Dobbo gone. Great player but got a bit predictable in the end didn't he? Helped us come established in SL though.

I've stated in the past that we had become too reliant on him so maybe him going is a good thing as it forces a change in direction. Patterson never really made it for me. Fantastic player but too long on the sidelines and heart obviously not in it from about half way through the season. Hall makes way too many mistakes for me these days whereas Mika has improved by miles.

So on to Keating, Costigan and especially Weyman. Probable return of Charlie (not a fullback but miles better than Hall as cover there). Here's hoping for a more injury free season and better luck of the bounce.

One thing's for certain, it's gonna be different compared to last couple of years (hopefully in a good way).

Mika hasn't improved by miles he's slight better then he was earlier in the season when he was crap for the two five minute spells he made and cockayne isn't half the player hall is don't know why we have signed him to be honest a utility player who is average in every position he plays

You'll be wanting his direction next season.

Hall is a good utility player and one who tries his best. The thing is, he's no cover for fullback and Disco and Brown are better wingers. Hall is a player I wish I could so was great, is a gnat's hair away from being great, but will he ever truly make it? Charlie isn't the answer but is ss good as Hall as a utility player, and with injuries, we need them. The club needs hard grafters and good squad players but our true 1st team needs more than that to really push on higher in SL.

Anyway, there will have to be changes in the game style now Dobbo has gone, which in the end is no bad thing as we have become too predictable. Burns isn't quite there yet but he brought a bit of a change at times this season.

Leaving the direction down to single player is always the mistake. The truly great sides have 4 or 5 truly great players that can step in to direct the team if one is playing under par. Relying on Dobbo for everything became predictable.

No thats the job of your half back. You're saying you want better players in other positions which is correct but you can't claim weakening your half back is a good thing.

That is if Keating does weaken the position.

That's a bit of a 70s attitude to the game. A strong half back is important but a strong stand off, hooker and loose forward to steer the team is also needed. That could be why your own team isn't very creative in attack. I'm a 70s kid myself btw.

No it's not, you're first receiver sets the tempo and dictates the plays.

I agree the hooker and 6 is important but the fb has taken over from 13 in steering the side around.

Fair enough. But my comment remains that if the half back is off his game the team needs enough talent in other players to pick up that creative mantle. We became too reliant on Dobbo to provide all that.

Next season might see a more balance in creativity rather than being over reliant on a single player. I of course hope Keating arrives with a point to prove, but I hope we don' t just expect him to take over the same role (even if it is the same position) and we make the team more balanced and creative as a whole.

As stated, our pkaying style will definately change, hopefully for the better.

You won't make the 8 next year

Why

Of course you need better players but most coaches wouldn't say "we've got a great half back, lets get rid and sign other players."

You want to strengthen other position not weaken the key one.

Can we add that to the other 87 predictions that you have got wrong this season.

Sure can pal

6th to 9th will be between us, rovers, les cats and Salford next year. One of those will miss out. Probably us or you

Salford are spending big but can Noble get them to play as a team?

Les Cats are floundering a bit at the minute and are losing some key players like us.

Wakey look in trouble and London more so.

Bradford are building so may be better contenders next year.

By all accounts Wigan are about to lose Tomkins who is their biggest threat from an unpredictably creative viewpoint.

Leeds are relying on too many aging stars although have some new ones coming through.

Warrington still rely too much on an aging Briers.

Hull have spent big last season but not playing quite as a team yet.

All teams have issues and as per anotger thread, the balance if power is starting to shift. Just because Leeds have been dominent for years doesn't mean they always will when the personnel change.

Dobbo took us a long way but I think we've reached the end of creativity anyway. Time for a change which should also prompt a shift in the way tge team plays as a whole.

Forgive us if we don't appear too concerned, your hardly Nostradamus pal:

Not overly getting my hopes up for next season, we'll have another new half back partnership to bed in and our captain, play maker and best player in Dobson leaving to boot.

I would predict a slow start next year, would be ideal to play the top teams right at the start, get them matches out of the way and be able to play the teams who'll be around us when we've gelled a bit as a team. From the squad we have so far, could have a lineup of

1. Eden
2. Hodgson
3. Salter/Gleeson
4. Welham
5. Brown
6. Burns
7. Keating
8. Weyman
9. J Hodgson
10. Walker
11. Lovegrove
12. Cox
13. Costigan


Thoughts on that team?

TBF - The only one he got right, was us!

Nah, he also got the wooden spoonists on the money as well. Must have foreseen their points deduction!

Can Keating kick goals?

Ah frep, casually missed that last bit of the prophecy.

Roll on 2015.

I must admit, i'd love us to really have a crack at the Challenge cup next year, even if it costs us a place in the play-offs. Even tho Fc got humiliated in the final, I've got to admit I was a little jealous they made it.

And it's only before time. Been too long since we've been to a CC final. Best chance for silverware next year.