I'd be happy with us being bang average next season



If we go down, I'd like to see us go down swinging. Not roll over and get another 50/60 point defeat

This seemed to be the crux of the issue with us, rolling 12 month contract with a yearly 6 month period of will he wont he stay next year that ultimately led to a breakdown. A club can't plan on rolling 12 month coach with a view that 'if we're lucky he stays' that always seemed like an ego trip / messiah complex to me. If your committed sign a 2 / 3 year deal or just go, he went and here is he lining up his next spiritual conversion.

I want the same person as I wanted when Radford went. Steve McNamara.

He's the ideal candidate for us.

Is it me, or do I detect Dobbins fans being a bit salty at the prospect of TS coaching us?
Dressed up in perceived weaknesses, and everything being his fault with no fault attached to Lakin.

I’ll be happy seeing a fully committed team week after week



Where that takes us time will tell.

But with my blinkers on I actually think the players are better than they show us each week. The reason we perform so poorly is down to poor attitude and lack of effort. The dropped balls are because they aren’t prepared mentally or fully focussed? Look at our lack of defensive line speed on Saturday. In fact we barely took a step forward when defending and made it easy for Rovers to make breaks and make ground. Practically the whole of the first half was played in our 20.

Massive job but sort out the mentality of the team and it could be a decent season?

Irrespective of any personality clash that occurred at Hull KR, you could argue that Tony Smith has had the single most successful run as a Super League coach. I sometimes think his record flies under the radar a little.

Started badly with a Huddersfield relegation but if I remember correctly they were in a terrible state at the time. Got them promoted again straight away and then consolidated them in SL. Went to Leeds, won two Super League titles and a WCC along with one CCF appearance and one other GF appearance. Goes to Warrington and wins three Challenge Cups, two League Leaders Shields and two Grand Finals. Goes to Hull KR and gets them within a game of Old Trafford.

As I've said before on here I think Shaun Wane would be the perfect personality for Hull at the moment but in terms of track record there isn't anyone better than Tony Smith.

In his autobiography Rob Burrow says for the first two weeks after his appointment at Leeds Smith taught them how to catch and pass which for us is probably needed.

Just be good to have a genuine head coach for once

I 'know' someone on the staff at Rovers.

Was talking to him over a few beers after the derby last season. Said Smith was the best coach he'd ever worked for. His impact on the club, from top to bottom was huge.

He brought every member of staff in and laid out his vision. From the coaching team to the tea lady.

I'm sure he'll have a galvanising effect, on what is, an incredibly fractured club.

I don't think its probably needed I'd say its definitely needed as our ball retention skills are shocking and half of the players couldn't catch cold let alone a ball. That's why for me Hodgson even before the debacle against Rovers had to go as the team couldn't even complete basic skills of rugby and that was evident in the shocking performances since June.

The players are just as much accountable as Hodgson as they just haven't put in the required effort in be it game day or in training each day which is clear. Its almost as they they must have just swanned in to training for a bit of a gym work and a social. The cozy club needs to be demolished and certain players need to start working hard for a living instead of thinking they are untouchable.

I know everyone has their opinion on whether Tony Smith is the right man for us, but as far as I know there has been no confirmation or denial from the club (unless I've missed it). Could be a damp squib but I sincerely hope not as we need someone of his calibre to save this sinking ship (many of the crew seem to have abandoned ship already).

Leeds announced yesterday he is leaving at the end of the season. He’s worked with TS at Leeds, Huddersfield and England. Might just be a coincidence.

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... ll-7551292 Salty

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... ll-7551292 Salty

Can smell the fear reading that

I think you miss the whole point. Who was to blame or was it 50/50 is immaterial. No one had an issue with TS deciding to leave at the end of the season. The issue was how and when he announced his decision. Ringing the chairman five minutes before the announcement when he was on another continent. Not giving players or staff proper warning. He then went on to justly his actions by saying he had done nothing wrong but was just exercising his right under his contract. If you think that’s an ok way to behave then I’m sorry for you.

Joe Appleyard is a clown. TS himself spoilt his relationship with the club and the fans. Going to FC will make no difference to his legacy. It was already in tatters. I only hope, if he does sign he does not poop on his new club like he did on mine.

Yes, of course you do!

I like how much it bothers you who our next coaching appointment will be.

I have never met the man, but , when he has been interviewed in the past, he sometimes comes across as eccentric, but not genuinely, almost as an affectation. I remember after 05 Cardiff final, he could not give us any credit and it was down to the wonderful Mr Sinfield to afford us any praise.

Up his own backside?

Absolutely spot on. Madge looked as broken as Brett Hodgson at the end of his West Tigers tenure. Coaching and the game evolves and some adapt, while others don't. Whomever is tasked with steadying the ship, needs to be ready for a storm, those rotten apples are still in the barrel and they won't go without a fight.

Seeing Leigh, with the quality they have on board already, I will be genuinely happy just not to go down, which seems a ridiculous statement, given the perceived talent we boast. Trouble is, that talent isn't as good as we think.

Thanks for the concern. Funny how things flip. Not so long ago you had the proven coach, and we had the unproven assistant from a struggling NRL club…..

Really tough gig for whoever gets the job.

So we definitely start the season without Trueman & Carlos.

Anyone know if Cator, Savelio, Swift & Griffin are likely to get a full pre season ?

Like Mrs Barista, I've also never been a member of the Mr Smith fan club.
We'll just have to see how things transpire.
Funnily enough, he walked past Welton Social Club at the weekend while me and our kid were sat out having a slurp.
Should have asked him.

Yet when we beat Warrington in 2016 he was very graceful in defeat.
As long as whoever the coach is can get something like the available potential out of our side then I'll be happy however odd or up themselves they are.

Cator, Savelio and Griffin should as far as I know. Nobody seems to quite know about Swift, he was in a boot at the game last week. By all accounts its some issue with the plate he has in his leg.