Think he will become a massive figure at the club. AP saying he wants him to be involved in strategic decisions at the club. That will be right up his street.
It seems him not being involved in these decisions at the Dobbins could be the reason it became untenable there.
People said he’d clash with Pearson, but I never saw that. I think AP will be happy to have someone of authority he can trust running the rugby side.
Can see the club uniting behind him, and it being a pivotal point in our recent history.

I am much more confident and looking forward to the new season now we have Tony in charge in comparison to how I imagine id of felt knowing Brett was still in charge. It was a decision AP had to make quickly and fair play to him for doing so. He believed in Brett but wasn't blinkered by it, he saw the discontent in the stands and acted upon it.

I would of been renewing my pass regardless, but after the derby it felt like it was going to be a chore doing so, now I have genuine belief that we will see improvements. I don't expect miracles from next season but with the signings we have brought in and the fresh approach in the coaching staff I am fairly confident that top 6 is a pretty realistic goal for us.

I suppose it is only fair that every player starts on a clean slate, but Tony isn't stupid, he will know who has underperformed in recent years and I don't doubt that AP has probably pointed a couple out himself. I think we are still desperate for a second rower even with the probable arrival of Longstaff.

The more I read and hear since the arrival of Smith the more optimism I have for the future. Reading between all the lines I think Adam has finally realised he needed someone at the club that is experienced in the game and able to take over matters related to Rugby to leave him running the business aspect of the club.
I just do not see the issue of a potential falling out as AP has only shown loyalty and faith in the Coaching and at times a little bit too loyal and some blind faith which I believe is down to his desire for the club to be successful on the pitch.
AP even in the current climate has again made tough decisions which will come at a financial cost to him but fundamentally I believe the decisions made this time are not the gambles we have seen previously. Whilst there are never any guarantees things will work out as planned in this instance there is a much greater degree of probability that Smith will make a big and positive difference in moving the club forwards.

Had things stayed the same going in to next season I'd made the decision not to renew but the appointment of Smith and the noises coming form the club as a whole have thankfully changed my mind.

Good and interesting times are ahead and I feel there is already a feeling of genuine optimism and belief developing.

Plenty reaching for the playing cards and building their towers again.


Let's hope the new optimism is well founded.
What is life without hope?

'Don't believe the hype' well we've seen it all before haven't we and Experience dictates that it might be a bit rocky next year until we get going, under Smith and Co, but the main object at present must be to sell renewals of season tickets and it appears to be working thus far. I think at the very least win or lose he will accept nothing more than 100% effort and accountability from 1 to 17 on game day, which lets face it will be a massive improvement. https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... ch-7579315

'Don't believe the hype' well we've seen it all before haven't we and Experience dictates that it might be a bit rocky next year until we get going, under Smith and Co, but the main object at present must be to sell renewals of season tickets and it appears to be working thus far. I think at the very least win or lose he will accept nothing more than 100% effort and accountability from 1 to 17 on game day, which lets face it will be a massive improvement. https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... ch-7579315

Rugby League, a cycle of despair and renewed hope since 1895.

I’ve got my deck ready for when Peters arrives.

At least the cycle of hope and despair is real and tangible.
More the [iAlamo[/i than an [iIvory tower[/i.

He can go for me. Unfit, questionable attitude and misses lots of games. Yes he's given us some great performances but it aint 2017 anymore. Frees up loads of cap space too.

Who ?

To be honest think I'd get rid of all the players left from 2017 apart from fash and maybe lane

Houghton, taylor, Carlos, Griffin especially need gone

All 4 either past it or injury prone most likely picking up 500,000 in wages together

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0cw0 ... are-mobile About 10 minutes in. Very interesting listen. Pearson upbeat about the future as well. Onwards and upwards.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0cw0 ... are-mobile About 10 minutes in. Very interesting listen. Pearson upbeat about the future as well. Onwards and upwards.

"If people don't engage watch out"

The way he said it was a bit chilling!

Problem is though its always the coach that gets it never the players

The players threw radford and Hodgson under a bus

Can’t see that being the case this time though

I think the players have nowhere to hide next season .

This time we have an experienced head coach who has been there and done that won things and managed the national side too. While Smith may still make some errors as nobody is perfect the power is with him this time.

Who are these players, are we saying they didn't try and if so did Hodgson keep selecting them?

For me it was the nucleus of predominantly Hull born players that I felt most let down by. Taylor, Shaul, Bowden, Griffin too.

Some of the efforts, or lack of, really stuck with me this season.

Shaul against Leeds at home.
Taylor against Cas at home
Griffin against Saints away

Bowden was anonymous for the last 2 seasons.

These are 4 senior players that should've been driving the standards. My feeling is they are the ones who've let this 'apathy culture' manifest.

I know Houghton gets some stick, he i got the feelibg he does try but he's well past his peak and shouldn't have been renewed.

I agree with that. It isn't a lack of effort from Houghton, it is more a lack of energy.

You need your senior players to drive the standards, and for me, Griffin and Taylor have abused this position, promoted apathy within the group, and this has filtered down to players like Lane, who had his worst season since breaking into the first team

If Houghton is used properly like how saints interchange Roby with Lussick then he could still add value to our team, it was Hodgsons reluctance to spell him that has led to his performances dropping off.

Very much agree. One thing Danny can't be accused of is lack of effort.
i've seen Lane is already back in the gym so hopefully a big pre season to come and back to his best next season.

Not getting too excited but imagine if Tony does a Rohan

Just shows you what a difference a good coach can make to the same set of players.
We’ve relied on players ability in recent times, good or bad. Can’t wait to see what happens with a proven head coach at the club.

Exactly, Hodgson made no improvements in 2 years, surley there should be some improvement. People keep saying that we need to get rid of loads of players, R Smith has proven that a good coach can get the best of out players. This is maybe why T Smith is looking at a clean slate for all players, maybe he thinks he can get the best out of the likes of Taylor

Tony is a good, experienced rugby coach so I'll trust the decisions he makes.

I do feel some tough decisions have to be made and I think we have a good enough personality in charge to make them.

I'm not expecting instant success but I do feel he can bring some pride back and put some roots in place for the years to come. Any success will be a bonus.

I think the coach after him can have the success if we get the right person. Smith isn't someone who sticks around at a club for too long but he knows his onions and is what we need right now.