Arthur Bunting n’all.

How about you?

You seem to know what you're talking about.

Showing my age with that question

Absolutely. Like anyone who coaches our club I was desperate for him to succeed. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. I'd like to see him get back in to coaching and be a success. He's still got a lot to offer the game.

Like you say it's sad to see someone lose their job particularly someone who is a genuinely decent bloke.

Chris Thorman leaving Workington after accepting an opportunity at another club….

Is anyone that thick skinned? We killed his SL career

Was my first thought too but apparently Smith wanted him as an assistant at Rovers.

Reading that I'm guessing the club have already spoken to him and will appoint him in the next couple of days.

I like the way he referenced his brother's connection and the size of the club, and how he will change the culture of the team (if needed) very diplomatic! That's the first question Pearson would have asked him and so he should.

He's up for the challenge. Appoint him.

As MW said he must have bollox the size of King Kong to want the job. Hope Pearson has done his homework and taken a look.

Think we'll announce him in the next 24/48 hours. The end of the week at the very latest

Certainly saying all the right things.

Good news Hodgson has gone, massive decision for Pearson and one he needs to get right.

From the outside it has looked to me that Hull have gone cheap or old boys club with coach appointments far too often. It's the most important job at the club and I really hope Hull get it right as a massive rugby club is going to waste and the sport can't afford that.

Smith/Thorman/Davidson!!

You don't like winning trophies then? Wane is a serial winner and believe it or not, a good guy. Yes the style of rugby is questionable but look at his medals. I would rather him stay at Wigan but would be interested to see how he went somewhere like Hull which is a sleeping giant in need of a huge overhaul. .

Not sure that Smith and Thorman have worked together since about 2003? Thorman maybe heading to Newcastle.

Newcastle would be my guess. He's a geordie and they need a coach

Newcastle cutting budgets aren’t they?

Like what TS says about his brother, The Boulevard, and a bit of history and legacy there. Must be inviting knowing if you get it right, you’re in charge of a club with massive potential support and interest.

Been crying out for someone to take the club by the scruff of the neck for years, and be confident in their ability to do it.

Newcastle are going part time, can't imagine it's a good salary there. Surely assistant here would pay more.

Think Gene is the assistant.

Not sure about appointing Gene, but you must admit it would be hilarious, just to see the Bin Dippers response!

Is Gene any good? I've always felt he's just there because he's a club legend. What's he done as a coach?

Smith will want people in he can trust.

Rovers had a reshuffle too when Peters got announced. McGuire and Deleney are their assistants. Gene is working with the academy.

Smith’s time as head coach at Rovers, I find really hard to judge. For the men in charge before him, bearing in mind the situation they walked into, I can quite easily give them a score out 10 to reflect how I view their performance.

Sandercock - 5… and a quarter
Chester - 5
Peacock - 2… largely for appointing…
Sheens - 8

For Smith though it is anywhere from 4 to 7 depending which way I turn it and how the light catches it. There’s certainly some things he said and did at Rovers that I hope he carries into the role at Hull, if he is offered it, and I’ll resent it a bit if he doesn’t. On the other hand, through a combination of circumstance and judgement he did (eventually) improve us and lay some foundations. It is so nice when we concede one try to have some hope that we won’t quickly concede another. He did fix some of the mental issues that had plagued us.

It might not be exactly the same TS that was at the Dobbins. Every club has a different dynamic and different approaches are needed.

At least he’s experienced enough to be able to handle it.

People also say he might clash with AP, but I reckon AP will be pleased to have someone in charge who can handle the personalities and problems.

There you go - 6th sense from the Tarquin barometer

However even Capt Sensible could see BH needed to leave just before halfway through this season at the very latest.