I know I had the crossed arms and shotgun out for Gary's recent post (sorry mate!!) but going back to the Keiron Dempsey era, it would have been interesting to see how he went had he had knowledge of the British game and had made his own signings. (He said as much in an argument in the stands after a match!) The signings were made by Windley and it seemed that he signed all his mates on.

As for nowadays , I would have thought if Webster was on Carls shortlist then phone calls would have been made today. We need to get the new coach in quick so he can lay the foundations ready for next year in Champ 1. I know people still think the great escape is still possible but im a realist , we can look forward to visiting new grounds next year but give it a real good go.

Quote ="Wanderer"Paul Cooke statement from the Dons official site ... www.doncasterrugbyleague.co.uk/a ... y-grateful'" Feel for the bloke I really do, not a good scenario to end his Dons days like this. From Feast to Famine in a season and a half must be hard too take. I am grateful that I got to see him play and at times his class shone through in ways that I have not seen seen since the days of Tony Kemp and Paul Mansson. (I may get shot down for that observation but stick by it) I have a gut feeling that whatever ails the Club at present is not just down to Cookie. Hence my call to Gavin Baldwin for a root and branch analysis of the present situation and firm action. The Team Doncaster concept is going to take a sizable hit financially with the relegation prospect of the Dons and one that most certainly was not factored in at the start of this Season. Sold a pup springs to mind and not just the Coach involved in that.

Quote ="Wanderer"Paul Cooke statement from the Dons official site ... www.doncasterrugbyleague.co.uk/a ... y-grateful'" Feel for the bloke I really do, not a good scenario to end his Dons days like this. From Feast to Famine in a season and a half must be hard too take. I am grateful that I got to see him play and at times his class shone through in ways that I have not seen seen since the days of Tony Kemp and Paul Mansson. (I may get shot down for that observation but stick by it) I have a gut feeling that whatever ails the Club at present is not just down to Cookie. Hence my call to Gavin Baldwin for a root and branch analysis of the present situation and firm action. The Team Doncaster concept is going to take a sizable hit financially with the relegation prospect of the Dons and one that most certainly was not factored in at the start of this Season. Sold a pup springs to mind and not just the Coach involved in that.

I would agree with your observations Moonlight.

Cooke on form was a joy watch so much time on the ball and could make magic happen, Kemp and Mansson also could do this with a drop of the shoulder or a turn of pace...glad to have seen them all in the Blue and Gold.

Its that kind of player we need again someone with a spark of genius who can turn a game in a flash, the Dons history has a few of these over the years but there also sadly appears to be times when we go without em.

I think who the club goes for as next coach will be a good marker as to the direction Club Doncaster wants us to go, do they show ambition with a coach or do we settle, of course a coach lives and dies by his results so at the moment anyone who can get us showing passion and being competitive is a step up. I think removing the reliance on DR well be a massive help if we can put out the same 17 week on week and build a team spirit once more like we had in previous seasons.

I feel for PC (I know I called for his head a while ago) but to me it was clear he had lost confidence in the team I think the retirement and the players leaving just fed that self doubt that transferred over to the team.

I did read an interesting post on the Hull FC forum speculating that as part of the DR we were expected to play to the Hull FC playbook and therefore Radfords play style which lets be honest isnt pulling up any trees at the KC.

Settled team with players who want to be here and play not just turn up and wear a shirt will do for me. The fans who have seen most everything that this game can throw at you deserve something to cheer for the rest of this disaster of a season. The people running the Club owe this to every single one of the faithful few who turn out week in and week out to support Doncaster RL.

No fancy dan excuses just sheer honest graft and too give a damn whilst wearing the blue and gold.

agree totally with the last 3 posts from moonlight and steve.heart goes out to cookie,but i think his hands have been tied,one way or another.

Heres a little snippet on the last 3 Dons coaches.

Cooke
P39 W17 L21 D1 F815 A1027
Miller
P107 W46 L54 D7 F2598 A2881
Hanley
P22 W15 L7 D0 F672 A426

Win % -
Cooke - 43.58
Miller - 42.99
Hanley - 68.18

Points per game
Cooke - F-20.8, A-26.33
Miller - F-24.3, A-26.9
Hanley - F-30.5, A-19.4