to choose between them. It depends how much Brad Arthur can get out of his squad and managing the egos. Cats have quality but can mcnamara get them to gel. Tomkins pretty much made them tick but how many games will he play next season. Cats beat us last season when we had a team full of kids, Tomkins being the difference. Anyway enough of the positive attitude Don’t want to upset anyone.